PLG Bathroom: Part II

Since we were already doing work in our bathroom in Prospect-Lefferts Garden, we decided to change the tiles, sink, showerhead and add a new vanity.

1.) 5 Durock 5/16 3x5 Cement Board: $10.77 each
Tiles: $100
2.) AquaSource White Windsor Pedestal Lavatory: $87.73
3.) AquaSource White Windsor Pedestal Base: $46.02
4.) Showerhead: $16.98
5.) Vanity: $99

PLG Bathroom: The Work Never Ends

Three years ago I put a window in this cramped Prospect-Lefferts Garden bathroom. The bathroom had an ugly grey vent, with open storage space below. The vent was replaced with a small window; I kept the storage space, but added mirrored sliding doors.

Originally, in that space, there was a window about 45" X 32" wide. The original owners must have removed it, to create storage space in a house with only 3 closets on the first floor. After a long discussion about what to do with this storage, we decided to eliminate it and put a window back in that space. A window would allow for better circulation of air and light into the bathroom. We purchased the window from Windows We Are for $160.

Adding the right size mouldings around the window frame is just as important as the window itself. On this frame we used a 4" wide moulding which gives it a classic original look.

Crusty No More: Garden Level Bath

The bathroom on the garden floor was terrible. The previous owners put together the bathroom hastiliy--the shower blocked off the sink, the toilet was squished into a corner, the tiles were terrible, and in general, it was very cramped. The job was also half-done; apparently the owners were considering a renovation, but gave up or decided it wasn't worth it.

We called in our mason, Mr. R, immediately. He suggested that we move the wall out so that the bathroom would seem bigger. Mrs. Reno thought that was a good idea, but I didn't want to take space away from the kitchen. In the end, we extended the wall near the toilet.

Our plumber, Mr. H, moved the shower plumbing into the wall near the door of the bathroom so we could knock down the wall that blocked the view of the sink. We also decided to take the sheetrock down from the wall above the tub to expose the brick. Exposed brick is an easy way to introduce color to a bathroom without painting it. We've done this before and tenants have loved it.

Anyway, the bathroom came with one serious perk: a working jacuzzi tub. We thought it was broken and couldn't be saved, but Mr. H came to the rescue. Not only did he fix the tub, he showed us how to work its settings. Once cleaned, it sparkled like new.

Our electrician, B., came through several weeks later to complete the wiring for the track lighting in the bathroom. It probably took Mr. R. about a month to finish the bathroom, but as you can see, it was worth the wait.