Bathroom Remodel

This project was aided by the fact that the clients had a second bathroom in the basement. This made their lives easier while the main bathroom was being ripped up. As I tell most clients in this kind of work, "It's going to look worse before it starts looking better."


Their D.I.Y. spirit was in full force and helped me out a lot. After some "do's" and "don'ts" from me on the finer points of lathe and plaster removal, they were off to the races. The original pink tile floor proved to be VERY tough and after a quick assessment, we opted to use a jack hammer to break free the beast. High marks to the original installers for building to last--mesh wire with 2" concrete mortar + 5/8" thick tile = very sweaty, exhausted demolition workers. It put up a hell of a fight and we respected it all the way to the dumpster.


The cozy bathroom space would be upgraded to a dual vanity and modern shower. What was once a porcelain shrine to the 1950's is now a pleasant trip to the loo. Again, the home owners rolled up the sleeves and pitched in, laying the floor tile leaving me free to concentrate on the plumbing and electric.


For the shower, it is always best to err on the side of caution. Water is the enemy and always seems to win in either liquid, gas or solid form. We made sure to re-line the walls with 3 layers of protection.


My clients were well-disciplined in choosing materials. They always seemed to make wise decisions on where to spend a little more for better quality (Toto Toilet, copper water supply pipes) and when to just play ball with the usual materials that still get the job done.


Projects like these usually progress in fits and starts. After the sheet rock and tile went on, the true changes were visible and finish line within site. A new window helps keep the heat in and a few upgrades like a fan that actually draws moisture out of the room will keep the mirrors from being forever fogged.


The most rewarding part of my job seems to be that feeling at the end when you have happy clients who love the changes that were made. The fact that they were partners in this blood / sweat & tears process certainly boosted this feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction.