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Thanks Crashy, yeah, abit daring… the wall was also in the unit (BTW, it wall worked out well, I'm really glad we did it!).
After thinking through the responses, I now realise what this Fibro is. The old owners have used it before re-tiling (doing a really crappy job with really cheap tiles which fall off in some areas just by looking at them). This is obviously what we've been left with after taking the old tiles off the walls over the weekend. I was wondering why this stuff (fibro) that I thought was render wouldn't come off
The placement of the old tiles (and fibro) was only half way up the walls, and then higher (but not to the ceiling) where the shower area was.
With the new configuration, the tiles won't be at the same height up the wall…so…Would anyone know: Is there any way to remove the old fibro easily? As I was assuming the only way to flatten out the wall was just to add more on.
Thanks!
Thanks so much for the info guys, you're always so insightful!
Just some more info, we live in an old block of units on the ground floor, so we can't get under the bathroom. The only way in was to jackhammer into the floor to access and rearrange the existing plumbing.
From my understanding, as we had to cut into the existing floor out so the plumber can rearrange the existing plumbing for our new configuration, the concrete is to be filled in on the floor and level the bathroom out (and re- fill the hole that was made), then the waterproofing and tiles go ontop of the concrete.
I dont know anything about this fibro and underlay stuff though… I gather it would be what is waterproofed and then tiles go ontop…? Sounds easier than concrete though.Will check with hubby and see if he's heard of all this.
Thanks for the offer Oracle, that's really decent of you. I live in the inner west in Sydney. If I need further advice than what this helpful forum can provide, I'll let you know
Hi There,
Just thought I'd share my similar experience.
I purchased a ground floor unit last December for $320k (Sydney), and using it as my PPOR while I renovate.
I recently had an internal wall removed (between kitchen and lounge room to open it all up. Cost me about $4000 (plus $350 for the skip bin). I had an engineer come to assess it first ($350), and was advised to have a beam put in. It was not a load bearing wall, but we did take out about 1.9m.
It took one day, three blokes and lot of dust and noise, but very well worth it. I did the rendering and gyprocking myself, so saved myself about $1600 on that.
I've repainted, re carpeted and redoing the kitchen. The bathroom can wait a few months…
I had the bank value the unit just after the wall was removed (due to refinancing my IP loan), and although half the kitchen was missing, and painting wasn't complete it was valued at $350k.Word of warning though, the whole process took longer than expected due to the approach with strata. I was initially told that I had to put in a bylaw and raise it at the AGM which would also cost me $1000. This was just to raise the issue, and it could be turned down. After much umming and arring, I scrapped the strata idea, and got talking to one of my neighbours instead. They didnt really seem to be bothered about me renovating, so I just went ahead and did it. This method cut my costs, but it did cost me more time.
Also, by this time the strata manager I had originally spoken to had left the company…Phew! However, I did get a letter from strata shortly after the work was done stating I needed to tell them about this stuff, but I just claimed I didn't know. Lucky for me, it was enough for them after sending them the engineers report and the licenced builder's confimation that all was done in accordance to the engineer.My advice would be to make sure you inform strata or other owners in the building and try to keep them on your side. I've heard of these sorts of situations getting pretty nasty.
I hope all goes well for you! I'd be interested to know how you go with it all
Good luck!Nami
Thank you for the tips KIZ, very very encouraging… I too am an "average" 30yo female, so it was really good to hear it from someone in the same position
Yep, been attending those free DIY bunning courses, they are really insightful.
I think it's great that so many people have done the diy bathroom reno
I'm in the same boat and looking at renovating my bathroom this year. I'm thinking budgeting about 7 or 8k. I've been told that a great way to cut costs is to avoid moving the plumbing where possible (keep toliet, drains, and taps in the same location). So that might be a thought too.
I see someone has stated it cost about $5000 to remove the old bathroom! I think thats pretty daunting for some of us diy newbies…
If it's a diy job, from peoples experience, how tricky was it to rip out the old bathroom yourself?Thank you!
There seems to be alot of companies out there… so it was hard to tell which ones are actually good.
Your advice is very much appreciated. Thanks!Thanks for the reply everyone!! Its been very useful.
It seems the best and first option would be to get professional advice to avoid any messy situation with the owners corporation.
All this information has been so helpful! Thank you so much!!
Good luck!
