Client Type
Multi-unit Residential Landlord
Scope
Floor tile | Tile repair | Vanity | Lighting | Paint
Role
- Design consultation | Work execution | Procurement
Date
April 2021
Rental Renovations
Rental renovation budgets are largely established to achieve a required return on investment over a specified payback period, given the estimated additional income the renovation will generate.
This means, trade-offs are unavoidable, especially with older properties. I help my clients navigate difficult budget allocation decisions with a view to achieving the best overall result that will maximize the property's income earning potential.
Project Brief
This bathroom refresh was part of a larger apartment remodel, and decisions had to be made about where to allocate the budget for the best overall result. In this regard, removal of the original 1960's grey tile, would have materially affected the scope and cost of the bathroom update to the detriment of other projects and so it was decided to leave the tile in place.
Removal of the original 1960's built-in vanity brought most of the plaster and all of the tile, in the alcove, down with it. It also left a broken tile edge that needed to be addressed in addition to a few broken tiles on that same wall.
The objective was to brighten and modernize the room and the challenge was to repair and incorporate the grey tile in a way that looked intentional.
Project Commentary
The crumbling plaster wall in the alcove was addressed with new framing and drywall to ensure a flat surface and allow for the incorporation of electrical to service the new GFI outlet and light fixture. Blocking was also added inside the wall to support the mirror and fixtures.
To ensure the new tile floor would be supported by a flat and stable substrate, the floor was unified by shoring up the mortar bed in the area where the vanity once sat and by applying a self-leveler.
Fortunately, a number of the tiles that had been removed from the other walls were in good condition allowing for necessary repairs and replacements.
The broken tiles were replaced and the tile edge finished with PVC trim. White tile baseboard with chrome trim modernizes the space and softens the transition to the floor tiles.
Simple white hexagonal floor tiles, white lacquer vanity, simple mirror and new light fixture give the room an updated look and pair well with the original midcentury elements in the space.
The shower was not part of the original scope of work, but the floor and curb were also given an update.
Grey hexagonal tiles, stone sill on the curb, and pvc trim around the door help tie the shower to the rest of the room.
