DIY Network

Master Bathroom Upgrade: Countertops and Final Tally From "Sweat Equity" episode DSEQ-104

Laura and Joel installed new vanity cabinets. After applying new paint, they continue their upgrade by installing pre-fabricated granite countertops and faucet fixtures.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G
	Figure H

Materials:

caulk gun
silicone caulk
silicone adhesive
bath tile caulk
wood shims
tape measure
paint brush/roller/pan
masking tape
flex-hose water lines
single-turn ball valves

Bathroom Countertop and Sink Tips:

• Undermount sinks allow the most flexibility for positioning faucets and make for easier clean up.

• When choosing a countertop surface, remember while granite is beautiful and in high demand, it is more expensive ($45-$100 per sq foot) and requires more maintenance than laminate surfaces.

• Choose sinks that will last as long as the countertops to protect your investment.

• Opt for quality faucets. They are used daily and will be worth the investment.

• The best prices and widest selection of fixtures (faucets, etc.) can often be found through wholesale stores or on the internet.

Bathroom Countertop and Sink

• By selecting prefabricated granite (figure A), which has already been cut to a standard depth, and taking time to provide measurements of their newly installed cabinets to professional fabricators, the Cantallamessa's save nearly $400 in labor costs.

• At the granite shop, the fabricators cut the prefab slabs to exact length and form three individual segments. They also attach the undermount sinks, drill ports to accommodate the faucet type and cut the backsplash pieces to size. All told, the customized granite runs the Cantalamessa's $1,131.

• After picking up the countertops from the shop, the Cantalamessa's prepare to install them. First, Laura runs a bead of silicone caulk around the top edge of the lowest cabinet (figure B). Then, Adam and Joel carefully set the heavy slab into position (figure C). They repeat the process for the remaining two granite segments, being careful not to damage the mounted sinks.

• Next, it's onto the granite backsplash. Joel simply squeezes three large dollops of silicone adhesive and presses them into place (figure D). To complete the granite installation, Joel later seals the seams with bath/tile caulk.

• Sticking with the motif of the new bathroom, Laura and Joel select and install classic-style faucets featuring an oiled bronze finish (figure E). They carry over the theme by installing matching fixtures in the shower and bath areas (figure F). Total cost for the fixtures is $837.

• The Cantalamessa's next hire professionals to construct and install a custom shower enclosure featuring a matching bronze finish (figure G). Labor and materials for this permanent fixture total $1,351.

• Laura and Joel complete the bathroom upgrade by hanging new classic-style mirrors (figure H) and placing personal effects.

The Cantalamessa's did a majority of the work and saved a lot of money by minimizing professional labor. Did all the hard work pay off?

Final Tally:

cabinets = $910
countertops = $1,131
tile, related materials = $698
shower stall = $1,351
paint/fixtures = $1,175
lighting = $239

TOTAL = $5,504

REALTOR'S ESTIMATED VALUE INCREASE = $10,000

RENOVATION COST = $5,504

NET RETURN ON INVESTMENT = $4,496

Do It Yourself Bathroom Makeover For more information on major bathroom remodels, or simple cosmetic upgrades, visit DIY's Bathroom Makeover Center.

RESOURCES :

Maverick Home Remodeling, Inc.
Website: www.maverickhomeremodeling.com

Granite Marble Slab Warehouse
Website: www.granitemarbleslab.com