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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Plumbing Questions >> Relocating bathroom across apartment https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1307564153 Message started by Immy on Jun 8^th, 2011, 9:15pm

Title: Relocating bathroom across apartment
Post by Immy on Jun 8^th, 2011, 9:15pm

[album]Immy&1307563689[/album]

Hi all,

Apologies first off for the vague nature of post. Looking for general opinion on possible apartment purchase.

Apartment is located in Kenilworth Court, Edgbaston, Birmingham, a 1930's built art deco "mansion" block.

If you look at floorplan 1 you can see the bathroom is currently located in an inconvenient position, splitting the kitchen/living room, away from bedrooms and right next to main entrance.

If you look at floorplan 2 you'll see my preferred position for bathroom, in place of previous bedroom (loss of bedroom isn't an issue as that can be recovered if need be by walling up study area off living room).

My question is in regards to how difficult this repositioning will be. Professionals will of course be contracted for the job, but just looking here for any opinion regarding if the work is feasible, potential price ranges etc.

Much obliged for any help/input on this issue.

Cheers,

Immy.

Title: Re: Relocating bathroom across apartment
Post by thescruff on Jun 8^th, 2011, 11:45pm

Soil and wastes would be the biggest problem.

What floor are you on and do you have access below the floor.

Title: Re: Relocating bathroom across apartment
Post by CWatters on Jun 9^th, 2011, 7:30am

Will need someone to check if the walls you want to remove are structural. That might make it expensive depending on what the loads are.

Is the property freehold or leasehold? If it's the latter then you would need permission from the freeholder and are likely to want some sort of professional report done - At least I would.

As thescruff says..where are the waste stacks? Is there one that side of the building?

Title: Re: Relocating bathroom across apartment
Post by Immy on Jun 9^th, 2011, 1:50pm

[gallery]Immy/1307623130.jpg[/gallery]

Hi, Cheers for replies.

The apartment is on 2nd floor so slap bang in middle of building and it's on the left of the attached picture. It occupies the entire floor of that side of building.

Apartment is leasehold but estate agent has said renovations have been done in other apartments so there's a precedent there (obv will make sure everything is kosher before starting any work, Building management agreement, building, planning regs etc).

The problem I have is that i'm out of Brum for the next two weeks on business so can only view online/speak to estate agents.

I asked them about location of waste stacks on exterior of building and they said, and I quote "errrr ummmm errrrr we'll have to get back to you". So I won't hold my breath on a definitive answer to that one!

If you look on exterior pic the small bathroom window/vent window appears to face out into the void in middle of building so presumably the stacks run down that void area?

Apologies again for the vague nature, I'm pretty much buggered for details until I get back to town week after next.

Oh and access to floor below is a no go as there's another apartment directly underneath.

My thoughts were is it possible to run pipes from current location to new location if the floor between was raised? Ceiling height is at least nine feet so dining area could potentially be raised slightly (may look smart/may look crap we'll see on that one).

Cheers again.

Title: Re: Relocating bathroom across apartment
Post by CWatters on Jun 9^th, 2011, 3:12pm

Quote:

I asked them about location of waste stacks on exterior of building and they said, and I quote "errrr ummmm errrrr we'll have to get back to you".

Perhaps you can see that end of the block on google streetview :-)

I believe I can make out a white painted waste stack on the other end of the block towards the rear corner.

[gallery]CWatters/1307629025.jpg[/gallery]

Title: Re: Relocating bathroom across apartment
Post by CWatters on Jun 9^th, 2011, 3:26pm

Actually the building looks symetrical so there is probably a stack on your end in the same position. No sure if that helps any though. I suspect there are others not visible in the photo.

Title: Re: Relocating bathroom across apartment
Post by Immy on Jun 11^th, 2011, 6:14am

Hi again,

Finally heard back from the estate agent. There is a waste stack runing down side of building right outside window of where I want the new bathroom.

Since there are stacks to connect to from this point what do you think i'd be looking at in terms of costs to get plumbing moved/installed?

Title: Re: Relocating bathroom across apartment
Post by CWatters on Jun 11^th, 2011, 10:42am

Best get a quote or two.

Connecting into a (cast iron?) stack on second floor will probably need scaffolding so perhaps check the area below is clear for it to stand on?

Title: Re: Relocating bathroom across apartment
Post by thescruff on Jun 11^th, 2011, 12:39pm

As CW, get a couple of quotes in.

Pointless making wild guesses when we can't see the problems.

You also need to get a structural engineer in to assess and plan whether the walls can come down or whether you needs supporting lintels etc.