Transforming Your Bathroom on a Budget
As I look back over the years, I realize that I have never undertaken a big remodeling project. My home renovations have been limited to mere cosmetic work – a fresh coat of paint here, some new hardware there. But this time, I decided to take the plunge and completely overhaul not one, but two of my bathrooms! Let me tell you, it was quite the journey, filled with equal parts excitement and trepidation.
Planning is Key
The very first step in my DIY bathroom remodel journey was to find an experienced contractor I could trust. Luckily, my daughter Casey and her husband Finn had used Patrik for all their home projects, and they vouched for his reliability and talent. I invited Patrik over to take a look at my bathrooms and provide an estimate. He informed me that he couldn’t fit me into his schedule until May, but that the entire project would take around three weeks. This gave me ample time to get everything planned and ordered.
One of the best decisions I made was to have Casey’s interior designer friend, Jen, draw up the architectural plans for both bathrooms. This allowed me to visualize the space and make changes before committing to anything. For example, I had my heart set on a freestanding tub, but wasn’t sure if I had the room. Jen’s plans showed me exactly how it would look, and I fell in love with the design. She also helped me determine the ideal tile layout and quantity to order. Having those professional blueprints was invaluable – they ensured Patrik’s crew knew exactly what I wanted, and everything turned out perfectly.
The Ordering Nightmare
As someone living in a small condo without much storage, the ordering process was a major headache for me. Where on earth was I going to keep all the materials until installation time? Thankfully, Casey and Finn came to my rescue and let me use part of their garage. I don’t know what I would have done without that extra space!
The actual ordering was nerve-wracking as well. I had my heart set on using the Cloe tile line, but ran into major shipping delays due to the pandemic. After two failed online orders, I eventually found a local tile shop, The Tile Outlet, that was able to get me the tile and hold it until I needed it. Lesson learned – when it comes to materials, it’s best to go with a local supplier who can provide better service and reliability.
Navigating Homeowner Association Rules
Another unexpected challenge I faced was navigating the rules and regulations of my homeowner’s association. A few days before the project was set to begin, I informed my neighbors about the upcoming construction, only to be told that each unit owner would need to vote on approving the project. What?! I had no idea such a requirement existed. Luckily, my neighbors were understanding, and everyone voted in favor. But it was an embarrassing situation that could have been avoided had I simply read the association’s bylaws ahead of time.
Keeping the Crew Happy
Through it all, I have to give a huge shoutout to Patrik and his crew. They were absolute rockstars, tackling any issue that arose with a smile on their face. To keep them motivated and happy, I made sure to provide regular “treats” – donuts, coffee, water, and even homemade cookies. These small gestures went a long way in ensuring they went above and beyond to deliver the bathrooms of my dreams.
The Reward
As I look back on this whole experience, the biggest lesson I learned is that I should have done this years ago. I’ve always hated my dated, builder-grade bathrooms, but the idea of a full-blown renovation seemed so daunting that I kept putting it off. Now that it’s done, I can say with absolute certainty that the temporary inconvenience was worth it a thousand times over. I feel like I’m living in a fancy hotel when I step into my new bathrooms! The reward of having a space I truly love far outweighs any of the challenges I faced along the way.
So, if you’re on the fence about tackling a bathroom remodel, let me be the one to tell you: don’t wait! The planning and execution may seem overwhelming, but with the right team and a little determination, you can transform your dated bathroom into a beautiful, functional oasis. It’s an investment that will pay dividends in your daily life for years to come.
Additional Resources for DIY Bathroom Remodeling
If you’re feeling inspired to take on your own DIY bathroom remodel, be sure to check out these helpful resources:
[1] Tips for a budget-friendly bathroom makeover: https://graceinmyspace.com/diy-bathroom-remodel-on-a-budget/
[2] Advice for reading homeowner association rules before starting construction: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/bathrooms/21018907/read-this-before-you-redo-a-bath
[3] Ideas for mixing metals and finishes in the bathroom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_enz98N2n0
[4] Lessons learned from a full bathroom renovation: https://thediyplaybook.com/bathroom-renovation-lessons/