Ever stared at a bathroom and felt a shiver of dread? That’s precisely where I found myself, facing a relic from the 1970s in desperate need of a complete overhaul. This wasn’t just any renovation; it was a race against time. With only 10 days to transform this space into a functional and stylish bathroom for the family, the pressure was on. As the sole bathroom in the property, there was no room for error or delay. Join me as I take on this intense renovation journey, sharing the highs, the lows, and the nitty-gritty details of ripping out the old and building something new.
Day One: The Great Rip-Out
The first day of any bathroom refurbishment is always the most cathartic, and involves the rip out. It’s a chance to obliterate the old, expose the bones of the room, and prepare for the transformation ahead. This stage involves systematically removing all the existing fixtures and fittings. I started by taking the door off. Doors always seem to be in the way!
First to go was the carpet. Yes, you read that right, carpet in a bathroom! Years of who-knows-what were embedded in that thing.
Next up, the bath. Disconnecting the waste and hot and cold taps was the critical part. Luckily, gate and isolation valves were in place and functioning. It’s always a relief when those valves actually do their job!
Here’s a pro tip I can offer right away: Keep old sponges for mopping up during the rip out. They’re perfect for catching drips and preventing water damage.
With the bath out, the next shock: the previous installers had tiled straight over the existing tiles. This meant twice the tile removal work for me. I also tackled the sink and the toilet. Turning off the isolation valve is paramount before disconnecting any plumbing. I used a wet vac to remove the water from the toilet bowl to minimise mess and smell.
Speaking of smells, a quick trick to contain the inevitable odours from the exposed soil pipe: shove a carrier bag down the hole. It’s a temporary fix, but it works wonders until the new toilet is installed.
Radiators were next for removal, and then the shower. Finally, it was time to get to the tiles. Safety first, with gloves and eye protection being essential, especially in a small space where noise echoes.
Even though there were two layers of tiles, they came off relatively easily. This was a definite win and saved a lot of time.
Day Two: First Fix Plumbing and Planning
With the demolition complete, it was time to move on to the “first fix” – the initial installation of plumbing and electrics. However, you can’t fix the plumbing or electrics without a plan. I started by positioning the new bath to determine the location of the tap and shower. The plan is for the bath taps to go in the middle, with a box section to house shampoos and things. I marked out the positions for the vanity unit waste, and hot and cold feeds, and got the new toilet enclosure into position.
With the suite in place, I could start the first fix plumbing. I drilled holes for the radiator tails and adjusted the pipes to feed the radiator. I drained down the system and disconnected the heating pipes to make way for the new towel radiator.
Under the floorboards, I found a mess of old pipes and joints. I decided to replumb the entire area to ensure everything was clean and efficient. I also made sure to remove all the old rubbish left under the floorboards – it’s all about the fine details and doing the job properly.
I used speed fit plastic pipe under the floor for speed and reliability, transitioning to copper where the pipework would be visible. The hot and cold feeds were lagged to prevent contamination.
Boring through joists is a necessary evil when running waste pipes. It’s crucial to understand the regulations and ensure you’re not compromising the joist’s structural integrity. In this case, the joists were oversized, allowing for a safe bore. However, to be on the safe side, I decided to “sister” the joists, adding extra strength with adhesive and screws.
I prefer solvent weld waste pipe for under-floor applications due to its reliability. Baths and showers typically use 40mm waste pipe, while basins use 32mm.
The day finished with all the first fix plumbing in place, ready for testing.
Day Three: Electrics and Box Sections
Day three was all about electrics. It was time to get the down lights installed and run the cables. This bathroom didn’t have a fan before, so I planned to install an inline fan in the loft, warranting a separate video.
To install the downlights, I had to brave the loft, which was full of itchy fibreglass insulation. I measured off the joists to avoid hitting them and drilled the holes for the downlights. I used a dust catcher to minimise the mess. For the downlights, I opted for quick wire models that are ip65 rated, making them perfect for bathrooms.
With the electrics in progress, I returned to the carpentry, constructing a box section at the end of the bath. I was feeling the pressure, as falling behind schedule was not an option.
Next to tackle was the concealed system for the toilet.
Day Four: Concealed Systems, Poo Pipes and Painting
Day four began with constructing the concealed system for the toilet. This involved building a box section in line with the window seal, ensuring a sleek and integrated design.
Dummying up the toilet is essential at this stage to ensure everything fits correctly. I discovered that the stud work was clashing with the system, so I had to make adjustments to accommodate it.
Once the system was in place and level, I installed a brace for the flush pipe. I connected the water and tested the system for leaks, flushing it into a bucket to ensure everything was working correctly.
The “poo pipe” was the next challenge. These pipes are never in the right place. I cut back the existing soil pipe and installed a flexible pan connector to accommodate the new toilet.
I ended the day by painting the ceiling. Freshly plastered ceilings need a mist coat of watered-down emulsion to prevent the top coat from peeling. For bathrooms, it’s crucial to use bathroom paint. I used a bathroom paint that is designed to withstand moisture.
To conclude the day, I boarded the box sections with moisture-resistant plasterboard, securing it to the stud work behind.
Blackpool Bathroom Bliss
Renovating a bathroom, especially on a tight schedule, is a true test of skill and determination. From ripping out the old 1970s relics to installing modern fixtures and fittings, every step demands careful planning, precise execution, and a whole lot of elbow grease. Despite the challenges, the vision of a stylish and functional bathroom kept me motivated. This is no longer an outdated eyesore, but a modern sanctuary – right in the heart of Blackpool.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced during a home renovation? Share your stories and tips in the comments below, and let’s inspire each other to tackle those daunting home projects!