Guest Bathroom Makeover EXTRAVAGANZA!

Passing Notes Today:  Mrs. Gosling

Hello Ladies!

Here is a story about what I'm thankful for: a finished renovation! Yay for a remodeled bathroom.  Have we all been there?

It was a beautiful sunny day in August 2008.  We had just moved into our dream "we can do this again, despite having just left a completely renovated house with all new EVERYTHING and now we have two children" home.  We were ready!  We were young(er).  We were hungry and up for the challenge of re-doing another house.  After tackling a bunch of small projects it was time to slow things down and start saving for the major renovations.  The bathroom!  Well, those bathrooms had other plans for us (darn home inspector).  The minute we moved in things broke down again and again and AGAIN.  Until we eventually stopped using the pink one for almost 2 years.  Next on the list, new car  ......... BATHROOM!

The Pink Bathroom

So the research began.  In this household, I am the planner.  I set the budget, design the renovation, purchase the supplies and meet with any contractors we bring in.  

I like to know things like how to cut tile, why did the wire set on fire inside the drywall (true story, please refer to "faulty wire" text above) and how many sledgehammers does it take to knockout a 60" vanity.  I love the nitty gritty of any project.  Knowledge is POWER!  My husband also doesn't give a "hoot" how it all comes together, so it's easy for me to take over.  It works for us, division of labor. 

Our Budget:  $1800 with some "wiggle" factor.  

I know what you are thinking, that's nothing for a bathroom and it isn't.  BUT, this bathroom only required a little plumbing work which was very accessible through the garage.  So most of the costs, were subject to what we picked out.  Did I mention I am also a stickler for no waste?

Here is the list of goodies used on this renovation:

• Elbow grease and good ol' hard labor
• Cement board, for both the shower and flooring (if you use drywall or plywood, your tile grout will crack and not hold up to any mold/mildew.  Don't be stingy!
• Beadboard, chair rail, baseboard and shoe molding
• Drywall for patching only
• Plumbing supplies (shut off valves, ptraps, overflow kits .....)
• Pre-mixed thinset for all tile, thinset tape for joints, joint compound for drywall patching, pre-mixed grout (this was a mistake, will explain later), sanding blocks, grout sealer, grout haze remover, caulk and a REALLY good vacuum.
• Custom built vanity
• Double bowl vanity top, marble (Mr. 2nds $160)
• Moen Shower unit and double faucets ($280)
• 1 exhaust fan ($80)
• 5 recessed light units ($100)
• 4 Decor switches, 1 GFI outlets (a must for water proximity).
• Kohler Highline Energy efficient toilet ($180) - home depot
• Floor tile, 18 x 18" porcelain tile ($120) - home depot
• Shower tile, 8 x 10" subway tile ($100) - home depot
• Large mirror, 30 x 75" ($55) - TJMaxx
• Primer, paint (already had both of this from other projects) - Eddie Bauer, Honeysuckle Bloom

The "Don."  He took to the bathroom while I headed to Home Depot for supplies. 

This is embarrassing.  I am wearing my husband's shoes, pajama pants that I slept in and my hair is as frizzy as the day is long.  FYI - it was 90 degrees and 2 am.  
  

So far, the exhaust fan has been installed, the recessed lights above the vanity and recessed lights in the shower.  I put on 5 very thin coats of compound, light sanding.  Rinse, repeat.  Rinse, repeat.  It's a slow process but necessary.  The primer and paint will show a "rush job."  Take your time.  We have also covered the old tiled walls with beadboard.  It adds texture and character, it's less drywall work and the same cost.

Oh, look at that.  My hair is still a mess.  Good news:  the cement board is down, tile completed, beadboard, chair rail, baseboard and shoe molding is done.  We have filled all the nail holes, sanded and primed.

Onto the shower.  The original tub stayed.  The plumbing was roughed in, cement board was laid, all the joints taped and mudded.  We picked an inexpensive large subway tile from Home Depot ($1.20 each) and laid it vertically.  People say that this is the "cool" way to do it now and all the houses have it.  I wouldn't know, because I am not really cool ... but I did it.  They were right, it's wicked awesome.   

After the tile had set for 48 hours, we grouted with a premixed grout.  We will not do that again.  The premixed grout was much easier to use and saved time in mixing.  However, when we applied the sealer - the grout reacted and turned a slight brown.  It's not that noticeable, but does appear taupe in some spots.  The premixed grout doesn't seem to clean up as well either.  Lesson learned ... moving on!

Here is the final product! Overall, we ended up spending about $2100.  We spent quite a bit on the custom vanity, but it was worth it.  It allowed us to completely customize the height, width and color of the unit.  Now, you can access all the plumbing with ease, it's tall enough for adults to comfortably use it and the stool slides perfectly underneath.   Voila...the finished product!

It's done!  Woohoo!

Speaking of custom vanity ... its former life was 2 old panel doors that we purchased from ReHouse (here in Rochester, NY) and refurbished.  They were from a barn in Mumford, New York!  Originally we were going to build the vanity ourselves, but small children and a busy work schedule didn't allow that .. so off with the carpenter the doors went.  He magically cut them down (the sides are 1 door that he cut in half), the legs are hemlock wood that he routed for character.  The bottoms are finials.  And POOF, he put them all together, the way that only carpenters can ... and brought it back.  We then stripped the vanity 6 times, gave it a good sanding and started staining.  We used Walnut finish - polyshades and did 3 coats.  VOILA! 

The total cost for the vanity was: 

*$120 for both doors

*$300 for legs and construction of the vanity

*$8 for the stain.

*$428

Way cheaper than any 60"W x 36"H custom vanity out there.  It was upcycled and has a ton of character! 

We used cultured marble and Moen Brushed nickel faucets.  Never cheap out on the fixtures, we usually buy Moen or Delta.  They are more expensive but the "inner workings" (IE:  washers and valves) are better and don't require replacing. 

The mirror was originally GOLD.  OH yea!  It was chipped badly so we got it for $55 (originally $90 from TJ Maxx).  We sanded it and painted it with a Behr (cracked pepper) paint.  I bought a sample for $3. 

And finally, here are the 8 x 10" white subway tiles from Home Depot.  Matching Shower unit. 

Ready for the next bathroom?  Brown 50's tile .......

Keep grouting,

Mrs. Kelly Comment:  I'm so jealous.  I love the vanity and the big mirror.  I love the big subway tile.  But I also LOVE the price tag.  You need to come plan a project for me.  

Mrs. Williams Comment:  Wow, Mrs. G. YOU tiled your bathtub surround?  That's almost cooler than the fact that you tiled them vertically.  You're so handy!