How to repair this shower/bathroom wall for bathroom remodel.

Question

I have a nasty bathroom downstairs. It looks like the previous owners built it over a floor drain, not entirely sure if this is a good thing or not (not even sure if that's what they did but see attached photos for the washer height knobs).

Obvious water damage behind the shower area. Needs to be gutted and rebuilt.

I just don't exactly know where to start or what are the obvious noob mistake that will cost me later.

I'm comfortable with soldering, drywall, tiling,etc. I've never built a wall or frame before so I probably need the most guidance there.

Any help is appreciated. Good books or other references would be awesome.

Specific question: Are there any specific issues that might cause bigger problems later on (from first answer full stud replacement vs patch) when I repair/replace this wall?

Photos:

^{Click for larger view}

Answer 1

A floor drain is no problem in a bathroom, in fact that's a bonus! Just don't let it dry up.

As for where to start, here is a general guideline:

1. Tear out all the drywall and to expose any rotten areas.
2. Replace rotten studs, one at a time (full-length, don't patch). You don't won't to remove a whole wall at once, it may be load-bearing. Put in temporary studs for any iffy areas.
3. Fix the plumbing.
4. Choose your shower-surround (tile, fibreglass, etc...) and finish accordingly.

Also, whichever product you choose for waterproofing your shower will usually have their own specifications on how to waterproof on their websites. For example: Kerdi and Nobleseal. These two companies also have very helpful technical support departments and local sales reps.

An example of an "iffy area": If there are multiple studs all really rotten next to eachother and you are taking out one to replace it, the remaining load of the floor/roof over your head is now on all those rotten studs... That is an iffy situation, in my opinion.

Answer 2

You must remove all water damaged drywall.

You should replumb/reframe for proper support of the wall covering (right now, it looks like the piece you tore off spanned over 30".. way too far). The valve should be setback into the stud cavity, unless you are going to use a shower enclosure. If the pipes are where you want them, put studs on either side of the water supply.

Answer 3

If you haven't done so yet make a list of what you liked and disliked and are willing to change in the original space. Expose as much of the space as you can. Plan your repairs, studs, wiring, plumbing etc with your final goal in mind. You don't want to replace a stud and find out later that it is where you want the shower valve. Also the shower system, fiberglass,tile, etc will all have varied framing requirements so you must have a general plan in place at the start.