The Revenge of the Guest Bathroom: Week 7

The tile is almost done. I repeat: the tile is almost done! To say I am thrilled is an understatement. The tiler will be grouting today but caulking in the next few weeks–I’ll explain why in a minute.

I purchased the wall tile well over a year ago and had no idea if I would still like it. Maybe it was too big? Maybe it looked too cheap. I just wasn’t sure. The floor tile was a recent addition after the first contractor ruined the original batch. Unfortunately, I couldn’t afford to replace the more expensive tile, so I had to downgrade to a more budget-friendly option. That pivot left me second-guessing everything.

Luckily, my concerns were unfounded, and it is all coming together beautifully.

If this is your first time here, I invite you to catch up on the (fiasco!) of this project here: week 1 | week 2 | week 3 | week 4 | week 5 | week 6

Although I planned to talk more about waterproofing today, I’m headed to the Hudson Valley for the True Tales From Old Houses live audience event. So, it will have to wait. A waterproofing post is definitely coming, and you’re welcome to subscribe to my blog so you don’t miss it. The subscribe option is in the sidebar or the footer, depending on if you’re reading on a computer, smartphone, or tablet.

Before and Afters

Typically, I save before-and-afters for the big reveal, but I can’t help myself. The contrast between the work of the two tilers is mind-blowing. In all fairness, I’m not quite comparing apples to apples since the tile sizes are different, but so much of the original contractor’s incompetence started with his poor prep work and lack of detail skills.

The new tiler is tidy, detail-oriented, and very invested in doing good work. He checks in with me at every critical point to ensure we agree on how to proceed. I trust his recommendations, and that feels like a breath of fresh air.

The after photos are garbage quality, and I apologize. I was in a big hurry and shaking from happiness, much like a labrador retriever. Ha!

Before:

After:

Before

After:

Before:

After:

Before:

The first contractor left no way to properly install the last piece of hardwood flooring, including slipping it under the frame of the door. Instead, he would have had to cut off the tongue and bluntly cut the sides to make it fit.

After:

I could do this all day, but I have to pack my gear for the weekend. The old contractor never got his hands on the shower, thank goodness. So, I’ll leave you a little preview of what’s coming.

Since I’ll miss an entire weekend of work, next week will be busy. The bathroom should be mostly done by the end of week eight, but I’m sure there will be a follow-up post or two. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to use the bathroom for a while because I’m having the top of the shower curb templated for a solid piece of “something” (TBD). The tiler is coming back to caulk after that is installed.

I am so excited to show you the guest bath next week! Until then, please visit the One Room Challenge blog to see everyone else’s progress during week seven.

Thank you for being here.