Patrick and I bought this house in Phoenix in March of 2015. It is a tract house, but the story is that the original builder in our community built models (one of which is our house) and then only sold a few and we are told the original builder went broke. Later Lennar homes took over and there were apparently two other phases of houses build here.
We were attracted to this particular house, because of it’s unique design and the fact there isn’t another one like in the 100+ homes in our neighborhood. It only has two bedrooms, which works for us, and a great yard, kitchen, patio and a double garage.
When we bought it, there were some updates and it was clean and livable until we could make changes. Or as they say on HGTV “make it our own” “put our stamp on it.”
Since we have been here we have done some major remodel/upgrades and we are averaging one or two a year. We have done something major at the end of summer every year and so far are happy with the changes and upgrades we have done.
Last week we were updating our Project List and planning what was next. We had discussed new windows, finishing the outside shed, painting the outside of the house and other smaller projects.
We have been dealing with a slow draining tub in the Master Bath since we moved in. We were able to determine, it wasn’t the drain itself but the tub drain plug (one of the pop up kinds) that was causing the issue. We decided to remove the drain plug, but the large screw that held it in place was terribly corroded. We removed the rubber seal and it was draining better. Last week we soaked the drain plug assembly in “crude” remover and tried again to remove it, only to discover the whole assembly was corroded. In removing the drain the plastic parts just disintegrated. Good news — tub drains great; Bad news — there is a big black hole and no way to plug the drain to take a bath. Of course we could replace the drain and the faucet, shower head and control which were 30 years old and worn out, but that would leave an ugly outdated marble surround and tub/shower fixtures.
I went for my morning walk last Wednesday morning and contemplated if it was wise to spend money to repair an old worn out ugly tub with 80’s style marble surround or just replace it and tile the surround to match the hall bath that we had remodeled in 2016. When I got back, I asked Patrick if he wanted to just replace the tub and upgrade everything and he agreed. He had checked into resurfacing the tub sometime back and it was expensive and was still an outdated tub and surround.
And so the tub replacement project moved to the top of the list and we had our late summer remodel project.
I contacted our “guy” who had done the hall bathroom and he said he could start on Monday, so Thursday we had to buy tub and tile and have it here by Monday for planning purposes.
On Sunday we moved essentials from the bathroom and bedroom and put away decorative items. Monday morning we covered the bed in plastic and were ready to go. The carpet in the bedroom was covered in plastic and taped down, a “drape” of plastic hung over the doorway and countertop covered. The countertop and sinks need to be replaced but that is for later. The tile floor is fairly new, I think replaced not too long before we bought the house, so we are not replacing it now either.
Demolition on Monday was easy and fairly quick. The rest of the process has gone well, but slow. We are now halfway through day five and the tub is in, plumbing reconnected and all but decorative tile part of surround is complete. It looks great and should be finished by Sunday.
We have done OK, but for two old people to share one pedestal sink, one toilet and one shower when we are accustomed to having three sinks, storage closet and vanity and a tub/shower combo, shower and two toilets, it has been interesting.
Patrick has moved to the guest room, because of the dust and having to walk on plastic in the bedroom, but I am uncovering the bed every night and sleeping in the construction zone. I have opted for the comfort of the King Size bed over the trouble of uncovering and covering it. I am not running the ceiling fan at night because it just seems to stir up the dust.
We both have necessary toiletries in boxes and it is amazing how little I need in the way of makeup and drug items when I don’t have access to the big bathroom. I must have been dillusional when planning this project as I thought since only the tub was being replaced that access to sinks and vanity and storage cabinet in big bathroom would be accessible after work was completed for the day. However, that involves uncovering and recovering everything, so it is easier to just camp out and wait until the bathroom is habitable again. I don’t like to share a bathroom. It is one of my rules. “There are three things I do not want to share…a bathroom, computer or car”
It is certainly a lesson in humility and flexibility to share a small bathroom for a week. I am trying to look at it as a learning experience and I will certainly appreciate it when we can go back to our old routine.
Surprisingly we haven’t yelled too much at each other and most of the frustrations have been more comical than serious.
We have both had one day when we “escaped” the construction zone, Patrick to work the Polls for the Primary Election and me to babysit.
We can see the light at the end of the tunnel and of course there will have to be a thorough house cleaning after the bathroom is finished. Winston has adapted well and spends the day sitting at my feet (or Patrick’s when I am not here).
I am sure in a month or so, we will just be happy with what a nice tub area we have and forget about the construction week and the inconvenience.
I am grateful to have a nice house to live in and the means to upgrade and improve it.
For an old curmudgeon and an old geek, we are doing OK. This house will definitely “have our stamp on it”….
Afterthought
Patrick read this before I published it and said “Am I the geek?” I guess the terms could be interchangeable sometimes I am an old curmudgeon.
Musings of This Old Girl 