Monday, March 9, 2015

The Bathroom Reno Chronicles

This weekend was like starring in our own episode of "Renovation Realities" on the DIY network!  Brian and I enjoy watching this show and laughing over some of the unfortunate (and often self-created) incidents while people renovate their kitchens.  (Usually a kitchen, sometimes a bathroom but not really much else)  We however, do NOT like being that couple.

Scene:  a master bathroom.

Budget:  A little, not a lot.  Luckily there's no big plans, just ripping out white beadboard that clashes with the rest of the woodwork, painting, etc.  Oh, and changing out a light over the sink AND getting rid of the godawful vanity top.  I've hated it since we bought the house, it's a light tan (fake) marble and just....ugly.  Previous work:  Brian replaced the exhaust fan to a quieter model so I wouldn't wake up at the crack of dawn with him when he went to shower.

Time Frame:  unlike the crazy couples on the show, we don't have a deadline.  The bathroom is going to be workable the entire time (minus a shower or two on the weekends.)  Neither of us is using vacation time to make this happen.

First weekend:  trim comes down like a dream.  Only to discover that there's no WALL behind the toilet.  So the rest of the weekend is gobbled up in un-installing the toilet, and then drywalling, patching, mudding and sanding the wall.

The following weekend is all about the light that needs to be replaced.  We chose a pretty brushed nickel model, which Brian quickly gets hooked up.  And then takes down....because the medicine cabinet doors are brushing against the fixture.  Another trip to Home Depot, re-wiring, more patching.  The end result is great, ta-daa!

This past weekend is vanity replacement time!  Fun times were not had.  Thankful again there's no TV camera footage of the issues and foul language.  The kids are tired, cranky and craving attention.  Hubby's tired, grouchy and made three trips to Home Depot.  Thanks to daylight savings time and HD closing at 7pm on Sundays, we had no sink overnight.  Better than no toilet, right?  So we're looking to unwind over a hot meal and Sunday night TV.  Only no one's defrosted the chicken, and we're making do with sausage.  Finally I just fed the tired kids some leftovers and we settle in for the evening with Rizzoli and Isles.  Only to get woken up at 5:30 from our poor old pup, and it's off again to the races.

Next up is painting, and then I THINK we'll be ready for curtains, framed art and rugs.  I'm looking forward to posting a photo of the finished bathroom in all its glory!  And finding this post later on and laughing at it with Brian.  We'll get there.


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