What would you do? I am thinking remove that trim, resilicone, only use bath not shower etc until I can get bathroom replaced. Maybe shower at pool??π
Hi @Sal76
You would be buying problems and you don't know the extent of those problems. Walk away is my advice unless the price is ridiculously low, then ask yourself why the price is that low. A surveyor is a good idea before committing to anything.
Hi @Sal76,
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you with us.
It seems pretty clear that there is a leak from the shower that is causing mould and damage outside of it. The fact you can see it on the outside of the wall, means there is a good chance the damage is more extensive behind the wall sheeting.
In the short term, removing the trim, cleaning the area thoroughly and replacing the silicone in the shower would be a sensible first step. Iβd also avoid using the shower if possible, as continuing to wet the area could make the damage worse. Using the bath only, provided it isnβt contributing to the leak, would be the safer option until you can have the bathroom properly assessed or replaced. Pool showers might not be a bad temporary backup either!
Ultimately, the choice is yours, but based on what is visible, Iβd be preparing for some fairly extensive work. This could potentially include mould remediation, replacing damaged wall sheets, and possibly repairing rotten framing if water has been getting in for some time.
Allow me to tag @Dave-1, @Henno, @Nailbag and @TedBear to see what they think.
Jacob
Thanks Jacob. I will replace whole bathroom in time. It is only a small space. 2700 x 1800. I have an upper limit budget in mind, but not sure if it is realustic etc if more extensive damage. Building report did not identify any issues underneath, high set house etc.
I'd just be wary because a building and pest inspector can only note what is visible. It's what is not visible that can be concerning and cost a lot to fix. Being a high set house and not noting damage beneath is a good sign, but it is not a 100% guarantee that there's no other issues besides what is visible.
The unfortunate reality when it comes to bathrooms is that leaks often mean the waterproofing membrane has failed, and there is usually not a patch fix for this. A failed membrane often means gutting the bathroom and starting again, which I'm sure you can imagine, will cost a fair bit.
It might be worth having a leak detection specialist attend to do a more thorough inspection of the bathroom. It could just be that the shower has leaked and the bathroom's waterproofing is still in tact, which would be much easier to address, but if waterproofing has been breached and the damage is more extensive, the cost will definitely go up.
Good Evening @Sal76
Maybe a way to approach it would be to factor in a full replacement cost (Plus time the bathroom will be out of action) if you are considering the house? Having a dry underside is a good thing as @JacobZ has said. I agree with him it still dosnt cover all the potential issues and it makes me hesitant as well. The house may be worthwhile but starting from the potential replacement will keep things balanced. On a side note I have walked away from places when I have seen water damage in the bathroom. It kind of suggests other things around the house should be looked at more closely.
Dave
Being realistic here, the bathroom requires a full rebuild and thats just from the photos as there are visible signs of very rotted areas affected by water. As @JacobZ highlighted, building inspectors can only comment on what they see. Personally I have little confidence in their ability to pick out the obvious. From someone who has bought several renovation project homes over the past 40yrs, every building inspection has missed obvious defects both minor and serious. After each time I tell myself never again, yet stupidly I continue wasting my money on them. The house I recently bought has two sections of roof that doesnt have guttering that meets at the join allowing water to ingress internally. This wasn't picked up by the inspector who was an ex registered builder. I have only myself to blame, but I didn't have prior access to the roof.
The degree of rotted timbers in the lower corners of the bathroom appear extensive. being a high-set home I don't believe that there are no obvious signs of dampness in the subfloor area beneath where there is easy access. You are far better to employ a domestic building engineer to check the property for structural defects. Then a leak detection specialist to check for water ingress. Yes it will cost more, but money not wasted.
As @R4addZ suggested, the price needs to match the condition of the home or walk away.
Nailbag
