Remodeling A Bathroom: Build Like a Pro Series
Expert Advice Covering All Stages of Remodeling A Bathroom

Leon A. Frechette

From start to finish

There are a lot of decisions that you need to make when planning a bathroom renovation. Remodeling a Bathroom takes you through each step in the process: you learn everything you need to know to complete a pro-level bathroom remodel, from planning the renovation, choosing materials and fixtures to putting in the finishing touches.

Whether its choosing fixtures, making the plan, removing old cabinetry, framing walls, roughing in the plumbing and electric supply, installing drywall, flooring, cabinets and countertops, tub and shower enclosures, moldings, or plumbing and electrical fixtures -- you’ll learn what to do here.
 

• Gives you hands-on advice on how to tackle a bathroom renovation
• Provides clear step-by-step photo essays to guide you through each part of the process
• Numerous sidebars, tips, tool lists, and advice on choosing materials and fixtures help insure a successful renovation

Introduction:

Growing up I was privileged to learn a few things from my grandfather, who had been a carpenter in the service, and from my mom, who was a contractor wannabe. I just never knew what our house would look like when I got home from school—that was my early introduction to remodeling. Little has changed today. My wife Kimberly is an interior designer, so I never know when I leave for a trip if we’ll still have the same furniture when I return. Nevertheless, we make a good team.

When I got my contractor’s license in 1976, at the age of 22, I had to pretend to be an expert in my field in order to get the experience that eventually made me one. That was hard to do at first; I missed out on a lot of jobs because I looked too young to be a remodeling contractor. I learned along the way that I loved to remodel and build new bathrooms. I knew I could make a difference in a 5-ft. by 9-ft. space, the typical size for an average bathroom.

I have written before about bathroom remodeling, but this book project was especially appealing because it presented the opportunity to gut a bathroom and completely renovate it. (We’ve lived in our house 18 years and have never done any major remodeling.) I enjoyed working with my wife to create a new bathroom with a 1930s nostalgic feel. It was a complicated project that took months of planning: finding the right products and fixtures; contracting for custom work; and purchasing items and supplies so they’d be on hand when needed. The planning was worth the time invested, as you can see by the photographs on the cover and throughout the book.

The hands-on experience I bring to Build Like a Pro: Remodel Your Bathroom is documented by text, illustrations, and photos. I wrote the book specifically to help you, the homeowner, understand the proper way to start a project and learn the steps required to finish the work. Because the book paints a realistic picture of what it takes to remodel a bathroom, you’ll be able to make intelligent decisions about the scope of your project. Use the book as tool to help you understand or visualize the remodeling process.You will learn that itemizing a job can help you perform the work in the proper sequence for a smooth and efficient project.

Your work schedule needs to comply with the building, electrical, and plumbing codes established and enforced by your local building department. Be aware that electrical and plumbing permits, as well as inspections, sometimes fall under state rather than city or county jurisdiction. Be sure to check requirements in your municipality.

The information contained in this book is intended to be a resource for you. It’s not the final word. The best advice I can give is to take the time to read the entire book to get a feel for what it will take to remodel your bathroom completely. Good luck with your project, no matter how large or small!

Contents:

Introduction

How to Use This Book  

1. Repair or Remodel? 
Evaluating the Project  
Creating a Floor Plan  
Gauging the Scope of Work

2. Demolition and Framing  
Gutting the Room Completely  
Framing  
Working on the Floor System  
Working on the Venting  
Other Framing Projects  
Finishing Up the Framing  

3. Plumbing Rough-In  
Learning Plumbing Basics  
Laying Out the Fixture Rough-In  
Working with Plastic Pipes and Fittings  
Installing Vent Piping  
Dealing with Copper Water Supply Lines  

4. Electrical Rough-In  
Locating Fixtures  
Learning Wiring Basics  
Installing Boxes and Wiring  

5. Working with Wallboard  
Understanding Wallboard Products  
Fixing Framing Problems  
Choosing Wallboard Fasteners  
Hanging Wallboard  
Taping  
Finishing Wallboard

6. Flooring, Cabinets, and Countertops 
Underlayment Issues  
Laying Down Flooring  
Installing Cabinets  
Installing Countertops 

7. Tub and Shower Enclosures  
About Bathtub Wall Enclosures  
Installing Tile  
Finishing Touch: A Shower Door  

8. Doors and Moldings 
Hanging and Trimming a Door  
Moldings  

9. Finishing Up with Fixtures  
Electrical Fixtures  
Washbasins  
Plumbing Fixtures  
Toilets  

10. Finishing Touches  
Final Prep Work  
Caulking  
Installing Door Hardware  
Installing Cabinet Hardware 
Mounting Accessories  

Resources  

Index

Soft-cover, 9-1/4 x 11 in., 176 pages, with color photos and drawings  Published 2004

Remodeling A Bathroom Build Like A Pro RC-T070685 $19.95