My blog is called "Creative Smiles" because my designs are the result of incorporating mistakes. With fumble fingers that drop whatever they are holding - repeatedly, it takes a lot of giggles, smiles and creative patience during my crafting process. xx

Bathroom Remodel

November 4, 2013 our master bath remodel began. The saga begins at the bottom of this page - I missed taking a real "before" photo, but took some shots on Day One of demolition, with the oldest week being on the bottom of this page.

Weeks Five and Six
(All done!)

Entry
Entry



We also purchased something called a SCALE-BLASTER model SB175.
No more water spots in the house!
The water feels and tastes great!
No salt or filters to change. It is ecological, and really works!
Our model has a 10 year warranty on it.
And, we don't even have to dry the car after washing it because the residue
does not stick to the paint or windows!

Poor Little Ficus Tree - it is about 24" tall now, and started out
as a 3 inch cutting from the huge tree in the living room almost 3 years ago.





So far, the new shower has been very easy to keep clean.
The glass is treated to help with droplets.







Week Four:

Thanks for sharing this journey with us! A dismal, rainy week, with no light in the bathroom, so the photos are not very good.

Jack reinstalled the shelving in the linen closet, put the doors back up. Not sure what that circle is on the lens LOL and got the toilet in! (he is a happy camper)

Seems funny to order a toilet from Amazon, doesn't it? 
Jack's favorite part is the self-shut lid hahaha


Moved the eletrical for lights above the vanity, add electrical outlet for the drawers in the new vanity.


Patch where the old light fixtures were.


install vanities


The vanities are walnut in color, and made in the USA. Metal rollers for the drawers.


They are also perfect for humid areas (like Florida), and are easy to keep clean.

Our storage tripled.

Jack and I are tall, so the cabinets are also tall.

The quartz countertop is also produced in the USA. Different "ingredients" go into quartz countertops depending on the country of origin.

This quartz is very crisp and sharp, rather than "fuzzy" or hazy, like the countertops we reviewed at the big box home improvement stores.


Install the mirrors. (but I really do miss the really large mirror because it reflected the pretty pastureland and trees from the large window).


Still missing something...


One of the drawers needed to be changed to accommodate the electric, for in-drawer storage of toothbrush, hair blower, etc.



Lighting installed above mirrors.



Handicap bars put in place (they really look pretty!)

Plumbing fixtures installed in shower.



Week Three:

Hi! This week the tile layer jack-hammered the cement flooring because it was not level in some places.


He inserted the pre-fab shelving (niche) for the shower.


The little seat is a stainless steel base.



Arranging tile in the bathroom: I like the way the seams are matched around the outside of the shower, too. I'm sorry the photos are much darker and "yellower" than the actual tile.


Next came the shower floor tile - it is slip/skid resistent.


The bathroom floor tile was positioned and measured for a diagonal application:




Shower without grout:


Floor without grout:



Shower seat and niche are tiled, and shower and floor are grouted. After grouting, the tile was all given a very wet bath to clean any excess grout, and to make sure the adhesive cures properly:




Grout and Tile are dry:



Could there be a better husband? He vacuumed all the dust, washed the walls and ceiling, cleaned the ceiling fan, washed the windows, put the shelves back in the closet.



Thanks for checking out our progress. A few of you have asked how the stress of this project is affecting my health. I'm a bit more tired and symptomatic, but everyone has been courteous and respectful, and very nice and thoughtful. Thanks for asking.
hugs, 
de 11-18




Weeks One and Two:
The workers removed the old glass panels before any shots were taken:


We feared mold and other issues might be under the tile in the shower which prompted us to undertake the renos a year earlier than planned.



and there was mold...


The mold was in the insulation, but not the outside block.
However...
we discovered a newly formed termite colony, so a complete termite treatment and replacement of some 2x4s were required.

Two days later, cement board was put in the cleaned area


the sinks, mirror and vanities were removed:



When choosing products, the most difficult part was selecting a new paint color:

Before the last paint job, the bathroom had been wallpapered and the walls were smooth. With the renos, we had the dry wall retextured to match the rest of the house:


 

Then the Painters arrived for the primer and base coat of paints on the walls, ceilings and wood trim.
Apologies for the very poor lighting - the color is Indian River Rock which is very rich.

 

With the mold issue taken care of, the workers used a jack hammer to enlarge the shower. It will accommodate a wheel chair.



Each day the demolitionists cleaned up after themselves, and the other workers did a great job in keeping the site cleaned as well.


48 comments:

Brenda said...

WOW - that's a total GUT!!! Takes guts to do that LOL.... I'm sure it will be gorgeous when it's finished!!!

creativearts said...

Wow! That is a big job and I love the name of your paint because it is named after a cardstock from SU -- River Rock. Plus the heading on your blog is soooo... beautiful! Hope everything goes smooth from now to the end of your remodeling!

