Dear Matt,

Am I required to install a ventilation fan in my bathroom? My husband and I are concerned with what might be involved. Can you make any recommendations?

Thanks,

Barbara

Dear Barbara,

An exhaust fan in a bathroom is not a requirement if you have the proper
ventilation through what we call a "passive" system such as a window. By
code if you have no window you need a special ventilation fan . However,
because a window is a passive system, the differential in pressure or cross breeze will create ventilation only if it exists. The exhaust fan will "actively" remove moisture and smell from the bathroom much faster than an open window.

Replacing an existing fan is fairly simple because there is prior ducting.

How you approach this depends on if you have room in your attic. If you have the room there you can duct it through the attic but outide of the house through a side wall. There have been significant improvements in these fans over the years and Nutone and Panasonic make some great models that are strong and quiet. These newer ones not only work better but they are energy efficient. There are two Panasonics that I like, the FV11vh12 and the FV08vh12 . They run anywhere from $250 - $360 and are fairly simple to install. Good luck with your project!

Hi Matt,

My bathroom is in such bad shape - I have been putting of a re-model because I also need re-piping in the walls. It is so terrible now, that I have got to blow it out!!

I noticed that your company works with existing pipes - however, what if you get in there and its a creepy pandora's box??

Once it is gutted, do I bring my own plumber in to re-pipe before you all proceed??

I'm kind of hoping that the existing pipes can be worked with to a degree - only replacing what is necessary - but sometimes you have to bit the bullet - and I'm afraid my house, (orig. built in '64) needs the copper re-piping!

Thanks,

Stacey

Dear Stacey,

Great question.  While we do not typically perform complete full re-pipes on existing homes and would need to tie into your existing plumbing, we certainly do replace all water lines in the areas that we are working.  We'll clean up your "Pandora's Box" if that's what we find.  The only piping that would be left as existing would only be outside the bathroom remodel.  I am happy to discuss this with you personally and would love the opportunity to remodel your bathroom.  Feel free to call 1- 800-ONEWEEK and tell whomever answers that you'd like to leave a message for me.  Thanks!

Dear Matt,

My aunt lives in California. She recently had her shower torn out and redone. The contractor put down hot tar as the pan, and up the side walls. Do you thin set the tile to the tar after it has dried, or do you still have to lay a bed of mortar first? My aunt did not say that he used mortar. I'm under the impression that he tiled directly over the tar. I live in Michigan  and we don't use tar as a pan. We will either use a store bought pan or use moisture barrier and mortar. Any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much,

Jim

Dear Jim, 

You need to have some type of mortar bed down on the floor and either the walls of the shower need to be floated (with a mortar mix ) or hardibacker on the walls.
Tile should never be directly applied to tar as it will not hold.  Good luck with the project!

Hi Matt,

The shower tile, tub tile, sink tile, and floor tile in my bathroom needs to be replaced. I want to keep the existing tub, sink and vanity. Is it possible able to remove the tile without damaging the sink, tub and vanity?

Thanks,

Carol

Hi Carol, sorry for the delay in responding.  The answer to your question is "yes," the tile can be removed without damage to the sink, tub and vanity.  BUT it really depends on the skill of your contractor.  At One Week Bath, we do something called "remove and replace" whereby we take the fixtures OUT, lay the tile and then put them back.  We've found that's the best way to avoid damage. Good luck with your project, let me know if I can help anymore, and have a great holiday.

Dear Matt,

We are getting ready to remodel our master bath and want to have a steam shower. My question is: is it more efficient or cost effective to install the premade steam shower rooms or shall we construct our own with the generator etc... installed separately?

It seems it would be prettier to have a tiled room but maybe not practical?

- Mary, Los Angeles

Dear Mary,

There is no question that the premade steam shower rooms are designed to be most efficient and sealed properly. The challenges with creating a steam shower from scratch are:

1. Making certain that the door and glass unit seals properly.
2. Picking out the correct unit to fit the volume of the shower.
3. Making certain that the ceiling is sloped properly so that hot water does not accumulate and drip down on you.
4. The cost of a custom shower may be more.

With that said, the beauty of a custom tiled steam shower is beyond anything you will get with a prefab unit.

Dear Matt,

I am thinking of replacing our old tub which is 30x60 in an alcove to a 32x60 one. Is there any major plumbing work involved? Is relocating the drain 1 inch over an extensive work?

