We recently completed a bathroom remodel for Jim Baker and Parkee Jones of Newburyport, Massachusetts. The bathroom remodel is the first step of an extensive first-floor addition and kitchen/bathroom remodeling project. We completed the upstairs bath first, so we could concentrate our efforts and contain the mess to one floor at a time. We expanded and remodeled the upstairs bath to move the laundry room from the first to the second floor. The old bathroom was approximately 6' x 10' and the new bath is 12' x 10'. A bathroom remodel is a tough project to schedule because the carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and drywall must be scheduled almost simultaneously.

The plumbing work was completed by John Bartlett, Jr. of Bartlett Plumbing and Heating, Newton Junction, New Hampshire. John has been our exclusive plumbing subcontractor for almost ten years. To keep the cost low, we kept the existing tub and shower, replacing only the shower valve. The pedestal sink was relocated and reused. Because we were upgrading the bath, we were required by code to replace the existing toilet with a low-flush model. The entire floor and subfloor beneath the old toilet had to be replaced, because it was rotted. A new pan for the stackable washer-dryer unit was also installed.

The electrical work in the bathroom was performed by Juba Electrical, of North Andover, Massachusetts. Steve Juba has done work for us for almost twenty years. Steve upgraded the electrical by installing a dedicated 20-amp GFI circuit and a 220-volt circuit for the stackable dryer. Five new recessed lights were installed in the ceiling and one light was installed over the mirror.

Once the rough electrical and plumbing work was complete, we installed the insulation and blueboard. The insulation was installed for soundproofing, to reduce the noise from the washer and dryer. We then installed the 1' x 8' white pine floor, so that the new toilet could be set. This allowed the customer use of the shower and toilet. After the toilet was set, we installed the bathroom trim and 5/8" x 4" fir beadboard wainscoating to match the old bathroom. Once that work was complete, we scheduled the plaster work.

Bob Trembly, of Trembly Plastering, Methuen, Massachusetts completed the plastering work in one day. Bob Trembly has been our exclusive plastering subcontractor for five years. The final step was to relocate the heating ducts in the bathroom. The one heating duct in the bathroom was located on the outside wall beneath a window, to increase efficiency. Joe Michaud of Haverhill, Massachusetts has performed our HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) work for more than ten years.

This entire process was substantially completed in less than three weeks. This short time frame was only possible because of our close working relationship with our subcontractors. Just because a project is small, doesn't necessarily mean it can be completed quickly. Each subcontractor must complete his work without interference. They must also schedule the necessary inspections. It is the job of the general contractor to make sure the schedules do not conflict and the project is completed in a timely manner.