Bathroom Remodel: From Decent to Demolished – A Complete Gut Job

The bathroom in The Curbly House was, by all accounts, functional and reasonably appealing. While a bit cramped, it served its purpose adequately. Initially, the plan was to make minor cosmetic improvements – perhaps replace some fixtures, update the tile, and apply a fresh coat of paint. However, a discovery during the demolition of the first-floor ceilings below the bathroom dramatically altered the scope of the project. Prepare to witness a complete bathroom gut, accompanied by a video showcasing the exhilarating (and slightly terrifying) process.

Bathroom remodeling, much like surgery, ideally involves making the fewest possible interventions. Unfortunately, once you begin exposing the underlying structure, you inevitably encounter unforeseen problems that necessitate further intervention, escalating the project’s complexity and scope.

Our initial foray into demolition involved removing the first-floor ceilings, which were marred by unsightly foam tiles and failing plaster. Upon inspecting the area beneath the bathroom, we were confronted with a concerning discovery: a section of the toilet drain exhibited severe corrosion, with a significant breach extending through the pipe’s wall. To put it plainly, a four-inch by two-inch hole had formed in the pipe responsible for transporting waste from the toilet to the sewer system.

In case there’s any ambiguity, this is unequivocally a problematic situation.

This discovery necessitated a complete replumbing of the entire bathroom. This entailed removing the existing flooring to gain access to the plumbing infrastructure and modifying the joists beneath the bathroom to accommodate the pipes within the floor’s structure, rectifying their previous elevated position.

Furthermore, the project required the installation of a new main waste stack extending to the basement and the implementation of new venting through the roof. Consequently, the scope of the project escalated into a full-scale gut renovation.

The Demolition Begins: Ripping Out the Old

The initial phase of the demolition involved removing the medicine cabinet, toilet, and vanity. This was followed by the removal of the trim, plaster, and lathe, exposing the underlying structure of the bathroom.

During this process, a small squirrel habitation was discovered nestled within one of the walls above the bathtub. While unexpected, this discovery was not entirely surprising given the age of the house.

This left the bathtub, a formidable cast-iron behemoth estimated to weigh approximately 600 pounds. Despite appreciating its curved edge, the decision to relocate the tub drain to the opposite side of the bathroom eliminated any possibility of retaining the existing left-drained tub.

The Bathtub Removal: A Delicate Operation

Given the tub’s immense weight and the limitations of the staircase, transporting it down the stairs was deemed unfeasible. The only viable option involved removing it through a window. After careful deliberation and somewhat haphazard planning, we devised a strategy to lower the tub using a heavy-duty strap looped around the chimney for leverage.

The bathroom window, which was slated for replacement anyway, was removed. The tub was securely strapped, and we cautiously began maneuvering it outside, ensuring the safety of any passersby, particularly a group of schoolchildren who happened to be in the vicinity.

Remarkably, the plan executed flawlessly. The friction generated by the strap against the chimney facilitated the controlled descent of the hefty tub. The strap could be held with one hand to prevent movement or adjusted incrementally to lower the tub in small increments.

The entire process spanned approximately three hours, culminating in the successful removal of the tub with minimal collateral damage.

The Chimney Decision: More Space or Future Repairs?

The chimney presented a unique challenge. It traversed a corner of the bathroom and was encased in substantial padding, occupying a significant portion of the room. Its presence was a primary contributor to the bathroom’s cramped feel. Our contractor, Bill Herschbach, strongly advocated for its removal.

Initially hesitant, the deteriorated condition of the bricks and mortar above the roofline ultimately swayed my decision. The choice was between removing the chimney immediately, thereby creating more space in the bathroom, or incurring significant expenses later to repair it. Given that Alicia and I rarely utilized the wood-burning fireplace, the decision was straightforward: we opted to remove the chimney, preserving the fireplace to accommodate a gas-burning insert in the future.

Chimney Demolition: A Dusty Endeavor

Fortunately, demolishing an old chimney is a relatively simple process, albeit one that generates considerable dust and dirt due to the accumulation of a century’s worth of soot. After securing myself with a climbing harness and rope, I ascended to the roof and began removing bricks from the top. My father even joined in the effort, eager to participate in the demolition.

Working from the top down, we meticulously removed the bricks and mortar, disposing of them as we progressed. Over a period of approximately five hours, my father, Bill, and I managed to demolish the chimney down to the level of the bathroom floor.

The Result: More Space and New Possibilities

The result of the demolition is a significantly larger bathroom space. The area formerly occupied by the chimney will be utilized as a mechanical chase, accommodating plumbing and ventilation systems. This transformation will allow for a more functional and aesthetically pleasing bathroom design. The extra space is already inspiring new ideas!