advice needed on bathroom remodel

[bearishgurl]

[quote=ryphoenix]Sure, but I need to know what to buy. A 4/2 with the existing master bath connected to a small bedroom, or a 3/2 with some yard space to expand?

So sounds like a 4/2 internal remodel would be easier?

3 times what I think it will be? Probably, but I’m not even sure what the original figure would be, so that’s not very helpful at all.[/quote](emphasis added)

ryphoenix, an internal remodel would definitely not only be cheaper but much less of a headache.

If I can remember correctly (haven’t been in Mtn. Sts. homes in years) the 4/2’s orig. “master bath” was small, either a 3/4 bath (shower stall/no tub) or small 5′ tub with 1 pc. enclosure and door and 2.5′ – 3′ vanity with one sink. It could only be approached from the corner of the MBR.

I think you would be better off getting a 4/2 where the small closet and “master-bath” back into the small closet of a bdrm. behind it, tear out the two closets’ walls and bathroom walls and then reconfigure the space into a larger master bath, larger dual closet w/possible built ins inside and added space to the MBR. Then you will still have a 3/2/2 with a nice MBR suite w/o adding square footage which would be assessable and go up 2% per year (along with your orig tax bill amt) per Prop. 13. (You don’t want to reduce the house to 2 bdrms because they are harder to resell.) You will be able to keep your nice-size backlyard, hopefully facing Tecolote Cyn or going uphill in the back of the lot for privacy 🙂

If my memory serves me correctly, the 4/2/2 L-shaped model, (built in approx. 1961) is between 1650 and 1850 sf, depending on whether a FR/dining extension has been legally added to the back. Any Clairemont Piggs out there avail to help here??

Who knows?? Maybe you will find one where a prev. owner has already made the MBR-suite improvement!

UCGal, correct me if I’m wrong, but no permits will be required if all your remodeling is within the confines of the house. Regarding load-bearing walls, I believe that to be the left or right hallway wall, depending on which way the house is facing. You should get a carpenter or builder to take a look at any prospective property you are thinking of making an offer on to give you advice about how to do this.

If you can stay away from drawing permits, having to move elsewhere during the remodel, having to do a major replumb, having to saw the slab and/or having to reroute major electrical components or the furnace, your MBR/bath remodel shouldn’t cost very much, esp. if you can do it yourself or alongside a carpenter friend/relative. It’s quite possible to do this for a few thousand without borrowing at all if you and a handy friend/relative work well together. You can get an interest-free loan at a big-box home improvement store for at least six months if you have good credit and barter services with your friend/relative helping you or pay them under the table 🙂

[sreeb]

[quote=bearishgurl]
UCGal, correct me if I’m wrong, but no permits will be required if all your remodeling is within the confines of the house. [/quote]

You are kidding right?

==================================================
When do I need a construction permit?
A construction permit is needed for all new construction. In many cases, a permit is needed for repair or replacement of existing fixtures, such as replacing windows. A plumbing, electrical or mechanical permit maybe needed for any addition or changes to a building’s existing system; for example, moving or adding an electrical outlet requires a permit.

To find out if your project needs a permit, call (619) 446-5000.

When don’t I need a permit?
A construction permit is not needed for items such as wallpapering, painting or similar finish work; fences six feet high or lower; platforms, decks and walks 30 inches high or less over grade or not over basement; and in several other cases. However, reviews may be required from other agencies; be sure to check before building.

For plumbing, mechanical and electrical work, replacement or repair of fixtures (such as changing water faucets or replacing switches) does not normally require a permit. Replacing a water heater or adding a permanently wired light fixture does, however, require a permit.

To determine if your project needs a permit, call (619) 446-5000.

[bearishgurl]

[quote=sreeb][quote=bearishgurl]
UCGal, correct me if I’m wrong, but no permits will be required if all your remodeling is within the confines of the house. [/quote]

You are kidding right?

==================================================
When do I need a construction permit?
A construction permit is needed for all new construction. In many cases, a permit is needed for repair or replacement of existing fixtures, such as replacing windows. A plumbing, electrical or mechanical permit maybe needed for any addition or changes to a building’s existing system; for example, moving or adding an electrical outlet requires a permit.

To find out if your project needs a permit, call (619) 446-5000.

When don’t I need a permit?
A construction permit is not needed for items such as wallpapering, painting or similar finish work; fences six feet high or lower; platforms, decks and walks 30 inches high or less over grade or not over basement; and in several other cases. However, reviews may be required from other agencies; be sure to check before building.

