The Bathroom Remodel That Went Nowhere

I have been sitting on this post for a few days because the freshness of the failed guest bathroom remodel challenged my desire to exercise compassion and kindness above all else. Now that I am a few days removed from parting with the contractor, I have a better handle on my feelings and, therefore, my actions.

There were many (many!) red flags throughout our time together, but I felt like I had a handle on how well or poorly the work was going. At each crossroads, I assessed whether it was worth continuing, and my optimistic outlook called the shots for a lot longer than I would like to admit. Finally, four months into a six to eight-week remodel, I realized that I had a headache every day he was here, and I had a stomach ache on the weekends thinking about the coming week’s work. I kept detailed notes, and I will go to my grave believing that there was no ill-intent behind the contractor’s actions. He was simply in over his head, combined with additional personal challenges. He should have walked away weeks earlier, and I shouldn’t have let it go on so long. We did each other no favors.

What’s Next?

Unfortunately, this fiasco blew my bathroom remodeling budget, and I will have to finish both of the bathrooms on my own. The silver lining is that I found an excellent plumber, and I already had top-notch electricians. It’s a relief to have that support as I move forward.

Right now, I’m up to my eyeballs in other projects and the podcast. So, I’ll be completing the guest bath remodel as my spring One Room Challenge project. The spring One Room Challenge runs from April 6 through May 25.

The Guest Bath To Do List

I realize that the list is rather extensive, but writing it all down made me feel better. It helped me identify my DIY strengths and weaknesses, and there’s time to prepare.

• Remove 2/3 or maybe all of the floor tile
• Remove and replace poorly cut hardibacker on the floor
• Replace the shower curb – This might not be truly necessary for a competent contractor, but I’m replacing it with something I feel more comfortable working with.
• Waterproof the shower – I have low confidence that the current waterproofing is enough.
• Tile the shower floors and walls
• Re-tile the floor
• Grout
• Finish the walls above the shower
• Install crown molding
• Repair the waincoting
• Install baseboards and shoe
• Intall the toilet
• Reinstall the medicine cabinet or a mirror or both
• Finish the window and re-install it.
• Hire a roofer to cut a hole and weatherproof the exhaust pipe for the bathroom fan
• Rewire the light fixture
• Call the electrician for finish work
• Consider a glass door OR a shower curtain option for the interim
• Touch-up painting
• Paint the door
• Install towel bars and a grab bar

Some of these tasks will probably be done before the official start of the challenge, but I will get into the nuts and bolts of describing it all starting April 7.

Thanks for being here.

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