Hole in One

Welcome back to another Wallpaper Acres update! This weekend was exciting as the upstairs hall bath is really coming along!

We had the plumber out on Wednesday to look at our leaks. The fix-a-flange solution that we had done in the master bathroom was technically the right route but we had installed it wrong. He walked John through the proper installation so that we could do it on our time and not pay him to do it. Next he took a look at the broken pipe in the hall bath and also looked at it from the kitchen nook. 3 hours and a check later, we had our solution. Was it the same solution that John wanted to try, yes. However, we will not be second-guessing the work and know it was done correctly. Plus, if it took a certified plumber 3 hours, then it would have taken us a whole day!

Our weekend started on Friday and we discovered that Wallpaper Acres did not have power due to the strong winds that moved through the area. Due to this, we spent only an hour priming the wall patches in the hall bathroom and straightening up so we would be prepared to move the vanity into the bathroom come Saturday.

Saturday, we got to Wallpaper Acres around noon ready to seize the day. We had stopped at Home Depot on the way over and picked up miscellaneous plumbing parts, a toilet, and some paint supplies. Once we got to the house, John measured and cut the hole in the back of the vanity for the plumbing to come through and we called Adam over for some assistance lifting. John and Adam were able to maneuver the vanity into place with the use of some shims. They then brought up the granite top and that easily weighed 250 lbs! They did a great job and we are always appreciative when Adam is able to help out! Next we installed the faucet, faucet handles, and the drain. Did I manage to drop the spring clamp down a 1-inch hole into oblivion below the vanity...yes...how it happened, I have no idea! I could not replicate it if I tried! Good news, we were able to continue as this piece can be added in the future. Was it the easiest installing these fixtures, no; but we got it done. Then after 2 trips to Ace, we had the p-trap installed and the plumbing connected to the drain and water lines. When we tested it, we had a drip coming from one of the PVC wingnut screws. So we wrapped plumber's tape around that and it resolved the issue. Once again, we are not plumbers but we took our time to make sure it was done right. From here, we stuck the granite returns to the wall and used silicone to finish them off.

Take a look at the vanity below! We are super happy with how it looks and the best part is that it was free! Can't beat that! All that we need is a fresh coat of paint on the cabinet and some door hardware and we are good to go.

Sunday came around and it was time for baseboards, paint, grout, and window trim. While John tackled baseboards and window trim, I turned my attention to grouting the niche. The niche was a bit tricky to grout due to using a large float in a small area but once I figured out the technique, it moved quickly. I am very happy with how the niche looks and the tub/shower surround is finally complete!

John was busy working away on the window trim and taking meticulous measurements. We had to pop the trim off the windows back when we had to add a layer of drywall to account for the tile being "firred-out" (adding 1/4-inch behind to make the cement board overlap the tub for a waterproofed area). We could not reuse the old trim as it would be too thick where it met the tile so we had to start from scratch. We were able to find the same profile trim that our other windows are framed in at Lowes that was 2 3/4-inches thick so it would fit the space.

While John was trimming out the window, I was busy painting the bathroom. There was not much left to paint. I focused on the touchups and the small area left above and between the door and closet. Once the trim was installed, I caulked the trim around the window and caulked the baseboards.

Next on the agenda was toilet installation. Since we have practiced a few times, this installation was the easiest yet! I set the Better than Wax rubber ring and managed to drop a nut down the pipe...2 for 2 for the weekend on dropping items into holes where you cannot retrieve them...luckily, we had an extra nut so we were good! John was able to seat the toilet and secure it without breaking the flange, success!

Next we moved to the master bathroom and turned our attention to fixing the flange based on the plumber's recommendation. John was able to get the piece below the flange instead of on top and then we did end up using the wax ring provided with a toilet for a better seal. We got that toilet set and thought we were good to go...turns out the water supply line to this toilet is bad (it is the original one from the house)...and was probably where the leak was coming from originally. So we shut off water to this toilet and we will buy a new one for install next weekend.

John wrapped up the day by priming the window trim and installing the trim boards for the half wall. Next weekend, we will but a board on top of the half wall to cap it off and paint it.

The upstairs hall bathroom is soooooo close to being complete and move in day is on the horizon!