Bathroom Project
Posted 11-10-2023 at 10:18 AM by Driver 47
Funny how one project grows and morphs into something bigger. I wanted a bathtub taken out of and converted into a walk-in shower as both my Mrs and I prefer showers to soaking in the tub. The bathroom in question is for the first floor and the second-floor guest rooms. I would rather have a half bath for the first floor (Where the master suite is) and a walk-in shower with W/C & vanity upstairs for the guest rooms except it would necessitate repositioning a wall and running plumbing up from the basement. Not to mention the cost. 
So began things last May with soliciting bids and vetting tradesmen. I'm a believer in not just throwing a fiberglass surround in, which would have been the least expensive option. I have a fiberglass walk-in in the on-suite bath and it's on the smallish side for me.
I wanted ceramic tile as it would add value to the house but not just any tiles, there was a mural by a Japanese artist with a mural titled "The great wave off Kanagawa" (Google it I can't post pictures.)
After searching, I found the mural in the gallery section of a local custom bath & tile store's website. Then I learned they wanted $11,000 to reproduce it for me. This would have been painted on tile they would install.
Much too expensive for me.
Further searching found a 36 X 48 mural baked into ceramic tile - no worries about scratching that! Still expensive, but a fraction of the custom, painted on mural. I had to find a tile setter who would install tile I provided and lucked out.
I knew he was right for the job as he had the same scene tattooed on his arm.
Glass doors proved elusive, I didn't want to hit my head getting in so (I'm 6' 3") this meant taller than normal doors. Two months out after ordering they arrived at the installer. except he's booked up nearly three months in advance, so I'm still waiting.
Next the vanity. I ordered one from Home Despot, and the delivery monkeys managed to crack the slate vanity countertop on the first two attempted deliveries, followed by diplomatic requests for replacement resulted in threats of legal action on our part to motivate the seller and vendor. Refund in hand we found a better cabinet for much less $$ with a dark granite top which looked much better than the slate. Now it's up to the plumber.
I can't believe the delay in getting things done! I want to get the master bath done next and I've learned to book tradesmen well in advance!
So began things last May with soliciting bids and vetting tradesmen. I'm a believer in not just throwing a fiberglass surround in, which would have been the least expensive option. I have a fiberglass walk-in in the on-suite bath and it's on the smallish side for me.
I wanted ceramic tile as it would add value to the house but not just any tiles, there was a mural by a Japanese artist with a mural titled "The great wave off Kanagawa" (Google it I can't post pictures.)
After searching, I found the mural in the gallery section of a local custom bath & tile store's website. Then I learned they wanted $11,000 to reproduce it for me. This would have been painted on tile they would install.
Much too expensive for me.
Further searching found a 36 X 48 mural baked into ceramic tile - no worries about scratching that! Still expensive, but a fraction of the custom, painted on mural. I had to find a tile setter who would install tile I provided and lucked out. I knew he was right for the job as he had the same scene tattooed on his arm.
Glass doors proved elusive, I didn't want to hit my head getting in so (I'm 6' 3") this meant taller than normal doors. Two months out after ordering they arrived at the installer. except he's booked up nearly three months in advance, so I'm still waiting.
Next the vanity. I ordered one from Home Despot, and the delivery monkeys managed to crack the slate vanity countertop on the first two attempted deliveries, followed by diplomatic requests for replacement resulted in threats of legal action on our part to motivate the seller and vendor. Refund in hand we found a better cabinet for much less $$ with a dark granite top which looked much better than the slate. Now it's up to the plumber.
I can't believe the delay in getting things done! I want to get the master bath done next and I've learned to book tradesmen well in advance!
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