KarinsArtScrap said...

thats going tobe a great and big project Donna, love to see the end.

gr karin

Sjordan said...

I was in your boots three years ago but no termites. I was not able to afford to do all of like you so I still have a wallpapered bath and the same sink and vanity. It was a lot of work. I had a new window, etc. also put in. Your color is so nice! I replaced a tub with another tub but added grab bars and a handheld shower head with an adjustable bar for height. I only wish it had an on off button on the handheld. It is wonderful though. I also added a faucet that will adjust the water flow to use less or more pressure. I can't wait to see the end result.

Silvis Kreativstube said...

Hallo liebe Donna,
was für ein Stress, so viel Arbeit und Schmutz. Das mit dem Schimmel ist ja furchtbar, dann aber noch Termiten, meine Güte das ist ja ein Schock.

Ich bin begeistert wie flott die Handwerker bei dir arbeiten. Es sieht schon wieder richtig gut aus inzwischen. Ich hoffe das ihr bald wieder euer neues Bad nutzen könnt und diese Aufrgung vorbei geht.

God bless you.

Ich denke an euch und bete für euch.

Ganz liebe Grüße Hugs Silvi

Karen Petitt said...

Hope it all goes smoothly for you huni. We had to have our upstairs altered to have a walk in shower, made an awful mess for a while but was so worth it in the end! Wishing you warm sunny days with busy builders xx

McCrafty's Cards said...

Wow that is starting from scratch I look forward to see it when it is done, I hope you don't have to keep your legs crossed to long
Kevin xx

Stampsnob. said...

Oh my,
Donna are you well enough to deal with this?
I need to question you as we are planning on having our master bathroom re done next year , cosmetic but it will be a chore...>Lis

April said...

It looks like things are developing nicely! Can't wait to see the end results!

Mayras Designs said...

Wow, that is complete remodeling ! The results are amazing so far ! That paint color is beautiful ! I can imagine how amazing it will turn out you have such wonderful design talent !

Hugs,
Mayra
Mayrasdesigns.blogspot.com

Shona Erlenborn said...

We are in our fourth month of our bathroom renovations, ended up doing two which backed on to each other. I'll be showing them soon (when the window trim goes up) - the last step. The best thing is, we can run dishwasher, washer, flush toilets, and take three showers at the same time! Everyone gets hot water!

Anne Temple said...

Good think you did begin a year earlier - that way you found the termites before they did more damage. The after photos look great! Can't wait to see the finished results (know you'll be glad too).

KT Fit Kitty said...

Oh, what a project you have taken on. I am glad they got the mold. My bathroom needs to be gutted as well but it won't be happening for a while but I'm sure I have mold too. Termites - so glad you got rid of those! All of your photos are wonderful. You must be so happy this is getting done.

Sharon said...

Such a big job you have taken on Donna but it looks from the pics so far that it is going to be well worth it. Love the colour of the paint.
Look forward to more photos.
Have a lovely week.
Hugs Sharon. x

Leslie Miller said...

You just never know what's lurking beneath the surface. It's going to feel great getting that taken care of. Progress looks good, and it appears a beautiful result is close. I think you're going to love it! I'm so glad you're sharing the project. Thanks!

cotnob said...

Wow! This looks like a mammoth task Donna, but it does look like things are progressing nicely - I can't wait to see the end result.
Pauline
x

Dawn said...

Probably not what you were hoping to find, but I'm sure it feels good to have it taken care of. I love the warm paint colour and I'm sure it will look beautiful when it is all done. How wonderful they are keeping things clean too - jackhammering can make such a mess with dust everywhere. I'm looking forward to seeing it when it is done. Hugs, Dawn

Carol Hurlock said...

Your bathroom is going to be gorgeous. I love the new color. Living in the south you always have to be wary of termites. We had discovered them last year here in the most unique way!!! My son was vacuuming for me and a piece of wood flooring sucked up into the vacuum and we he looked down he could see the Ctermites. We caught it in time-there wasn't much damage from them. Can't wait to see the progress on your project.
Bear Hugs,
Carol

Sue said...

We just did this, without the mold and termites though, thank goodness. Totally gutted the bathroom and started over. Took us 8 weeks and we did the work ourselves. Never thought to take before and after pictures. Hope the time flies by and it is done sooner than you thought.

Hugs
Sue

Desire Fourie said...

Wow this is a huge project. Cant believe there were termites. Cant wait to see the end result.
Hugs Desíre {Doing Life}W

craftieodmae said...

What a big job!!!! It's gorogeus already, can't wait to see the final photos!! You one lucky gal!!!

NanaConnie said...

This is a magnificent makeover, Donna! I love that tile you chose even if it does look yellower in your photos. How wonderful it will be to step in there and use it for time to come. :-D

Karen Petitt said...

