One Room Challenge

This past week proved to be interesting.

We had hoped to start on the demo of our One Room Challenge but my husband took a tumble down our staircase and landed on his rib cage. He hit so hard that he has been out of commission for any type of manual labor. Coughing and sneezing even hurt. Poor guy! The memory still makes me cringe as I share this.

Next, I found out my contractor cannot fit us in his schedule. I have to find a new one to help us with a few things. A good contractor is like a good hair stylist…when you find one, you don’t want to let them go. But this challenge is requiring me to search for new help. It’ll all work out in the end.

I mentioned in my first post that we’d be doing most of the work in our hall bath ourselves. There are a few things that I do want some expert help with though like plumbing, building the shower pan, tile work and possibly the pocket door. We’ll see on that. I think we can do it; my husband is a bit doubtful. Either way, it’s important for anyone to remember when to bring the pros in…and I’m not too proud to do so.

So what have we been up to this week?

My cute apprentice helped prepare and prime the new vanity cabinet. This cabinet I found on a local Facebook sales group. I feel in love with the doors and the size was perfect for our space. I didn’t want a typical vanity cabinet in this bathroom.

What is unique about this piece is that is was originally designed to hold records. I’m curious as to the age of it. All I know is that it’s an “antique”, according to the previous owner, and it’s going to be fabulous when done.

To get it ready for a sink base, we removed all the dividers and the top. We’ll reuse the top for a different project because it’s in great shape and will make for a beautiful table. The cabinet was a bit “loose” once all that was removed, so we glued it back together.

Inside of cabinet

My top choice of wood glue is TightBond. I was recommended this particular glue by a gentleman at Lowes last summer. He said it’s stronger than wood, fast-drying and easy cleanup. It even says so on the label. It is my go-to glue for every wood project I work on.

Side note: I do not receive any money for recommending this product.

I share because it’s worthy of a share.

Tile update…

My daughter fell in love with the blue penny tile, but I made a mistake when I thought the store was down the mountain from us…it’s not. The closest is 2 ½ hours away. I could potentially have that tile in hand when I drive through Knoxville at the end of the month. We head that direction for a two-day regatta; my kids row and I cheer.

The only problem is that timeframe gets us real close to the deadline of this challenge.  Worse case, I go with the hexagonal tile at Lowes. It’ll all be based on a slim schedule.

Dark Blue Multi Penny Porcelain Mosaic

White Matte Hexagon Porcelain Mosaic

White Matte Honeycomb Porcelain Mosaic

Plumbing fixture update…

I’ve been researching and pricing all materials. I’ll have a great handle on that by the beginning of next week. With Easter here, people do not want to work over the weekend. I don’t blame them.

Shower Door update….

We’re deciding between clear glass and a textured one. The kids tend to walk in the bathroom when someone is in the shower, so they might want a little obscurity. I prefer the clear look to help enlarge the space. We’ll see what is ultimately chosen.

Pocket door update…

I watched numerous videos and found them all to be very helpful. We’ve never installed one before, but we may opt to hire someone for this work.

Productivity update…

My productivity with this One Room Challenge is really seen in my lists and contacts…and in the primed cabinet. Projects can get off to a slow start because there are so many parts to them; it takes planning and a whole lot of it. My goal is to gut the hall bathroom once all materials are in so we can have it functioning in a short period of time, especially since two teenagers share that room. Therefore, the ordering and planning will happen before the demo.

Calling contractors and vendors beforehand helps you know their timelines, prices, and availability. To keep track of all that, I actually put together a home project planner for people who are getting ready to take on a project of their own. It’s in my resource library should you decide you’d like a copy. As a gift for joining our community, all my subscribers receive one when they fill out the offer. If you’re not part of our community just yet, we’d love to have you!

I read today that life is a gift and is one to be cherished, not taken for granted. In that same spirit, I want you to know what a gift you are to me! Having you join our community is something I truly cherish! Thank you!

Till next week, I wish you all a very happy and blessed Easter!

Talk with you again soon!

PS…if you care to see the inspiration for the Hall Bath reno, click here.