Al...most...there...

Last year at about this time, I started a "home improvement" project. We had recently purchased our new home (built in 1871!!) and upon moving in, pieces in one of our two bathrooms started shutting down. It began with a mystery leak under the sink, and after trying everything I knew at the time (turn the faucets handle harder) to stop the leak, I just shut off the feed lines. We had another sink close by. Problem solved. Then the corner shower unit installed by a previous owner began to back up. A bit of time and a few bottles of Liquid Plum'r later, we decided to just use the other bath. We still had a toilet, right? After a while, it too became inoperable, (roller coaster ride, anyone?). I decided I'd had enough, and started asking some of my neighbors for information. After almost a full year, I now understand why they were so reluctant to help. Some friends from our church were much more willing, and so, after inspecting the job to be done, we started pulling out EVERYTHING from the small room. The paneling they had used to hide the holes in the plaster walls, the (total of) 1/2 inch of plywood for floor and sub floor, shower, sink, toilet, walls, and ceiling- after it fell on us. I was now the owner of a black hole of a bathroom.

After repairing floor joists, running all new plumbing, new electric lines, installing an overhead light and exhaust fan, sub floor, tile backer, drywall, and tub, I am seeing a light at the end of this tunnel. Above, I've included two pictures from after the demolition. Yesterday, a church friend came over and helped me lay the tile. I am so excited to be this close to finishing, I just had to share. The room is only 9.5 ft. x 4.5 ft. with a window at one end, yet it has a full size tub, and will have a working sink and toilet within the next few weeks.

Every body dance a happy dance with me !