The bathroom terror

As most know, I am fairly confident with new tasks but this whole reno thing is unchartered territory for me. On top of every single thing that I try being completely new, there is no one around that I know well enough to invite over for a little assistance or guidance. That's what friends are for and I usually trade computer help for assistance with plumbing, electrical, mechanical etc where I am a little more timid. Well for the most part, trading computer work with people that are knowledgeable in the areas I lack is non existent because many do not even have a computer or it may be something that is there if one is forced to write an email.... Anyways, I digress. The point is that most of these stories cover the process of an over haul that is incredibly daunting for me and while many would scoff at the accomplishment, I am proud of each completed project even with any flaws or defect. Most are done with inaduequate tools and only the guesstimate of how things are done. This is especially true for the finer arts of home reno like the finishing touches. I am great at the dismantling, the measuring and cutting of the raw materials but the most improvement has been required and being noticed in the finishing touches.

Well with this bathroom, I did fantastic at removing the damaged dry wall and cutting new peices in but it took me a few tries to master the drywall tape zen. I kept getting bubbles in the tape. If anyone knows the secret in a nutshell, don't bother telling me now because it will make me mad ;) I finally got it pretty smooth and I am going to slap a layer of primer up on it (Actually Nicole has been doing an amazing job at the painting so when I say I, I likely mean Nicole) and then I will be able to determine how much more drywall effort should be spent on the wall. If all goes well I am hoping I can avoid anymore all together because it is messy and an annoying task.

Then we come to the tiles.... I did great at the layout and spacing but I didn't do amazing the first time around at getting the last of the lino backing off the flooring. Luckily I had no idea how I would do so I bought a whole bunch of extra tile to make up for my mistakes. So the adhesive wasn't as forgiving as I had originally imagined but live and learn. I also think from reading the tile package (who knew good instructions would be right on the pack) that I may be providing too much pressure downward when installing them. Maybe they are supposed to sit sort of on top of the adhesive but for now they are looking really good and as soon as someone in town gets a sponged and some type of grouting tool to wedge the grout into the cracks I will give that a go. For now things are coming along, and once we get some paint on the walls I will be able to install the toilet and the vanity and everything will really start to pull together. For now I feel like this has been the never ending project but I guess it is coming along and it is looking good.

Numerous other improvements over the last little while include:

• Nicole's amazing wallpaper border removal
  
• Nicole's amazing job of painting the hallway
• Re-tile the walk-in cooler with commercial tiles
• Install 4 of 6 toilets
• Clean, Clean, Clean

More to come soon......