In the other two posts in this series I talked about the curb appeal, and starting the interior, with mostly working on the kitchen.  This is the third and last of the series. I am talking about the bathrooms and finishing the house.
    
     I am moving to the bathrooms now.  It's not a large bathroom, but adequate.  The house was built in the 50's, so the ceramic tile around the bathtub is seafoam green.  The tub is porcelain on steel, with some surface scratches. The toilet is a newer model, but the lid and seat are in worn condition.  The single sink is in a small vanity cabinet that is beat up.  The mirror above the sink is cracked.  The light fixtures are small and dingy.  The floor has vinyl tile squares, and is old.  There is a roomy linen closet in the bathroom.

     My first thought was to remove the ceramic tile around the tub and replace with something more attractive.  However, in the 50's the tile was put in with cement and wire lath that makes it very difficult to remove.  There are some chips, so repair is needed with an epoxy type putty that hardens, and can take water on it.  After it is hardened, and sanded smooth, I prepare the surround, and the tub, for a tub and tile refinishing spray.  This product also comes in quart cans, but I have better luck with the spray, for smoothness.  Use good ventilation, and a ventilation mask.  Read the directions before the day you start to make sure you understand the process.  There are several steps involved.  It will take five days, but most of that time is for drying and curing.  The result is a clean attractive look for the tile, and tub.  White is the most readily available color, although I think it comes in a few others also.

     Next I will replace the lid and seat of the toilet.  An expensive kind is not necessary, just new and clean.  Replacing the flush handle, and making sure there are bolt covers around the base of the toilet will finish the look.
The entire sink, and vanity cabinet will be replaced with a pedestal sink.  This style sink really updates the look, and gives the appearance of more room.  The mirror will be replaced by a medicine cabinet with a mirror.  This will hold little things conveniently, with larger things and towels going in the linen closet.

     Update and add lighting in the bathroom, making sure to have good lighting over the sink, and the ceiling.  If there isn't an exhaust fan, possibly a light/fan combination could be used.  Also replace the faucets, and shower head.  Again, expense is not as important, as is the newness.

     The last step is to tile the floor with a ceramic tile... stone can also be used.  Because the floor is vinyl, install cement backer board made for tiling with screws and a drill.  Then, install the tile with thin set.  After cleanup and curing, the installation should be sealed.

     Now is the time to have new carpeting installed. (Remember we took it out first.)  Then replace all outlet covers, and switch covers with new ones.  Again, not fancy, just the basic ones, all matching.

     Next, go through the house and check for anything missed, or needing touched up.   Fix those items.  Then... clean...clean...clean.  Be sure to include cleaning the windows.

     All rehabs, or cosmetic fixers will have somewhat different things to be fixed or updated.  The ones I mentioned are some of the most common.  For one other bit of advice, be sure to know what you are going to do on the house before making an offer.  Cosmetics you can see, but the ones that can cost a lot, are problems with heating, air, electric, plumbing, roofing, termites, and mold.  It is always best to pay for a professional home inspection before settling on the contract. (Or within the inspection period allowed for in the contract.)

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