Renovating a "Classic" bathroom for $3k?

Question

Hello, I have a 6x8 bathroom that has that common classic look that probably dates back to the 40s.

It's of my opinion this style lowers the perceived value of the house.

Do you have suggestions on how I can class this up a for 3k?

Any examples you recommend?

Thank you for your time and experience. I appreciate you.

Caroline Gerardo · Answer

I like the tile the way it is. White shower curtain here and buy a liner $100 https://www.westelm.com/produc...    Add a simple mirror over the toilet to reflect more light or a small triple glass shelf with black hardware from pottery barn $120. Bleach the tub and tile, paint the radiator white with oil based enamel spray paint.  $80. Do not replace anything once you try to retrofit the sink you will discover you have to rip out the wall to the studs.

Brad L. · Answer

Is it as clean in person as it looks in the photos? The main problem with old bathrooms, at least for me, is that all that tile typically looks super dingy. If it's clean, I'd leave everything. It can be a can of worms to start demoing that and if it fits with the rest of the house it does actually look good. I did a full demo on a 1931 bathroom and there was 2 inches of concrete underneath the floor tile and wall tile, and it was impossible to remove any tile without having to also remove the concrete. Huge headache and wish I'd have left the floor intact.

I would paint the vent to color match the wall tile, then I'd put in a top of the line pedestal sink that has counter space (see Kohler Tresham pedestal sink K-2845-1-0 for example). Definitely a new mirror, maybe something with some unique shape and not just rectangular. Gold hardware? Other than that just make everything as clean as possible.

TLDR: I like your bathroom, if it's clean just make changes to the finishing touches and vanity.

This is what I did (photo taken before finishing touches) but unfortunately it was way more than $3k. We did use champagne bronze for the shower head, handle and sink faucet as it matched the metallic hexagons in the floor. Going with something other than basic chrome would go a long way in your bathroom.

Colleen F. · Answer

Account ClosedAs a rental you are on the right track.   I would not do anything that decreases storage for a rental.   Now I do agree if you decide to redo that tile there is a possibility you will find significant concrete behind it and this can get pricey.

I need to make a tub faucet repair in a similar bathroom which is how I know this. And I cannot restore a two handle tub faucet I must do one handle so if you have spare tile, hang on to it.

Colleen F. · Answer

Account Closed curious what suggestions you get.     To me it is about dressing it up if you are going to sell.  I would switch out the vanity because it doesn't go with the rest of the room, paint, and put up the shower curtains and other decorating items. If the tile is in good condition let the new owner pick if they want to change it. Its white so that is in your favor

Account Closed · Answer

Thanks Caroline! I forgot to mention that the picture of the bathroom above is from 7 years ago.It still is in the same shape, just not as clean.

Anyway:

Your suggestions are right along my 2nd train of thought. Option 1: Do it up nice or Option 2: Clean it up and keep it budget.This is a rental so I think I lean towards your suggestions. Thank you, you were a great help.

Account Closed · Answer

Thanks Brad! The picture I posted was about 7 years ago. It is definitely not as clean anymore.All great tips which I will take into great consideration. Thank your sharing your knowledge.

Account Closed · Answer

Hello Colleen, it will be a rental. Thanks I agree on the vanity!

Brad L. · Answer

@Marco G. Sorry, I thought you were the original poster. I stated that my bathroom was unfortunately significantly more than $3k

Brad L. · Answer

@Marco G. It’s all marble, the floor and walls.

Now that I see yours is a rental, I’d just swap out the mirror, paint the vent, new light fixture, maybe new faucets, paint existing vanity.

If tile is too dingy to clean it’ll likely be a long & messy road for you if you’re doing the work yourself, so definitely at least attempt to clean first.

Marco G. · Answer

@Brad L.

What did you use for the shower walls? Looks like slab porcelain but I’m guessing not based on your $3k figure!

Renovating a "Classic" bathroom for $3k?

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