| Small-Bathroom Renovation -- Recessed Lighting and Rough Plumbing |
From "Bathroom Remodeling"
episode DBR-101 |
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As part of the improvements in the bathroom renovation, a recessed lighting fixture is added near the shower. In addition, the rough plumbing is to be reworked by a licensed plumber. Recessed Canister Light Materials: Cordless drill
Jig-saw
Steps: - The first thing Sarah has to do for the light fixture is cut a round hole in the ceiling. The manufacturer of the light fixture conveniently includes a template for the exact size of the hole. The template is positioned between the rafters (figure A), as close to the middle as possible to provide clearance.
- Trace the outline of the template (figure B), ten drill a few holes along the edge of the circle to insert the saw blade and begin cutting (figure C). Because this ceiling is plaster, a jig saw with a masonry blade is used for cutting. (For a standard drywall ceiling a small hand-saw would suffice.) Remove any insulation from the area around the hole.
- Note: Since Sarah was not comfortable wiring this somewhat complicated fixture she had a professional do it for her.
- Safety Alert: Working with electricity can be dangerous. If you are not comfortable with your abilities in working with electrical wiring, leave this job for the professionals.
- With the wiring complete, push the canister unit into place through the hole (figure D). On this fixture, four clips installed near the bottom of the rim hold the canister secure. Make sure they are inside the fixture while you push in into place. Once the canister is seated, push the pins out so that they lock in place against the unseen surface of the ceiling.
- The final step is attaching the trim ring, which come in several styles. Sarah chose one designed to accommodate a large bulb. The trim ring is held in place by two spring clips.
- Once the wiring and canister installation is complete, screw in a bulb and flip the switch to check the light.
Contracting for the Rough Plumbing Up until this point in the renovation, Sarah has been able to get do most of the work with some help from dad and by following manufacturer's directions. The changes needed in the rough plumbing, however, will require the services of a professional plumber. - Choosing a contractor for a job like this can be intimidating if you don't already know someone. One of the best ways to find a reputable plumber is to ask someone who regularly hires plumbers -- such as a small contractor. That's how Sarah found Shane Strickland.
- When he came by to formulate an estimate, Sarah discussed with him the layout of the new bathroom and the placement for the shower, vanity and toilet. They went through and inspected the existing pipes (figure E) and discussed what needed to be done. Based on her specifications, the plumber comes up with the rough plumbing plan. Since the shower and sink are being relocated, the plumber will move the hot and cold water supplies for both (figure F). He will also be adding a new drain for the shower (figure G) and moving the drain pipe for the sink. The new hole for the new shower drain will go in the area that used to be the closet. Shane will install the pipe directly underneath it. The toilet is staying in the same place.
- Before he left, Sarah discussed the specific details of the work he'd be doing and -- most importantly -- got an estimate in writing for the total cost and determined a schedule for payment.
The plumbing estimate concludes the initial phase in the bathroom renovation -- which also included stripping the old bath down to the studs and sub-floor, leveling and prepping the floor, knocking out a wall into the hall closet to enlarge the room, and building a partition and new door frame. The next phase will include installing the ceramic floor tile and the pre-hung door.
RESOURCES :
The Complete Book of Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation
Time Life Books
Website: www.timelife.com
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