Next was the bathroom. Even though it had been redone by Dave Brophy not long ago, I was not happy with the quality of the components or the workmanship. So I tore everything but the tub out again. I bought a new tub surround, shower and tub faucets, new toilet, sink, sink base, and faucets. (All Moen for the faucets) I also purchased new wood paneling and molding for the bottom half of the walls and laminate wall covering for the upper portion of the walls. The upper laminate has a ceramic tile look but is much easier to install. Finally I bought a sheet of high density plastic with a heavy texture for the ceiling.

The bathroom ended up taking a long time to finish. Once everything had been removed I found that the floor around the toilet had a discolored spot that looked rotted. (From the toilet leaking I am sure) So up came the floor. Fortunately the sub floor was in good shape.

Using the same methodology as the kitchen I replaced the bathroom floor. Even though this one was smaller than the kitchen it took about the same amount of time because of all the extra cut outs and fitting required. I ended up using a Rotozip (a Birthday gift) to make the cut outs and adjustments.

Mark installed the toilet for me while I was at work. I think he didn’t want me clogging up his? He also installed the new tub surround and faucets. I put up the lower wood and upper wall board, molding, sink, light, and vanity. Finally we both installed the ceiling. Mark came up with the idea to use 2 x 4s to prop the ceiling pieces up while the glue dried. Another completed room that I am very pleased with.

The next step was carpeting. My step son Brian had worked at Carpet Depot in Bradenton and had developed a good relationship with one of the salesmen there. To make another long story short; I got the carpet I wanted with padding installed for about $2,000. and some computer parts and lessons. Unfortunately the ass-hat installer that was subcontracted to do the work tore apart three doors inside the house and the main entry door. The interior doors he separated the skins from the frame by pulling the folded over carpet under them. The outer door ended up with two of three windows broken and every panel separated from the frame. The main entry door was the original door with the skeleton key entry! Your damn right I bitched about that! I ended up getting the closets carpeted for “free” and ass-hat was fired. I am still not happy about that one. One door-O.K. a mistake, Two-idiot, what were you thinking? But FOUR!

So now I have the bathroom door (which was just replaced), a bedroom door, and a closet door plain ruined. I went back to the Ye Old Home Depot but couldn’t find any doors that matched the wood grained ones still existing. All they had available was white. So I purchased white doors to replace the broken ones. Mark and I spent two weekends replacing them.

Now I had two white doors and a brown door in the living room. In the front bedroom the entry door was white and the closet door was brown. In the rear bedroom the entry door was brown and the closet door was white. I bought white trim paint and tried to paint the brown doors. This ended up being a complete waste of time. The wood was very old and dry and just sucked the paint into the wood leaving huge brown streaks everywhere. I ended up buying new doors to replace those as well.