How to Remodel a Bathroom in a Slab House

Essential elements for consideration in remodeling a bathroom in a house built on a slab foundation would be the place of the bathtub, toilet and sinks. The reason is that the drain processes are typically embedded in the concrete. The very best and least expensive alternative is to redo the flooring, the walls and the fixtures, but leave the fixtures right where they’re. Wise homeowners develop a set up and a budget before beginning.

Fixture Location

With the help of a professional contractor, you are able to relocate the drain processes for the bathtub, toilet and sinks if you must when remodeling a bathroom, but it demands the removal of the fixtures, existing plumbing and the concrete. Plumbers are often called upon to relocate these drain processes on toilet remodel occupations and also have the experience to achieve that. They typically use jackhammers and other tools to split the concrete enough to move the drain systems to new locations. New concrete must be pumped after moving the pipes.

Building Code Requirements

Besides the place of the fixtures in the bathroom, local building codes need access in specific dimensions for a bathroom, bathtub and sink, as well as the way the door opens to the space. For example, doors cannot open to block access to any one of these fixtures, as they should ideally open against a blank wall. Before beginning a bathroom-remodeling project, reach from your regional building authority for your own code and obtain conditions.

Floor Plan Draft

Draft a floor plan to scale on graph paper prior to remodeling your bathroom. This enables you to identify any problems that may arise as well as ensuring your fixtures, plumbing and electrical sockets are designed to meet code requirements. It’s much easier — and less expensive — to make changes on paper than it is in a three-dimensional area.

Create a Budget

Dependent on the ground plan to your remodeled bathroom, create a budget and stick to it. Don’t forget to include the cost of new fixtures, flooring, materials and supplies as well as the labor to complete the project. If you have experience with pipes, fixture installation, tiling and such, you can save a lot of money by doing the work yourself.

Contractor Hiring

If you’re planning to employ a contractor to finish the work, select at least three to five contractors with upgraded, validated state-issued contractor’s licenses. Most states permit you to check contractor licenses on the web. Verify contractors chosen have the needed general liability insurance prior to requesting bids from them. Ensure the bids includes equipment, materials, labor and fixtures. You can often save money if you buy the fixtures and provides yourself.

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