Bathroom Fixtures

We are just rolling right along on the bathroom- scrambling to make up for lost time and finish in time for inspections. We made a lot of progress over the weekend, and then finished up after work a couple nights this week. In the last post, we had just finished grouting everything.

Step 1. Install Floor Trim
First up, I started working on floor trim because it is so much easier to install before stuff gets in the way. We picked up a couple boards of the standard 5 inch trim and quarterround. I measured a couple times, cut a couple times, and then fit it into place and nail it in. The secret to good-looking trim is caulk. It fills in the gaps and covers all sins. So I liberally applied the caulk, and then painted it.

Step 2. Install Toilet
Meanwhile, mi esposo got to work installing the toilet. He started by drilling holes for the new flange into the cement to attach it securely. Then he cut the water pipe, added a new water valve and hooked up the water line. Next, we set the wax ring on the base of the toilet, and lifted the toilet gently onto the flange and screwed it down.

toilet and trim

Step 3. Install Vanity.
So this is where we get into trouble. We spent hours searching around for a decent looking vanity and sink, we settled on one that then was discontinued. We drove around town looking for options, and eventually just bought the most similar lookalike. We finally took it out of the box and carried it into place, only to realize that it was way too big. We had taped it out on the floor, but in 3D- it was just clearly way too big. So we took it back, and tried to buy a new smaller pedestal sink instead. (Not thrilled with a pedestal, which has no storage, but it was the best option).

Well, the store had three pedestal sinks, but zero pedestal bases, other than the one on display. When none of the store workers would help us, we got a little annoyed and desperate, and my husband, the ne'er-do-well, decided to take the display model. While I was sure we'd be taken away in cuffs, they instead gave us a discount for taking the floor model. We brought it home, and quickly installed it into place. R hooked up a p trap and the new water supply lines, and then put together the faucet and drain.

my devious husband taking apart the floor model

 

husband vs. the pedestal sink

Step 4. Lights.
The contractors had already put up the housing for a recessed light, so we just grabbed an LED cover bulb that was built for a bathroom. Then, we put up the light over the sink. At the same time, we installed switches for the new vanity light and the fan.

vanity light going up

Step 5. Shower Doors.
This was the step we were really worried about. The shower doors are three pieces of heavy, thick glass that we really didn't want to break. After reading through the really daunting instructions, which included gems like, "don't touch the doors to any tile or they will shatter", we decided not to install them ourselves. Instead, the contractors got to step in and take over this last step.

doors!

Next Steps
We are pretty much done. I'm just going to clean it up, touch up the paint, add a towel rack, and then we'll have the big reveal.