single family bath - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

tom m · 04-28-2009, 08:59 PM

Outside of a tight schedule and inspections does anyone have any tricks to help limit the downtime for a full gut bath rehab. I got a household serving 3 -4 people and its the only bath.

cleveman · 04-28-2009, 09:05 PM

shouldn't be much of a problem to keep the toilet running through a remodel. Same with the sink. The problem will be the tub/shower.

Can you set up a temporary in the basement?

Otherwise, get a membership at the YMCA or a health club where you can all shower.

tom m · 04-29-2009, 09:25 AM

Yes I figuired I can keep the bowl running for a majority of the time even change a few wax seals and maybe compression valves for the WC and sink.

No one else want to share a trick or thought huh?

DavidC · 04-29-2009, 05:12 PM

My best shot is to make certain we have everything on hand and in usable condition before tearing out anything. Don't start if you can see a delay. End of everyday we have a working toilet and sink, the tub/shower is tough.

Good Luck
Dave

Mike Finley · 04-29-2009, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom m

Yes I figuired I can keep the bowl running for a majority of the time even change a few wax seals and maybe compression valves for the WC and sink.

No one else want to share a trick or thought huh?

It's not a trick, it's a whole 500 page novel, basically an entire business model. Where would you want to start?

**genecarp** · 04-29-2009, 05:26 PM

Fibreglass shower enclosure and pan instead of tile. This saves a ****load of time. You have to go with tile on the floor, go thinset to cement board, or some system that will allow you to prep and lay floor in one day, Every item waiting on site, ready to go, (open and check condition). mix plaster with spackle, or use 45min, Have your trades lined up..............................GO GO GO.....

tom m · 04-29-2009, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Finley

It's not a trick, it's a whole 500 page novel, basically an entire business model. Where would you want to start?

Not going to tip off your fellow contractors aye.....You of all people probably have a few nifty ideas.

Anyway I was reaching out here....... it is what it is.
Gene the enclosure would certainly be easier but its a tile tub surround and were moving a window.

Thanks

Mike Finley · 04-29-2009, 07:36 PM

I'm not trying to be a smart ass, it's just that there aren't really tricks, there are skills that take awhile to understand, master and gear your business around in order to make this happen. It's like asking what are the trick to make a million dollars?

But even as good as we are, I'll tell you -- any single bath house the customer is making other arrangements. The bathroom is not going to be useable for the duration. We won't install a toilet temporarily or any of that stuff. It's just the way it is. I can't imagine having people taking a dump in the bathroom while there are holes in the floor, wires exposed etc... it just isn't a really good idea in my opinion.

Everybody we do those for they move out, go to the Y, their gym to shower, work a relative.. whatever... they all make it work.

Tinstaafl · 04-29-2009, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom m

Anyway I was reaching out here....... it is what it is.

Unfortunately, it is what it is. There really aren't any shortcuts to doing a quality job; the best you can do is have all the materials on hand and everything planned and organized to the nth degree. That includes using the very best man you have for any particular phase of the work.

I had one a while back for a couple (fortunately no kids at home), and found rotten joists, rotten copper, 2" slope in the floor from tub area to doorway--with a poured epoxy floor gong in. Those poor folks had no bathroom for a week. Fortunately, Mom & Dad lived only 20 minutes away, so they were able to run over there for showers, at least.

They never complained a bit, were delighted with the results, and have had me back for other work since.

tom m · 04-29-2009, 07:46 PM

I hear ya.....both. Im still looking at 2 weeks if all goes like clockwork. Demo, rough in's and inspections will dominate the first week. I have no problem with them staring at bare walls for a short spell if it helps. These people are older and ther daughter lives with them so the gym and other relatives may be out.

I suggested a vacation and they have been warned.

Thanks for responding.