We have a full bathroom in our basement which we are planning to remodel. New tub, new tile (floor and tub surround), new faucets, etc.
The room is mostly below grade, but there is a small window just above grade near the top of the tub wall. The long side of the tub is directly agains the foundation wall. Because of the layout, the new tub will have to go in the same spot. There is a bathroom vent fan, but no ducting to heat or cool the room. Adding ductwork is not an option, according to a contractor friend. We would have to cut through several floor joists. I'm not sure that's an issue though (not having the ducting). It rarely gets hot since it is in the corner of the basement, but it gets ridiculously cold in the winter. We've been using an electric space heater, but I would like to install a radiant floor under tile. Would that be enough to heat the whole room?
Also, since one side of the tub is against the foundation wall, and the bottom of the tub is on the concrete slab, I'm wondering if/how we should insulate it? Should we put something under the tub to insulate? How would we do that and make sure it stays dry? Or should we put the tub over tile with radiant heat?
What about the tub wall? There is standard wood framing that could be filled with insulation. What's the best type of insulation? What type of drywall should be installed? We want to tile the walls surrounding the tub.
Obviously I'm a complete novice, and literally need advice on the project from the ground up!
The room is mostly below grade, but there is a small window just above grade near the top of the tub wall. The long side of the tub is directly agains the foundation wall. Because of the layout, the new tub will have to go in the same spot. There is a bathroom vent fan, but no ducting to heat or cool the room. Adding ductwork is not an option, according to a contractor friend. We would have to cut through several floor joists. I'm not sure that's an issue though (not having the ducting). It rarely gets hot since it is in the corner of the basement, but it gets ridiculously cold in the winter. We've been using an electric space heater, but I would like to install a radiant floor under tile. Would that be enough to heat the whole room?
Also, since one side of the tub is against the foundation wall, and the bottom of the tub is on the concrete slab, I'm wondering if/how we should insulate it? Should we put something under the tub to insulate? How would we do that and make sure it stays dry? Or should we put the tub over tile with radiant heat?
What about the tub wall? There is standard wood framing that could be filled with insulation. What's the best type of insulation? What type of drywall should be installed? We want to tile the walls surrounding the tub.
Obviously I'm a complete novice, and literally need advice on the project from the ground up!