Also, the tub is on second floor. I was told that the ceiling below would need to be opened up to access the drain, is that true?

One more thing, I have not been able to find an acrylic tub that size that does not have the slip-resistance surface; is it a code requirement now? The slip-resistance surface seems to be a nightmare for cleaning.

- Catherine, Los Angeles

Dear Catherine,

Changing to a 32" wide tub will require the moving of the drain but it shouldn't be a major issue. Generally, there is a tub access door required by code in one of the walls adjacent to the tub. There should be no reason that you would need to open the ceiling for this. Actually, the non skid acrylic tub is much easier to clean than the old style non skid. Whether it is code or not, we always recommend the non skid as many bath related injuries can be attributed to slipping and falling in the tub.

Hope that helps, and feel free to contact me with any further questions!

Dear Matt,

How much do you charge for an estimate?

- David, Los Angeles

Dear David,

At One Week Bath, we don't charge for our consultation and estimate. Our system has been streamlined so that estimating a bathroom remodeling project takes but minutes. This is in contrast to the typical process of weeks to estimate a project.

Dear Matt,

We're in escrow on a house we'll possess in January and move into in February. We've got at least one bathroom to redo (including expanding space). I'm sure you've got a waiting list.

Is it possible to start drawing up plans/taking bids and be ready to go in January?

- Melissa, Los Angeles

Dear Melissa,

Unfortunately, One Week Bath does not perform additions to the home. Our specialty is remodeling and renovating existing space. We can, however, recommend Plaskoff Construction for such additions. Once the addition of space is complete, your new One Week Bath can be created.

Dear Matt,

We are getting ready to remodel our master bathroom and want to have a steam shower. My question is: is it more efficient or cost effective to install the premade steam shower rooms or shall we construct our own with the generator etc... installed separately? It seems it would be prettier to have a tiled room but maybe not practical?

- Mary, Los Angeles

Dear Mary,

There is no question that the premade steam shower rooms are designed to be most efficient and sealed properly. The challenges with creating a steam shower from scratch are:

1. Making certain that the door and glass unit seals properly,
2. Picking out the correct unit to fit the volume of the shower,
3. Making certain that the ceiling is sloped properly so that hot water does not accumulate and drip down on you and
4. The cost of a custom shower may be more.

With that said, the beauty of a custom tiled steam shower is beyond anything you will get with a prefab unit.

Dear Matt,

What’s the best way to verify a contractor’s background without seeming ignorant? Is there an organization or any place to call other than references?

- Janet, Calabasas

Dear Janet,

There are 2 other resources available to you. See our website for the Six Secrets to Successful Remodeling.

1. The California State License Board can give you license, insurance and compliance information.
2. The Better Business Bureau, while a subscription service, can also give you information about complaints lodged against a specific contractor. However, beware because this information is not always accurate and the complaints are not investigated as they are with the State Licensing Board. Anyone can complain but complaints to the License Board are researched, investigated and either substantiated or removed. Not so in the BBB system.

Dear Matt,

We have a thirty-year-old bathroom to remodel and we keep uncovering layer after layer of wallpaper. What’s the best method to remove without damaging our walls?

- Caroleann, Encino

Dear Caroleann,

Often times, the removal of old paper can damage a wall so severely that it may require complete “skim coating” of plaster. If there are multiple layers and very old subsurface layers, you may be better off removing the plaster or drywall and putting up new. You’ll need to assess the amount of hours required to remove and compare to the demolition and hanging of new sheetrock.

Dear Matt,

Can water-based paint be used over oil-based paint?

- Frank, Granada Hills

Dear Frank,

This is a common mistake by rookie painters. The water-based paint will eventually peel if painted directly over oil based paint. However, we recommend a good sanding to rough up the surface and a primer such as Kilz (tm) before applying water-based paint over an oil-based surface. I would not, however, recommend an oil paint over a latex paint.

Dear Matt,

I have a wooden floor that is warped as a result of water damage. Is there any way to repair this without removing the entire floor?

- James, Oxnard

Dear James,

If there are areas of the floor that are not warped, you may be able to save them. The determination as to whether you do this is based on the ratio of good floor to warped floor. You’ll have to remove the warped area AND the area around it to tie it in to the new flooring. You will generally have to remove twice as much of the flooring than you would expect. So, if half of your room is warped in the center, there is a good chance you will have to remove the whole floor. If it’s warped at one end of the room, you may be in better shape.

