Almost done!

I am happy to report that on Day 11 our new bathroom became operational. However, there is one more thing that needs to be done before we can use the shower: The vent fan needs to be installed. First, an update on what happened on Day 11 of the project. I suppose that we could use the shower as the bathroom has not had an exhaust vent in years, but we are willing to wait until the vent fan is installed. I also want to let you know that the lens of my camera is not dirty. The small round things on the image to the right are reflections from the dust floating around the bathroom.

Jim arrived at his customary time of 8:30AM and he immediately got to work. Today was the day to tie up all the loose ends and put the finishing touches on the project. Jim needed Lance the plumber and Paul the electrician to complete their work in order to finish the bathroom completely. The first thing Jim did was to set the remaining bullnose tile, then he put the hardware on the cabinets and drawers. I continue to be amazed at his attention to detail and his craftsmanship. He carefully measured each drawer and precisely attached the handles and knobs to the cabinet. One of the most critical projects of the day was installing the shower door assembly. I assisted Jim in this evolution and it was certainly a lot more challenging than either of us thought it would be. Jim expertly put up the track and guide assemblies, but attaching the handles to the sliding doors was quite a process. The next time any of you who read this blog pay us a visit, I will describe the process over an adult beverage or two!

Lance the plumber arrived and he immediately set to work, attaching the Moen faucets to the sinks. Lance and Jim put the sinks in place on top of the cabinets, and then Lance attached the water supply lines and the drain line from the sinks, and then he installed the shower accessories. In no time he then set the new Toto toilet and in a little more than 2 hours, he was done.

The "long pole in the tent" became Paul the electrician. Paul had a lot of work to do to day as he needed to install the lights over the sinks, the vent fan, the can light over the shower, the control switches for the lights & fan, and two electrical outlets. Unfortunately, he was unable to complete all of this work, but no matter, he will return on Monday and install the vent fan. Paul was a consummate professional, quietly and quickly setting to his tasks. To be honest, waiting a few more days before we can use the shower works out well, as the caulk Jim applied along the seams in the shower need 24 hours to cure.

Dee and I have a new problem: We now have a fantastic bathroom with wonderful walls that need something hung on them. Dee and I also have to do some cleaning up around the house this weekend as there is a little bit of dust pretty much everywhere!

Below are a few photos of the bathroom. Dee and I could not be more pleased with how this project turned out.