For plumbing, mechanical and electrical work, replacement or repair of fixtures (such as changing water faucets or replacing switches) does not normally require a permit. Replacing a water heater or adding a permanently wired light fixture does, however, require a permit.

To determine if your project needs a permit, call (619) 446-5000.[/quote]

sreeb, I am aware that permits (for “inside” projects) should be drawn for rewiring; installing new elec panel/svc; removing, moving, repairing or replacing load-bearing walls and adding square footage. Since my experience has been primarily DIY, I was not aware that permits need to drawn for those other things, never did so for any of those projects and successfully sold the properties years ago. I’m quite certain I’m not alone.

I tried the phone number you posted here and it appears to be inoperable. Which jurisdiction are you referring to here that requires permits for all these (inside) projects?

[UCGal]

[quote=bearishgurl][quote=sreeb][quote=bearishgurl]
UCGal, correct me if I’m wrong, but no permits will be required if all your remodeling is within the confines of the house. [/quote]

You are kidding right?

==================================================
When do I need a construction permit?
A construction permit is needed for all new construction. In many cases, a permit is needed for repair or replacement of existing fixtures, such as replacing windows. A plumbing, electrical or mechanical permit maybe needed for any addition or changes to a building’s existing system; for example, moving or adding an electrical outlet requires a permit.

To find out if your project needs a permit, call (619) 446-5000.

When don’t I need a permit?
A construction permit is not needed for items such as wallpapering, painting or similar finish work; fences six feet high or lower; platforms, decks and walks 30 inches high or less over grade or not over basement; and in several other cases. However, reviews may be required from other agencies; be sure to check before building.

For plumbing, mechanical and electrical work, replacement or repair of fixtures (such as changing water faucets or replacing switches) does not normally require a permit. Replacing a water heater or adding a permanently wired light fixture does, however, require a permit.

To determine if your project needs a permit, call (619) 446-5000.[/quote]

sreeb, I am aware that permits (for “inside” projects) should be drawn for rewiring; installing new elec panel/svc; removing, moving, repairing or replacing load-bearing walls and adding square footage. Since my experience has been primarily DIY, I was not aware that permits need to drawn for those other things, never did so for any of those projects and successfully sold the properties years ago. I’m quite certain I’m not alone.

I tried the phone number you posted here and it appears to be inoperable. Which jurisdiction are you referring to here that requires permits for all these (inside) projects?[/quote]
That’s the general info number for the development services department (building permits) for the city of San Diego.

[UCGal]

Dup

[sreeb]

[quote=bearishgurl]
sreeb, I am aware that permits (for “inside” projects) should be drawn for rewiring; installing new elec panel/svc; removing, moving, repairing or replacing load-bearing walls and adding square footage. Since my experience has been primarily DIY, I was not aware that permits need to drawn for those other things, never did so for any of those projects and successfully sold the properties years ago. I’m quite certain I’m not alone.

I tried the phone number you posted here and it appears to be inoperable. Which jurisdiction are you referring to here that requires permits for all these (inside) projects?[/quote]

Half the stuff people buy at Home Depot “requires” a permit to use.

99% of the shoppers don’t get one. If they tried to really enforce these laws, the laws would change after the next election.

As things stand, all is well unless a you somehow draw the attention of an inspector in which case most of us would be screwed.

The quote and phone number came off the San Diego city website.

[spdrun]

My question would be as follows. Let’s say you want to move an outlet three feet, or install a dishwasher. Both technically require a permit. If you tried to apply for a permit if you were DIY’ing the job, would the city inspector think you were nucking futs?

[jimmyle]

Could you please PM me this guy name and contact, and business name? I might need to have my bathroom done near Christmas.

Many thanks,

[quote=sdduuuude]If you aren’t changing walls around, I think an architect is overkill. Architects can be helpful if you need a building permit.

We did a tiny (5′ x 7′) bathroom and it cost us about $6K. This included new tub, new tub/shower valve & fixtures, new sink, new faucet, new vanity, (we used the old toilet), fresh drywall, minor electrical work, painting, subway tile tub enclosure & backsplash, and travertine tile floors/counter.

We used middle-of-the road finishes.

I would highly recommend the guy who did ours. He is reliable and meticulous. Not the cheapest, but you don’t have to babysit him at all.[/quote]

[Author]

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