First post here, thanks to those at misc.kids who led me in this
direction. We are in the process of buying a house, and as I idly
ruminate over ideas of Things To Do while awaiting the actions of a
retinue of lawyers and bankers, I'd appreciate the experienced and
knowledgeable input I've been reading here.

First question, regarding ideas for updating the (only) bathroom in a
small early 1950's ranch on a slab foundation in upstate NY. What's
involved in labor and cost should I want to move the toilet 18-24" to
the left or right, and likewise the vanity/sink, perhaps switching their
positions in the layout?

A hall closet takes up about 2 sq ft in one corner of the bathroom. I
could still have 1/2 the closet in the hall as it goes deep to one side
of its door, but could gain a precious 2 sq ft in the small bathroom,
allowing room for a regular size vanity/sink, instead of the small
powder room size in there now, but this would only be possible by moving
the toilet.

Also, any thoughts on removal/replacement of what seems to be some
manner of molded plastic tub and shower surround, likely a 1970's
perpetration (it's harvest gold, for goodness' sake)? Would the Bath
Fitters be a simple/inexpensive solution in this case? I would also like
to install a window, the only outside wall being the long/back wall of
the shower/tub, so a window above the back wall of the shower. Any
problems there?

This bathroom scenario will likely not come to pass for a couple of
years (ugh) but I want to get some ideas of what is or is not possible
both logistically and financially so I can make some plans. It would
also be nice if we could do the bathroom one or two jobs at a time
instead of totally gutting the thing all at once. Maybe I'm dreaming
there...

Thanks for ideas and input,
-Karen-