It's looking fab De, love those tiles and the colour is gorgeous. Make sure you rest lots as this sort of stuff does stress our bodies. Sending you hugs huni and hope they are finished soon xx

Shona Erlenborn said...

It seems like it's going pretty quickly, Donna. Hang in there. It looks great already.

Mayras Designs said...

Wow , everything is looking so beautiful ! I love the colors of tile ! I can't wait to see it when it's finished !

Hugs,
Mayra
Mayrasdesigns.blogspot.com

Monica said...

What a kind man you have as a hubby and what a grateful wife he has. This new look is awesome. I like the colours and the general feel of it.
Love,
M

Sue said...

WOW, they made a lot of progress! It's going to be so beautiful. When the mess is all gone and everything is in place, you are going to love it. Good for your husband, that's really what it's all about, right!
Hang in there!
Hugs
Sue

Karenladd said...

We had two of our bathrooms remodeled about 5 years ago and so I know how complicated it can become. When they remove one thing, they discover another problem but at least it gets taken care of. WOW, I'm sure you are relieved to have that mold and termite problem taken care of. The mold must have been terrible for your health problems. Your bathroom remodel is going to be SO worth it!

Benzi said...

Oh my gosh, this brings back memories of our house just last year. First, we had all the pipes replaced...ceilings and walls all torn out. What a nightmare. Then, we waited two weeks for the sheet rock people to come and put it all back together. Then, we started remodeling kitchen. We got new cabinets in the kitchen, all the bathrooms (up and downstairs), laundry room, and pantry hall. We finished and got it all back together just about 1 1/2-2 wks. before Christmas. Whew! All this started in April. We have just about re-done the whole house. New wood and porcelain floors in all but two rooms. I feel for you. But, you'll be so happy in the end.

Carol Hurlock said...

Your bathroom is going to be beautiful once completed. We are going to do ours next year. I can't wait to see what your shower doors are going to look like. I have pinned my shower on pinterest of what I want...lol I love the seat and want one in ours too. Thanks for sharing.
Bear Hugs,
Carol

Shirley said...

You could fit a football team in that bathroom Donna. It looks so grand. Can't wait to see it finished.

Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x

Carol Hurlock said...

It's coming along nicely. The color is pretty too! Bet you can't wait for it to be finished. With all boys in the house most of my life-I can appreciate that seat....lol
Bear Hugs,
Carol

Benzi said...

Things are progressing nicely. Yea! Good idea with the taller counter tops and cabinets. They're so nice when you're tall.

Benzi said...

Things are progressing nicely. Yea! Good idea with the taller counter tops and cabinets. They're so nice when you're tall.

Mayras Designs said...

Continue to be amazed at the beautiful transformation of your remodel ! I feel so inspired !!

Hugs,
Mayra
Mayrasdesigns.blogspot.com

Benzi said...

Hi De, just checking for more photos of the progress. Hope it is almost finished.

Abfabdesigns said...

Well ,I'm coming over ,even ifs just for a shower ,
Beautiful Dahling
Hugs M xx

Jean Bullock said...

WOW! Impressive.

Kathyk said...

Bit of a marathon task - sorry to hear about the "****" termites! But soooooooooooooo worth it - your bathroom looks fabulous now

Kathyk

Benzi said...

Woweee! It's finished and beautiful. I know you are both glad that project is behind you. So glad you made us some photos. I bet you're loving it.

BTW, I bought the ingredients to make your Pumpkin Flaxseed Muffins with Molasses. I hope to make that recipe this coming week.

pam said...

Hi Donna, well this is a fantastic result, amazing, bet your loving it.
pam

Stampsnob. said...

Oh Donna , that is beauteous . I have to get busy and get mine started .........Lis

Verna Angerhofer said...

Well, it sure turned out beautifully. Enjoy and so nice you could have it done. We need to do one soon ourselves.

Frann said...

Donna, your new bathroom is beyond gorgeous! Enjoy it.

Shona Erlenborn said...

It looks fantastic, Donna. There are so many similarities to our new digs too! ... and you've just reminded me - I never, ever posted my before and afters!

Becky said...

Beautiful!

Karen Petitt said...

I have bathroom envy De! It looks gorgeous and that walk in shower is so very wonderful! Love the fact that there is a little seat to lean against or rest on, fabulous!

MaryH said...

Just enjoyed your remodeling of the bathroom. How gorgeous it is, and I am so loving that glass shower enclosure. I must get the name of the product that keeps your glass clean (Daughter's shower looks much like yours - ditto the countertop product). You are one lucky lady to have a DH who can do this kind of hard, backbreaking & painstaking work. How lucky, too, that you've eliminated that nasty mold...can cause health issues if unknown. Ditto again, with the termites before they caused a lot of structural damage. You now have a wonderful serene area to enjoy when needed, and I liked the idea of the safety bars (we have them too) and the wheelchair accessibility. TFS the terrific pictures and also the Edith updates..once I found them! OE on my part. Hugs