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msverodesign Its not too clear to understand from pictures, but i guess u need to re-plan the bathroom and probably make a glass shower. It will bring more space inside. Play with light. And toilet in front of shower?? not cool.. :P

carole just tear it down and start again!!would be my choice,the sloping floor is not easily fixed unlees you can start again and it all looks a bit 'shabby'but not chique,

lionnessone If you try to fix someone else's mistake you can run into all kinds of trouble, you are much better off starting from scratch; you will be much happier and richer. Good luck :)

rjes @msverodesign,thanks for the suggestions :) yes definitely agree, and I hate the toilet in front of the shower, what were they thinking?

Is there any way we can save the walls? instead of tearing down the walls and completely starting over? It is thick plaster smeared over dry wall. I am wondering if we could spray it down and scrape it all off?...I can take more pictures if needed.

studio10001 Think that would be throwing good money after bad. Better to buy the appropriate grade for moisture and geta good surface to start fresh on.

studio10001 drywall, that is.

loroca You'll never be able to scrape it off and successfully have a smooth surface without mudding and sanding all over again. I would suggest taking the walls down and drywall again. It'll be less work. No matter what, i think you're gonna have to put more money than you think into this little bathroom :( sorry

Stanton Designs-online design services If you decide to start over, there is a better layout that can be used!

tcufrog If the grout wasn't sealed I'd be worried about future mold problems and where else they cut corners.

lastplace It looks like your toilet is raised for the plumbing, common problem in some basements. Also I noticed that the shower wall with the shower head in it appears to be really thick...could this be a block wall? If so you just can't go and tear these out. Would you have room to move the toilet to the left side of the vanity and then go with a smaller vanity? If you do, you could then have the raised floor in that section of the room. To answer your question on removing the thick plaster on the walls and ceilings, you can take a palm sander with medium grit and same off all the high spots. It will not take any time at all to do, but will be dusty. You will still have a textured look but a lot softer and then paint with you new colour. I agree with that starting over would give you what you want but it will not be cheap, so it all depends on your budget. Is this your main bath? How often would it get used?

rjes @lastplace I might be able to move the toilet to the left side of the vanity IF I go with a smaller vanity. I planned on keeping the nice vanity. But, I can go with a smaller one if saving the walls will do. This is in a poorly finished basement that we will need to refinish later so I am trying to find a cheap solution.

I like that @Stanton Designs-online design services mentioned a better layout :). This bathroom is really narrow and I've been thinking of knocking out the wall behind the vanity to enlarge the bathroom. I also have no clue where to put that toilet.. What layout do you have in mind?

rjes The shower wall is thick because the plumbing for the other two upstairs bathrooms runs through it. There is an outside stairwell that goes into the basement. There is also a laundry room that we are setting up to work as another kitchen. The plan is to configure the basement into a possible future rental unit to help boost the homes value.

KaDe Enterprises, LLC The bathroom has a European Grotto feel to it. You certainly can create an amazing bathroom with just a little money and A LOT of imagination. Here are a few pics to inspire you.

lastplace Problem solved then! If you are planning to put a kitchen in and maybe a rental unit then you shouldn't put any money into it other than cosmetic. Any work you do now might not work with the plan down the road. It will be cheaper in the long run to do all your plumbing, framing for walls, floor issues at one time, otherwise you might have to open up walls that you have just put in. Who knows the bathroom could end up in another place. Try sanding down the walls, paint them a color that complements the tile work and the beautiful vanity. If that is a window beside the vanity I would get an bamboo blind to cover it and large enough to make the window appear much bigger. This will also work with your vanity and give it a warmer feeling.

Norm Walters Construction Inc. Sanding walls that have been painted with latex paint doesn't work very well, it will just peel. Little tip on how to tell if paint is oil or latex based, try to peel the paint with your thumbnail, if it chips it's oil, if it peels it's latex.

kathleen MK The gloss sheen of the paint highlights the texture you don't like. A washable flat paint might help hide the texture issue.
I'd worry more about the unsealed grout with the possible that the tile was put on plain sheetrock and not water resistant backer board.

msverodesign @rjes Could be nice if you post a plan of the place with sizes or you can contact me and I will make you a sketch, but with this size of bathroom you will need to keep zones 1-toilet and sink 2- shower area. I cant tell you now abt moving or not moving walls but with a plan I could:)

apple_pie_order Check your building code for basement rentals before you do anything. There are firewall separations, egress windows and doors, etc. all of which will affect the overall basement remodel for a rental. Have a complete plan, a budget, a professional contractor and the permits before you start ripping things out. For fun and inspiration, watch "Income Property" on HGTV, http://www.hgtv.ca .

Genevieve its a basement , rustic walls ? work with them if you have alot of money to spend take it apart , from what i see it doesn't look bad ,re grout a fresh coat of paint some new towels proper ventilation that's all you need :)

handymam Wow, that toilet on the pedestal gives new meaning to the expression "throne."
:) Someone had to say it!

Seriously, I think you should have a plumber come in and advise you on what you can and cannot do before you get your heart set on any specific design ideas.

