Week 4 Bathroom Remodel

This is the week that shouldn't have been.
The original estimate was for 2-3 weeks of work - with the estimator indicating they should be done in two, and he would be surprised if this took three.
The planned project schedule accounted for three solid weeks, but that included 4 days for the epoxy grout to cure, which didn't end up being necessary.
So, no matter how you count it, we ended up significantly behind, and needed a solid 4th week of work.

Monday was supposed to be electrical, but the switches were not in, so they took a pass.  Instead, it was just a day for installing the accessories (which ended up being limited to the toilet paper holder), and touching up grout.  We had hoped to install two Tow'lescope units in the shower, but couldn't figure out how to do it and completely seal against water.

Tuesday was scheduled as plumbing, which scored as 'incomplete' - shower faucet and lead pipe installed, and toilet re-installed, but sink deferred due to a conflict between the vanity cabinet structure and needed space for attaching the clips for sink.

Toilet paper holder, and newly re-installed commode!

Union Brass 530 series faucet lookin' fine 

However, the new bathroom door was installed.  This was needed because of the bubbled and cracking veneer on the original door.  We will be staining and sealing this... sometime soon.

The electricians arrived Wednesday to install the switches, outlets, and light fixtures above the vanity.  Two of the switches are still not what we ordered, so we'll see what happens in week 5!

The vanity cabinet was sliced and diced to allow the plumber to install the sink, which was then also hooked up with our previous faucet.  However, we were missing the mechanism for the pop-up drain stopper, so that is another week 5 item, along with continued attempts to adjust the toilet so it doesn't overfill and leak through the handle.

New doors: both bathroom and shower

The previously described Sterling Plumbing ‘Starscape’ glass shower door from Menard's was installed, and looks as amazing as we dared to hope.  The medicine cabinet also went in, and was trimmed out.








Thursday was re-installing the light fixture boxes because first, they were not in line with each other; and second, we opted to modify the position slightly.  This also meant the original holes had to be patched, mudded, sanded, and painted.  Ah well, better now than regretting it forever, or else having to do it later.

The doors and drawers for the vanity were attached and the knobs for the drawers were mounted.  The vanity knobs and backplates are Rejuvenation's Dish Cabinet Knob with Star Backplate in Polished Chrome.

Two of six knobs installed.

The caulking of the shower occurred, meaning we could shower after 24 hours!

Final coat of paint went up Friday, and the general contractor cleaned up and cleared out.

On Sunday, S & D put up the two towel bars (both vintage Hall-Mack Aristochrome salvaged from the Belmont house).

24" Hall-Mack towel bar

Hall-Mack towel ladder - holy catfish is this a pain to install

We installed doors on the medicine cabinet (trim pieces to be installed at a later date), and finished the vanity door knobs.  We also put up the outlet and switch plates for the three places that are done.

All the vanity knobs installed, and one outlet plate

Medicine cabinet doors up, and the other two plates
(blue protective plastic to be removed later)

Artsy-fartsy picture of the reflection in medicine cabinet mirror - also shows the 3-gang box where the two switches will go.

Week 3 Bathroom Remodel

Monday was the completion of the shower wall tile, and parts of a wall - including the first trim tile!  Very exciting moment.

Helper Cat is helping.

Tuesday saw the completion of the white tiles on the big walls, and most of the trim tile.  The shower niche was also completed.


The 'special tile' in the center of the shower niche was acquired at the World of Tile liquidation sale, as was all the SAJI (Japan) 4"x6" bullnose trim tiles.  All the other wall tile is readily-available Daltile.

Wednesday included the shower ceiling tile, tile around the end of the vanity, and completion of the trim tile.  The center part of the floor tile also went in, so the thinset would dry and could be walked on the following day.

Thursday was finishing the floor tile and adding the toothbrush holder.  The floor is American Olean Chloé CH01 satin white pinwheel with satin white dot.  Toothbrush holder from World of Tile.



Friday was grout on everything.  This is the CEG-LITE Epoxy Grout colored Delorean Gray.


Saturday was more grout on the floor.  Yes, Tony came in on a Saturday after being on-site the previous seven weekdays to finish up.


And on Sunday, everyone rested.  Oh wait, no, that other thing - worked.  On Sunday, D scrubbed the sinks and attempted (unsuccessfully) to scrape the old caulk off the sink frames ("hudee ring").
Then everyone relaxed for Mothers' Day.

Week 2 Bathroom Remodel

The progress this week felt minimal, but laid the foundation for interesting stuff.


Another coat of mud went up Monday, and we decided about how to deal with the window.  The counter was trimmed, and the dumpster was removed.

The walls were sanded Tuesday, and more mud applied. The windowsill was fabricated and installed.  The counter and vanity were cut for the sink.




Wednesday was sanding and priming the walls, cutting the counter for the sink, installing the vanity and counter.



  The tile supplies were delivered.  The subfloor replacement was completed.

The sheet rock went up in the shower and floor Thursday.


Friday saw the first bits of tile installed.
This is just the regular Daltile so far.