Bathroom tiles paint or replace?

Sekekama

Hi I've had my entire 2-bed semi skimmed essentially for around 3k with materials by a handyman with a few bits done extra. 

At first I wanted to replace basin and bathtub a plumber has quoted me £300 day rate if I get the materials. The toilet is more modern and was replaced due to a previous leak. However, at first I thought I'd paint the tiles white and make entire toilet white but some friends been saying to take tiles off (which I'm unsure how long would take and who would install new tiles and fix the wall behind them. 

My handyman (who's done my plastering) has also said he could do the bathroom although friends said best to get a plumber. 

Any opinions appreciated 

twopenny

I was going to say I like the blue but when you see the whole bathroom it's been really badly done.

Yes I'd say take the whole lot of and start again for a really nice finish. I got a firm where the boss employs all trades and organises it. Cost £5000 ex fittings but including the plumbing fixtures, grout, plaster, coving, plasterboard etc. That worked well. They were known by the local plumbing shop so easy to coordinate.

You have the option of bathroom board to cover the walls with all sorts of effects. That's ecconimical and quick but imo it needs more wiping down than tiles.

No to painting them. You've got different sizes and a chunk cut out behind the basin and that's not going to look good.

Sekekama

twopenny said:

I was going to say I like the blue but when you see the whole bathroom it's been really badly done.

Yes I'd say take the whole lot of and start again for a really nice finish. I got a firm where the boss employs all trades and organises it. Cost £5000 ex fittings but including the plumbing fixtures, grout, plaster, coving, plasterboard etc. That worked well. They were known by the local plumbing shop so easy to coordinate.

You have the option of bathroom board to cover the walls with all sorts of effects. That's ecconimical and quick but imo it needs more wiping down than tiles.

No to painting them. You've got different sizes and a chunk cut out behind the basin and that's not going to look good.

I've taken the wood panel off and had ceiling and walls skimmed. £5,000 seems high to me. Ideally want to keep it around 3k at most. What if I took off the tiles myself? And just had a plumber install the bathroom tiles and bathtub and basin is it worth putting up new toilet in at that point though aswel?

FreeBear

Taking tiles off doesn't require any skill. Just a big hammer and a bolster chisel plus goggles & gloves.

If you are feeling adventurous, I'd suggest insulating the walls and the window reveal - That will reduce the amount of condensation on the walls. If you don't want do a "proper job" insulating, cover the walls with Marmox type tile backing boards - They have an insulating core, and provide the ideal background for tiling on top.

Oh, and tell your plasterer to stop using the bath to clean his tools. Plaster (and cement) residue should never go down the drain. It clogs up the pipes and will result in a very expensive repair bill when you get a blockage.

Sekekama

FreeBear said:

Taking tiles off doesn't require any skill. Just a big hammer and a bolster chisel plus goggles & gloves.

If you are feeling adventurous, I'd suggest insulating the walls and the window reveal - That will reduce the amount of condensation on the walls. If you don't want do a "proper job" insulating, cover the walls with Marmox type tile backing boards - They have an insulating core, and provide the ideal background for tiling on top.

Oh, and tell your plasterer to stop using the bath to clean his tools. Plaster (and cement) residue should never go down the drain. It clogs up the pipes and will result in a very expensive repair bill when you get a blockage.

How long would taking the tiles off take me? And how what materials do I need for bathtub and basin and would you leave the toilet if it's fine? Also abit late now they've pretty much finished plastering should I just put bleach down the drains. I'm working when they are there so can't always watch them so get my dad and brother to sometimes. 

Emmia

Bleach doesn't unblock drains...

daveyjp

If the tiles are solid and smooth tiling over them is an option.

Sekekama

Emmia said:

Bleach doesn't unblock drains...

Well when I checked last night still working fine the sink and bathtub 

Sekekama

daveyjp said:

If the tiles are solid and smooth tiling over them is an option.

Never heard of that! 

FreeBear

daveyjp said:

If the tiles are solid and smooth tiling over them is an option.

Not generally recommended. You also need to watch the total weight of both old & new tiles. Gypsum plaster & plasterboard is only good for 20Kg/m².

Albermarle

Sekekama said:

FreeBear said:

Taking tiles off doesn't require any skill. Just a big hammer and a bolster chisel plus goggles & gloves.

If you are feeling adventurous, I'd suggest insulating the walls and the window reveal - That will reduce the amount of condensation on the walls. If you don't want do a "proper job" insulating, cover the walls with Marmox type tile backing boards - They have an insulating core, and provide the ideal background for tiling on top.

Oh, and tell your plasterer to stop using the bath to clean his tools. Plaster (and cement) residue should never go down the drain. It clogs up the pipes and will result in a very expensive repair bill when you get a blockage.

How long would taking the tiles off take me? And how what materials do I need for bathtub and basin and would you leave the toilet if it's fine? Also abit late now they've pretty much finished plastering should I just put bleach down the drains. I'm working when they are there so can't always watch them so get my dad and brother to sometimes. 

Taking the tiles off would probably be the easy bit. Your would then have to pick up all the bits ( and there will be a lot) take them downstairs/outside, put them in some kind of container and take them to the tip, where they will probably charge you.