[giamonique]

My husband and I are purchasing a home in the country. We are going to finish to the basement. We have a sump pump, well water, and no rough-in. Would you please tell me what type of work we are looking at as far as labor and cost, (estimate), for the rough-in? We are only looking to install a sink and toilet.

Thanks!

[PalmMP3]

I don't mean to burst your bubble, but to quote the "Tom's Tips" thread:

6. It's difficult to estimate material and labor on your job without a wholesalers price list and the labor conditions, (union or nonunion) in your area so we don't attempt to do so.

So you're going to have to get some old-fashioned estimates from local contractors. I would guess upwards of $750 at the very least... :(

As far as doing it yourself is concerned, busting up the concrete slab floor of the basement is a big job, and is not for the faint of heart. Although if you want to do it anyway, post back here, and we'll go through some details.

Good luck,
Moishe

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[PalmMP3]

Giamonique replied to me by email:

HI! Thanks for the quick reply. I will get some estimates. It sounds like a huge job... we were just starting to search for tips last night and it is seeming like too big of a job for the two of us. We are not experts in plumbing... only have replaced the handle on our toilet. :)

It's not really so much a matter of being fluent in plumbing (at least until you get the floor open). It's more of a matter of serious elbow grease - there's a significant amount of physical labor involved in busting open concrete (hint: unless you have a cement saw - and even then it's not so simple - we're talking about drilling a bunch of pilot holes in the concrete, and then attacking it with one of mankind's best toys: a 22-pount, 3-foot-long sledgehammer :D).

Either way, if you want to learn more about plumbing so that you can do almost all future repairs yourself (or even if you have to hire a professional, at least you'll be familiar enough with the subject to realize if he's trying to rip you off), go to the nearest Home Depot, and purchase this book:

It's relatively cheap compared to other plumbing books, and is very beginner-friendly. If you want other plumbing book recommendations - or books on any other home improvement topic, for that matter - just ask.

Happy plumbing, and if you ever have any problem whatsoever, drop a line in these forums, and I, speedball1 (who is a retired master plumber with over 50 years of experience), or any of the others in our gang will be happy to help. We don't bite. I promise. ;)

Although it's better not to email or IM us directly - rather post the question in the forum, where it belongs, so that others who may have the same problem may follow along and benefit from the discussion. Besides, you may also get the benefit of a "second opinion" sometimes. ;)

Wishing you the best of luck with your new home,
Moishe
Note: if this post was helpful, please rate it by clicking "Rate This Answer" below. Thank you.