Browstone Bath Reno Tips

You are at the front door of your new home-- a brownstone-- marveling at the fact that you are the owner or resident of this piece of history and architecture! Now, you are planning your first fabulous dinner party.

Then reality hits: The kitchens and bathrooms are still not in order! Chances are, the handsome man from one of the home renovation shows on cable will NOT be interrupting you as you push your shopping cart down the aisles of your local Home Depot.

He will NOT be providing you with his wonderful renovation ideas and labor that will renovate your kitchen and bathrooms in an hour. It’s a wonderful fantasy, but it’s not happening.

Nine times out of ten, your brownstone has been around for over a century, So, if your brownstone is not habitable, put on some funky bell bottoms and platform shoes to match the renovations that may have been done between 1957 and 1976. (Yes, that really is wood paneling, drop ceilings, and linoleum tile on ALL of the floors).

Many have decided to take a “Do It Yourself” approach. But let us assume that plumbing is not needed and you are happy with the size of the bathroom; then you do not need to move the sink toilets and tubs.

Know the measurements, that will determine number of boxes of tiles needed for both the wall and the floor. Today the bathroom tiles are a lot larger, so you may not require as many as you think. If not, the “do it yourselfer” may return to the store only to find out that the tile has been discontinued.

If you are lucky enough to have a lovely claw foot tub, you may decide to re-glaze and purchase new fixtures. The highlight of the bath is the sink/vanity and mirror. There are an array of styles, that can transform your once “dated” bath into a modern spa.

Make sure the measurements are precise when selecting the vanity sinks (Do-It-Yourselfers). The last thing you need is to have lack of space for the toilet dispenser and NOT be able to close the bathroom door . Complete your project with complimenting light fixture(s) over the vanity to provide a bit of intimacy.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day”, so enjoy your new home. Savor all the moments of renovations despite the “ups and downs”. So what, you know all of the salespeople in the “Bath Department” by their first name.

They are all rooting for you! So, as you embark on your adventure of renovations in your beautiful brownstone, take the time to visit a Home Depot or home renovation store of your choice to peruse the inventory.

Come on readers, share some of your renovation experiences! Past and present! Pictures are courtesy of D & K Construction.