Considerations

• Learn what the building codes are for bathroom framing and well as recommended framing techniques. There may be rules on the dimensions and placement of accessories, such as towel bars, grab bars. You may also need to pull a building permit. Also, find out what the requirements are for the use of vapor barriers.
  
  Sketch out a plan for your DIY remodel bathroom framing project. Make sure that you are aware of any deviations from standard framing. For example, you may want to install the towel bars at a height of 36 inches, instead of the standard 48-inches, in a children's bathroom. So, install the blocking lower to adjust for the difference in height.
  
  

Framing Tips

• Check the flooring over the entire space and make sure that it is solid. Repair any damaged material, such as the subfloor or joists. If you need to frame openings by cutting floor joist for a floor drain or toilet, you'll need to install headers. Before cutting the headers make sure that you support the floor properly.
  
  Use 2x6 or 2x10 headers to frame for a window or door. Sandwich a piece of 3/8-inch plywood between the two header boards to make the header unit the same thickness as the studs. The standard measurements for a bathtub are 30x60 inches. Build new walls from the floor to ceiling attaching it firmly to the rest of the structure.
  
  If you use 2x4 stock, add 2x2 furring strips to the front surface of the studs. This will give you a depth of 5 ½ inches in the cavities of the walls. You need this space for large pipes. You can also install insulation. It's a good idea to reinforce the wall with blocking for the faucets, towel bars, grab bars, tissue holders or other items.
  
  Check the manufacturer's instructions and suggested dimensions for installing the tub or Jacuzzi. Generally, you'll need to install a horizontal ledger around the perimeter of the framing in order to support the edges of the tub. Place 2x4s horizontally, about 16 inches from the top edge of the ledger to the floor, on all three walls. The flanges of the tub must rest on top.
  
  To create the horizontal deck on the front of the Jacuzzi tub, frame the enclosure structure about 1/8th of an inch lower than the tub. The outer flange of the tub runs along the top plate. You'll need to anchor the top plate and the bottom plates to the wall structure at the end walls. To frame an opening for a recessed medicine cabinet, you'll need to cut the studs and install a header, sill and cripple studs. Again, make sure that you read and follow the product maker's framing guidelines.