My in-laws want to replace their bathroom cabinetry with cabs that are higher and have a nicer countertop and sink. They want to know if I can do it. Well.. I think I can. Does anyone know where I can get some plans? They have a basic face frame cab unit that is showing 40 years of wear that I can improve upon.. but I don’t know about the countertop/sink end of things. Thanks.
bill
Replies
Try a book called "The Builders Book of Bathooms" published by Taunton, I think we need more info. What exactly do you want to know?
At Darkworks cut to size made to burn......Putty isnt a option
"What exactly do you want to know?"
Ron.. what I want to know is, how to do it. I don't know the first thing about it. I'm going to order the book you suggested.. and thanks for the lead.
bill
Bill, I know how you feel. Think of it this way, it's only a big box with doors on the front and a funny looking hole in the top. Try copying the old one. Don't forget the toe space. (I know, this is over symplified, but you can do it. It just won't be done as quick as you thought.)
. (I know, this is over symplified, but you can do it. It just won't be done as quick as you thought.)
You're right.. I know I can do it. Thanks for the perspective.
BTW, I, too, am Heidi's dad. My Heidi is 30 years old and teaches freshman english at a high school in San Antonio. I'm also Travis and Kate's dad. 6 and 4. Don't tell me God doesn't have a sense of humor!
bill
Well, my Heidi just turned 8. After 4 boys the youngest 21 at the time, my wife and I though a girl might be fun. She was 18mos. when we got her. It has been a ball. She is truly an angle and sweet as sugar.
My "condolances" to your Heidi, I too am in public ed. and know what Freshmen are like. I have a bunch of them myself. You sound like you are also having a good time.
"I too am in public ed. and know what Freshmen are like.."
Yeah, she says they're a handful.. but nothing like her first three years teaching english to 6th and 7th graders. And you're right.. I'm having a ball!
Bill, I did my Mom's bathroom last year. I have the woodworking skills so that wasn't the challenge. In remodeling it seems that as soon as you alter/remove something you learn that it is attached to something else. If the replacement cabinet isn't the same size then the baseboard or wall trim will need to be altered/replaced. Change the baseboard and now the trim around the door doesn't look right. Sometime its hard to stop.
Just look it over well before you begin, most of this work isn't that tough.
Good luck, Hugh
Hugh, thanks for the heads up. I hadn't even thought of the peripherals. I will take a close look before I begin.. seeing things with a different eye thanks to you.
bill
Sounds like a good little project. Hope it turns out well.
Just look around carefully when you remove the cabinets, make
sure there aren't any water problems ect.
I redid our bathroom last year. Started out to fix the shower.
Tile shower, not fixable so I tore it out. Decided to put in ####1 piece, that required tearing out some of the wall, which was fine,
because I could get rid of that junky pocket door that kinda worked. Finally just tore down to the studs, floor was wore out anyway. Refinished the existing cabinet, reinstalled the toliet and built a new vanity box.
Don't even ask how long it took. But I learned a ton, and really enjoyed it.
So go for it, and have fun.
Oh, decided I'll include some picts.
Billy.. nice job! The "before" looks pretty grim. Bet your wife was on you for some time to work your magic. I hope my effort is half as nice as yours. Thanks..
bill
Thanks, when we bought the house, it was with a non-functional shower because of a couple broken tiles on a built in seat. I replaced them and we started using it, but it didn't seem right. I started researching tile showers, found a couple articles on how to repair them. Started taping on the walls with a hammer handle, and they caved in. The more I learned, the more obvious repair wasn't an option. Took the home depot free tile class. I know people dislike HD, but don't know where else I'd have gotten that hands on info. The guy teaching the class had several years experience and was very helpful.
My wife wanted a shower, other bathroom only has a tub, but I'd say she was more scared then excited when I started. Best part was my Father-in-law, who'd always considered me a hack, took one look and told me I could come do his bathroom any time I wanted.
Hope your project turns out as well as mine. Even surprised me.
Good luck.
Bill,
The book I mentioned is the basic layout of bath rooms and their associated plumbing systems as well as a lot of ideas . My suggestion is if it is a older house, once you remove the vanity might as well open the wall up and replace/ update the plumbing, trap/waste/vent lines ect. about a custom height of the vanity it depends on your taste/confort as well as the folks who will be using it.. things to take into consideration off the top of my head are, clearances cab to walls, drawers to plumbing, sink to front and rear of vanity, stain /finish for a wet environment. type of top. I figure about 1 1/2 inches for the counter top. Also if your going install ceramic tile you need to account for it also. I add about 3/4 inch if im useing hardibacker, if its on a slab then you need to adjust for that probably about 1/2" to the toe kick hieght. think about the extras, tilt out sink, pullout shelves, lighting, perhaps a matching medicine cab. It 'll be fun for ya once you get into it. If ya have any tech questionsabout the plumbing, electrical systems the boys at Fine HomeBuilding will be more than happy to give a hand. But most of all just enjoy yourself and have fun doing it. I do. Hope this helps, Oh yea taunton has some pretty good books on plumbing systems and fixture installs that might be helpful to ya.
At Darkworks cut to size made to burn......Putty isnt a option
Check out the John Bridge forum for your tile info great group of guys who are willing to give ya all the help ya need. A few regulars from FineHomebuilding show up there on occasion Ill see if I can get ya the web site. Its: http://www.JohnBridge.com go go to the forum I think you'll like it I do
At Darkworks cut to size made to burn......Putty isnt a option
Edited 11/7/2002 9:25:11 PM ET by Ron Teti
You definitely showed 'em all. Beautiful work. As for HD.. I think the place is great. They always have what I need and I find the associates very helpful and knowledgable. I'll keep thinking of your results while I'm working on my in-laws bath.. and I'll keep you posted.
bill
While you are checking out Taunton books try the one on tile. I couldn't have done my tile jobs without it.
BJGardening, cooking and woodworking in Southern Maryland
This might help. I put in kitchen cabinets in my bathroom remodel of our old house. I got them on clearance at a Home Depot. They are 3" to 4" taller than bath cabinets as well as being 3" to 4" deeper. I miss my old bathroom, it seems like I am bending over too much (toothpaste, shaving cream, and aftershave) in my new home. Good luck with your remodel.
jay.. here's how warped I am.. I want to make the cabinets.. even if I can buy them cheaper. And you're right on about cabinet height. That's one of the primary reasons my inlaws want the changeout. Their current set up is a twin bath with identical cabs and sinks across the room from one another.. double doors and six drawers each. It's gonna be a big job.
bill
I know the feeling. I am sanding and finishing my floors right now. I like a fine neat work surface to lay the polyurethane on. I am finding that I have left a few "swirlies" from the random orbital sander. Oh well, I just have to go over it with the 120 grit a couple more times and then move on to the 150 grit. Best of luck with your bathroom remodel.
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