I started ripping out the shower tile myself and the hubby finished it. I did all the demo of the floor tile with my trusty sledge hammer. Tearing out the vanity was a team effort. We paid our plumber friend to rip out and install a new bathtub and toilet, along with the backboard because I do know I have DIY limits.
And while all of this took us around five months due to very busy weekend schedules and an active toddler, I was determined to have a working bathroom when my Japanese friend Noriaki came to visit. Nothing says make yourself at home like three adults sharing a bathroom with a potty training toddler. Or the relocated toilet in the hallway.
Classy.
So I bit the bullet and tried my hand at tiling. Can't be that hard right?
Friends, I failed miserably.
After three hours of final prep work and three hours attempting to tile I admitted defeat. I may have shed a tear or two in frustration. I didn't know the magic consistency of the thinset or which steps could be fudged and which needed to by strictly followed.
I do think I could have done it if I had a mentor to show me a few tips or even someone else there to bounce some ideas off of. It probably didn't help being in my third trimester of pregnancy either. But I was determined and the good Lord loves me because he sent a fellow named Manuel who was willing to come the next day, tear out my misguided attempt and finish it all in a day and a half. Add in the handiest brother-in-law ever to handle the last plumbing tasks and I had my bathroom usable by my weekend deadline.
Best money spent ever. Especially because it was tax return money so it doesn't even count right? More progress happened in a week than we managed in five months. It looks fantastic and I can't wait to show you the final product once I get the new light fixture in and the vanity mirror up.
4 comments:
At least you tried! That's more than most moms can say! I look forward to the after pics. I love a good before and after!
Yea for Manuel. You have courage and you will surely have it down pat next time a bathtub ...um... malfunction... occurs.
I totally agree with Marilyn! I wouldn't have even tried so you are already more successful than me! I have loved seeing your party posts. It makes me feel like less of a lunatic for doing the same thing for birthdays. I love over the top parties!
I am just impressed you even jumped into that hoop of kneeling, then standing, then bending, then standing, then squatting, then standing in your third trimester! And I'm also impressed you wielded a sledge hammer. And, I think Arizona is too far away from Illinois.
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