Dear Matt,

How safe is a glass shower door? My mother is elderly and I have concerns if she slips.

- Samantha, Northridge

Dear Samantha,

A proper shower door is a tempered door. This means that it has been treated and heated to prevent breakage. If she slips and hits the door, chances are she will be hurt more than the door. Don’t forget to install grab bars!

Dear Matt,

I work full time and I am considering doing some remodeling in my home. The thought of having contractors working in my space when I'm not there is extremely anxiety-provoking. What steps can I take that will ensure my belongings will be safe?

- Terry, Studio City

Dear Terry,

This really is the challenge with a typical remodeling company. Of course you should be only working with companies that are licensed, bonded and that you have researched completely. The key elements I would advise you to look for are:

1. Licensed by the state.
2. Insured. Not only workman’s compensation which is required by the state but also general liability insurance which is not required. GL insurance covers property and personal injury losses due to the contractor's negligence.
3. References. Make sure that call at least 6 references. Two under construction, two in the past year and two from years past to see how things held up.
4. Background checks and drug testing: make sure your contractor practices this type of in-depth scrutiny. After all, these are people that will be around you and your family for some pre-determined (hopefully!) amount of time.

While these important pieces of information will hopefully tell you that your contractor is reputable, it doesn't guarantee that your belongings are safe. The sooner the project is over, the better.

Dear Matt,

Is it possible to revise existing construction to make it more eco-friendly and if so, what are some easy ways to do so?

- Michael, Riverside County

Dear Michael,

More and more, companies such as ours are focusing on eco-friendly products and processes. Using zero VOC Paints, renewable resource wood products such as Bamboo and recycled glass tile and countertops are also options. There are many other alternatives available as well. You would be surprised. Ask your contractor what they do that’s “eco-friendly”.

Dear Matt,

Do you have any input on adapting interiors to accommodate seniors that need some safety precautions at home, but can still manage living by themselves? My mother is still fairly self-sufficient, but we need to start thinking forward since she wants to keep living on her own.

- Tara, Redondo Beach

Dear Tara,

The key thing for seniors is to provide an environment that is “risk-free". For example, a shower can generally be built with a bench so they don’t have to step in and out of a tub, and if they are so inclined they can sit on the bench to save energy. There are also many specific products that meet American Disabilities Act requirements. Faucets with wing type handles instead of knobs to turn are much easier for seniors to use. By adding grab bars and other simple accessories, bathrooms (and other rooms) can be both functional and safe.

A good, licensed contractor will know how to integrate these and other specifics into any environment. You’d be surprised how cost-effective (emotionally and otherwise) these changes can be as an alternative to assisted living.

Dear Matt,

How do we avoid hidden costs when attempting a remodel? It seems like all the information is never presented upfront, and my wife and I were wondering if there is some kind of checklist that you would recommend when we hire a contractor.

- Steve and Judy, Toluca Lake

Dear Steve and Judy,

The key to avoiding hidden costs when remodeling is to know EXACTLY what you are getting and to make sure that your contract is a Guaranteed Max agreement. A key element to eliminating hidden costs is to sit down with your contractor, view and sign off on every single product and drawing so that both parties are clear on what is expected. Too many contractors start a project with a “general” knowledge of what the customer wants and then once products are chosen, the price goes up. If you define exactly what you are getting and sign to a guaranteed price, the only variable will be unforeseen conditions which exist below the surface (nothing that can be done about that) or changes made by you (which you can control). Bottom line: Have a plan. Sign to a fixed agreement. Be sure you know what you are getting.

Dear Matt,

My wife and I are interviewing contractors and our biggest concern is the amount of time they project for the job as opposed to the reality once they begin work. Do you have any suggestions that can help us troubleshoot this ahead of time?

- Randy, Thousand Oaks

Dear Randy,

There are several things the consumer can do to protect against the “never ending” project.

1. Make sure the contractor is reputable.
2. Make sure there is an agreed upon timeframe before the start (you may want to include a penalty clause in the agreement in the event the contractor would run over).
3. Be sure ALL decisions are made up front.
4. Make sure that you have weekly meetings and receive weekly schedule updates.

Remodeling is generally not without responsibility to the customer. Changes initiated by you or indecision can extend a schedule drastically. Stay on top of your responsibilities as well, and best of luck with all of it.