Tips & Traps for Bathroom Remodeling

by Woodson, R. Dodge

• ISBN13: 9780071450430
• ISBN10: 0071450432
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-05-24
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Professional

Summary

This book is a homeowner's ideal companion for any bathroom remodeling project. It's a complete overview that covers planning, estimating costs, choosing materials, hiring contractors and subcontractors, code considerations, HVAC issues, cabinets and counters, and the final punch-list phase, and homeowners get the benefit of the author's 30 years of experience as a construction and remodeling professional. Filled with tips and traps, illustrations, checklists, sample forms and contracts, this book is a roadmap that guides homeowners through the bathroom remodeling process.

Author Biography

R. Dodge Woodson is a licensed Class A Builder and Master Plumber with almost three decades' experience in the construction field. He also holds the real estate license Designated Broker, the highest classification of professional real licensure available. The author of numerous books on construction, real estate, and plumbing for both amateurs and professionals, he also wrote Tips & Traps for Hiring a Contractor. Woodson is the president and owner of The Masters Group, Inc., of Brunswick, Maine. He bought his first piece of land in 1974 and has been a progressive land developer, builder, and remodeler in Virginia and Maine for the last 29 years.

Table of Contents

About the Author	xii
Introduction	xiii
CHAPTER 1 Planning Your Job	1	(16)
A Plan	2	(1)
Needs and Desires	2	(5)
Building a Viable Budget	7	(1)
Financing the Work	8	(1)
Plans and Specifications	9	(1)
Planning for Inconveniences	10	(1)
Setting a Realistic Timetable	11	(2)
Contractor Considerations	13	(1)
The End Result	13	(4)
CHAPTER 2 Drawing Your Own Rough Plans	17	(14)
Books with House Plans	18	(1)
Sketching Your Own Plans	18	(2)
Getting Professional Help	20	(1)
How Accurate Do Preliminary Sketches Have to Be?	21	(1)
Judging Sizes	22	(2)
Code Requirements	24	(1)
Extensive Remodeling	25	(2)
When Do You Need Blueprints?	27	(1)
Reading Blueprints	27	(1)
Specifications	28	(2)
The Key to Understanding Blueprints and Design Plans	30	(1)
CHAPTER 3 Solidifying Plans and Estimating Job Costs	31	(22)
A Major Bathroom Remodel	32	(7)
How Can You Avoid on-the-Job Problems?	39	(2)
Solid Plans Make for Smooth Jobs	41	(1)
Estimating Your Costs	42	(1)
Estimating with the Help of Contractors	42	(6)
Material Take-Offs	48	(1)
Estimating with the Help of Material Suppliers	49	(1)
Estimating with the Help of Cost-Estimating Guides	50	(3)
CHAPTER 4 Choosing Your Materials	53	(18)
Subflooring	54	(2)
Lumber	56	(1)
Vinyl Flooring	56	(1)
Base Cabinets	57	(1)
Countertops	58	(3)
Wall Cabinets	61	(1)
Lavatories	61	(1)
Toilets	62	(1)
Bathtubs	62	(1)
Showers	62	(3)
Light Fixtures	65	(3)
Windows	68	(1)
Trim Materials	69	(1)
The Key to Choosing the Right Materials	70	(1)
CHAPTER 5 Getting Your Best Price on Materials	71	(8)
Circulate Your Plans and Specifications	72	(1)
Going Over the Quotes	73	(1)
Looking at the Bottom Line	74	(1)
What's Included?	75	(1)
Negotiating from Preliminary Prices	75	(4)
CHAPTER 6 Subcontractors	79	(12)
Trash Contractors	80	(4)
Rough Carpenters	84	(1)
Trim Carpenters	84	(1)
Cabinet Installers	84	(1)
Insulation Contractors	84	(1)
Drywall Hangers	85	(1)
Drywall Finishers	85	(1)
Wallpaper Hangers	85	(1)
Painters	86	(1)
Electricians	86	(1)
Heating Mechanics	86	(2)
Plumbers	88	(1)
Flooring Installers	88	(1)
Tile Contractors	88	(1)
Siding Contractors	89	(1)
Roofers	89	(2)
CHAPTER 7 Selecting Contractors and Subcontractors	91	(10)
Where Should You Look for Subcontractors?	92	(1)
What Qualities Should You Look for in Subcontractors?	93	(4)
How Can You Verify Information Given to You by Subs?	97	(1)
Choose Backup Subcontractors Right from the Start	98	(1)
Beware of Sales Hype	98	(2)
Satisfaction	100	(1)
CHAPTER 8 Dealing with Contractors	101	(8)
Fill-In Work	102	(1)
Reference Jobs	103	(1)
New Companies	104	(1)
Negotiate	104	(1)
Remodel with the Seasons	105	(4)
CHAPTER 9 Code Considerations	109	(8)
Does All Work Have to Be Inspected?	110	(1)
What's Involved in Getting a Permit?	110	(2)
What Types of Work Require Permits?	112	(1)
Keep Your Contractors Honest	113	(4)
CHAPTER 10 Financing Your Project	117	(12)
Does the Type of Financing You Choose Really Make a Difference?	117	(1)
Fixed-Rate Loans	118	(1)
Adjustable-Rate Loans	119	(1)
In-Home Financing	120	(1)
Finance Companies	121	(1)
Consult Your Attorney	122	(1)
Financing Fees	122	(1)
How Much Will Borrowing Money Add to the Cost of Your Job?	123	(1)
Making Loan Applications	124	(3)
Loan Approval	127	(2)
CHAPTER 11 Ripping Out Baths	129	(14)
Preparing for Demolition	130	(4)
Ripping Out a Bathroom	134	(9)
CHAPTER 12 Unexpected Conditions	143	(12)
Floors	144	(1)
Walls and Ceilings	144	(1)
Mechanical Systems	145	(1)
Cabinets	146	(1)
Countertops	146	(1)
Under the House	147	(1)
Create a Production Schedule	148	(1)
Lay Your Production Schedule Out in Logical Order	149	(6)
CHAPTER 13 Flooring	155	(10)
Floor Joists	157	(1)
Subflooring	158	(1)
Underlayment	158	(1)
Vinyl Flooring	158	(2)
Carpet	160	(1)
Ceramic Tile	161	(4)
CHAPTER 14 Walls and Ceilings	165	(12)
Framing	165	(3)
Windows and Doors	168	(1)
Framing Window and Door Openings	168	(1)
Window Installation	169	(1)
Door Installation	170	(1)
Insulation	170	(1)
Drywall	170	(4)
Paint	174	(3)
CHAPTER 15 Mechanical Work	177	(16)
Plumbing Pipes Used for Drains and Vents	178	(2)
Plumbing Pipes for Potable Water	180	(2)
Where Should You Put Your Pipes?	182	(4)
Heating System Modifications	186	(3)
Electrical Services	189	(4)
CHAPTER 16 Cabinets, Countertops, Fixtures, Trim, and Appliances	193	(24)
Choosing Cabinets	194	(1)
Choosing Wall Cabinets	195	(1)
Cabinet Installation	196	(1)
Countertop Installation	197	(3)
Installation of Interior Trim	200	(1)
Setting Plumbing Fixtures	201	(8)
Tub and Shower Trim	209	(2)
Installing Electrical Fixtures and Devices	211	(6)
CHAPTER 17 Finishing the Job	217	(8)
Vinyl Floors	218	(1)
Walls	218	(1)
Windows	218	(2)
Plumbing Fixtures	220	(1)
Install Accessories	220	(1)
Cleaning Up	220	(2)
Final Inspection	222	(3)
Index	225