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Hello. I would welcome any words of wisdom...pro and con to assist with this project. I will obtain referrals, check out finished jobs by refered contractors but will not subscribe to Angie's list. Storage, efficient use of space, a lowered ceiling, higher toilet, double sinks, possible heated tile floor and budget friendly are all concerns. A total removal of existing flooring, jacuzzi, toilet, double sinks and cabinetry are required. With this in mind will it save us substantial money to demo ourselves? I realize that is a question for the contractor. It may be possible to wall off the toilet too. A neighbor's bath remodel entailed the hiring of a decorator which included a consultation and drawings, but I would rather invest that $500 cost into materials and/or labor. Any advice for a predominate DIYER who knows when a job is above and beyond her ability?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Froo Froo,

In doing the demo yourself, remember that you will also have to get rid of the items you are removing. If they are usable, consider donating to Habitat for Humanity, if you don't sell them, or put them out on the curb for free.

Removing a Jacuzzi might be a bit of a challenge in that it will be large and heavy. If it is cast iron, you will have to bust it up to handle it.

IMHO you won't save substantial money by doing the demo, but you will save something. You will have to ask the contactor.

Unless you are pretty sure of your ability, a designer of some sort would be a good idea. Or in the least, ask the contractor what he thinks of your design.

Most likely you will need permits for the job and that will require a plan. You can usually draw a plan without much difficulty, but a designer would usually do that for you. Remember that the best insurance you have of a reasonable budget is a plan that the contractor can bid to.

Please put your location in your profile as I have done so we won't have to ask. Location effects some factors.

Just exactly what are you inquiring about. If this a remodel what do you need to know? If you are going to completely remodel then you need to start with a clean slate. Only exceptions are if you are leaving some things where they are now. You have to know what you want and if it will fit in the area that you want it. If you change locations of water supply or waste lines then that needs to be addressed. I don't really see how anyone on the board can help you unless you have a specfic problem relating to the installation.

Unless you are a contractor or an extremely experienced DIY'r I think I would hire this one out. Decide what you want, relay that to various contractors, seek bids for the job and check references.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: redoverfarm,

Some more thoughts (while I'm waiting for my wife to come home):

Is this bath on the second floor, first floor, or on a slab? If on a slab - and depending upon your climate - you may have great difficulty moving drain lines and water supply lines. Again, your location is important.

We solved the cold floor problem neatly with an oriental-style rug that covers most of the floor. Heated tile would have cost a LOT more.

I know many baths have lowered ceilings, but be cautious with that. You may not like that after you have done it.

The advantage of hiring a designer is that they can see problems that you might miss, based upon their experience.

Thank you both. I have weighed much of what you posed before posting this vague question. Regarding the lowering of the ceiling, DH and I have checked a neighbor's remodel with a similar bath size in which their ceiling was lowered and we liked it. I may leave it higher than 8 ft. Tho, but lower it some and remove the vault. It will be gutted and is on the second floor. I suspected demo would be a bear and knew we'd have to dispose of the materials, but asked only because DH is frugal sometimes to a fault. I will be checking into referred kitchen and bath places in the hopes they have a spacial planner and the design stage won't break the bank. Thanks again.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Froo Froo,