| Small-Bathroom Renovation -- Door Frame and Basic Wiring |
From "Bathroom Remodeling"
episode DBR-101 |
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With the sub-flooring and partition wall complete, the next stages in the bathroom renovation include relocation and installation of the bathroom door and some basic electrical wiring. Rough Opening for a Pre-Hung Door As Sarah continues with her bathroom remodeling project, she learns how to build a rough opening for an interior doorframe. The original door to the bathroom was a poor design -- positioned so that it opened directly in front of the toilet. With the expanded space of the new bathroom, it will be possible to relocate the door a few feet to the right so that it will open onto the vanity and mirror -- helping create the illusion of more space. - The pre-hung door selected for the bathroom (figure A) is 28 inches wide, requiring a rough opening of 30-1/2 inches, with a header above. The header, or short beam, gives added strength to the door frame.
- The distance between the two full-length studs that serve as the outsides of the frame is 33-1/2 inches. The studs are checked with a level to ensure that they are absolutely straight and level. Otherwise the door would not open and close properly. Shorter 2x4 sections are nailed to the studs to complete the inside frame (figure B).
- The header is made from two 2x6's nailed together. The header is positioned (figure C) and nailed in place at the top of the frame (figure D).
Basic Wiring Sarah has three wiring changes to make for the new bath: relocating a switch box, wirig a new switch box and installing a GFI outlet, specially designed for use in bathrooms or near water. Safety Alert: Safety precautions are paramount when performing any wiring or electrical work. When working with electricity, mistakes can be deadly. Before doing any re-wiring, turn off the main power at the fuse or breaker box (figure E). Make certain that the power is off at the circuit where you'll be working. While working, place a note at the box to ensure that someone else doesn't restore power to the circuit while you're working.
- The first wiring project is the relocation of the existing switch for the old light fixture. With the relocation of the door, the switch is located inside the rough opening for the new door.
- Since the new bath will be expanded in size, this is a good time to add another fixture. This will require a second switch. The old switch box is therefore removed (figure F).
- A new double-switch box is installed, on the other side of the door jamb (figure G), to replace the old one.
- With the new switch box installed, the old switch is rewired just as it was before (figure H and I). Rewiring the new switch is slightly more complicated. Since Sarah is only comfortable with simple wiring, she leaves this part of the electrical work for a professional electrician to complete later.
- The installation of a GFI (ground fault interrupter) receptacle near the sink, however, is a simple wiring job that Sarah can handle. The GFI receptacle (figure J) is a safety outlet specifically designed for use around water such as in baths and kitchens.
- Power for the new plug is accessed by tying into an existing circuit. A connection is made in the attic, and the new wire is pulled through an opening in the ceiling and into place.
- With the power turned off at the breaker box, the new outlet is connected (figure K and L) according to the manufacturer's instructions. The black and white wires must be connected exactly as indicated in the directions for the GFI device to work properly.
Note: Installing a GFI outlet differs slightly from that of a normal outlet. Read and follow the manufacturer's directions and diagrams that come with the outlet you've selected. Wires coming off of this device to another outlet or fixture must also be connected exactly as directed by the manufacturer. Safety Alert: Working with electricity can be dangerous. If you are not comfortable with your abilities in working with electrical wiring, leave this job for the professionals.
RESOURCES :
The Complete Book of Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation
Time Life Books
Website: www.timelife.com
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