Genevieve To handyman,
Probably it was made for a very tall person who had long legs or a person who had trouble getting up from the "Throne"

Marie Hebson's interiorsBYDESIGN Inc. I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news - but you simply don't fool around with this - it is too old, and improperly built - the thickness of the plaster, toilet on stand and faulty lighting are all clear warning signs to TEAR IT DOWN - It has absolutely nothing to do with money. You can and will get very sick if this bathroom wasn't built properly - and from the look of the photos - IT WASN'T. Mould, mildew, insects, improper sealants, and vapour barriers can all cause issues. Especially water leaking on structural walls and beams, weakening them, creating more damage behind the scenes - improper moisture barriers in shower areas, around windows etc., etc., etc., - it simply isn't worth leaving it at all. If anything, tear it all down and get rid of it.

The toilet on the elevated floor means that whomever built this bathroom didn't know what they were doing, and didn't know that by code - you have to chunk out the concrete flooring to reveal the rough-in plumbing and properly tie-in to the main stack.

TO ALL INEXPERIENCED WANNA BES COMMENTING ON THIS: When it comes to peoples health, safety and building codes - IF YOU DON'T KNOW - DON'T COMMENT, YOU ARE PUTTING PEOPLES HEALTH IN DANGER.

http://www.inspectapedia.com/mold/moldsymptoms.htm

http://www.lifescript.com/health/everyday-care/environment/the_hidden_dangers_of_black_mold.aspx

You have no idea what's growing behind those walls, and I put your health above all. TEAR IT DOWN...

onthefence To add to Marie Hebson's comment above, WHEN you tear it down, use a mask. If there IS mold there -- black or otherwise, you do NOT want to be breathing it.

halleycomet You could--as a temp "fix"--re-sheet rock over the trashy looking thick "plaster" and paint or finish that--or use a water safe paneling--if this was my BR and looking to do a rental yes of course you need to call code enforcement--or whoever that is in your area--but if this is a NON COMMERCIAL RENTAL like to a family member then you can prob "get away" with sprucing up and cosmetics IF the fixtures work. I too have seen the raised design--and too many times for it to be completely "non code" in every situation every time. I know in some basements you have to have some different and special equipment to get the liquid UP and OUT of the grade to the sewer piping--wonder if this is the case. My father had a basement apt for many years with this design and it WAS a commercial rental.

As to the odd but possibly " couldn't have been built any other way toilet facing the shower"--if this is possible--hang a pretty or neutral curtain infront of the toilet against the shower wall or door. Would make both a physical and psychological "break" between the two areas. I def would NOT start tearing into ANYTHING if there is the remotest possibility of there being bearing walls; electrical systems; plumbing--don't ask me HOW I know some of these!!!---wasn't ME I didn't DO it!!!---so the first thing you should do is map out what goes where and make a to- scale plan of the wiring plumbing etc.

To those who are telling the Happy Homeowner to "Just tear it all out and start from scratch"--really you should maybe consider that they might NOT have all the money in the world and WANT to just heave it all. The grout can be sealed after it is cleaned--not the answer some might want to hear in their "Let them eat cake" phrasing--but really we have ALL had or seen problem designs before and how people worked them out is always inspiring. My husband was asked to "sign off" on a house blue print where the architect FORGOT to put in STAIRS to the second FLOOR. So---it is not only the DIY people who make huge whopper mistakes.

Minorison Contracting Get at least three estimates from different (certified) contractors. Fine out the easiest way to fix, and how much a complete renovation would cost. Ask and check references before making a decision.

antholin I think your shower should be in neutral tones and walls to bring a contrast in your bathroom. In this case trying to match everything in not working. You need more complements and a great contrast so it pops but coordinates. Its just my personal feel, but hope it gives you inspiration.

Imperial Kitchens and Baths, Inc. This basement bath needs a professional to look at it for a complete gut to bring it up to code. Health and safety for all involved is a must.

There is no inexpensive solution for this room, with the exception of closing the door and not using the room. Tearing out the room and starting over is definitely less expensive than trying to salvage anything. Mold is not covered by most homeowner policies. If you are looking to do the room in stages then have the room demolished - use the space for storage, etc. then start the project fresh when you are ready to proceed.

If you are in the Chicago area, we would be happy to take a look at it and give you our best ideas. But right now, construction is a bigger problem for you than color choices.

Carriage Lane Design-Build Inc. I would make the vanity wall to wall in the space that it is in now, maximize your counter and storage space. You also have the room to do a double sink there so I would do that as well. I would move the toilet to the same wall that the shower is on so the space isn't so awkward. I would also install glass shower surround and door to open the space up and allow for more light.

rjes We will start tearing down the walls to see if we have a mold problem along with the whole basement asap,and have it inspected up to code. We definitely don't want to encounter this problem again! Thank You everyone for all your suggestions!

curacaoblue If it were me I would get estimates from experienced contractors on what it would cost to have it properly fixed. This appears to be something that will end up costing you even more I the end if you either keep on with the DIY or ignore the issues. Mold is very expensive and is health threatening. Not worth it IMHO

mln7754 Call a professional before you do anything! Looks like you would be biting off more than you can chew with this project.

lionnessone Seek a professional; you could be dealing with asbestos.

pepsi567 wow sad bathroom
depends on budget
you tear down and start over
i guess i would be concerned with what lies beneath hidden issues
it needs light new counter and sick and paint if it stays the same and light maybe pot lightes