Nameless Contractors No More

It has occurred to me that through this entire project, I have consistently called Tom and Jeff our "contractors" in my blog postings.  Maybe subconsciously, I didn't want the world to know that I had screwed up on my choice, in the event they didn't work out.  Boy, that couldn't be any farther from the truth.

As I'm sure you've read by now, we've been extremely pleased with our choice.  Not just because of the early firings of the other candidates, but the consistent manner in which Tom and Jeff have added to our confidence through open communication and thoughtful actions.  You've already read about that - no need to go into it further.  The point is that in this particular case, there wasn't any screw up on my part.  Collette, this is for you:  "No reading on the Bozometer Scale!"

It is high time these guys get a name and not just a title.  They have already had conversations with some friends in the neighborhood, but I can't resist promoting their work further.  I'm tagging this in Memorable Merchants since they more than qualify.  In Memorable Merchants, I generally write a bit about why I'm pleased, but you know where you can find those comments.  If you are considering any sort of work around your home, do yourself a favor and call Tom at 360.772.1540.  Don't risk a reading on the Bozometer Scale.

Jig-Saw Puzzle: Do You Start Around the Edges?

In the very first Bathroom Remodel post, "Welcome to the Bathroom Remodel," I cited a line from Alice and Wonderland.  "Start at the beginning... and when you come to the end, STOP."

The shower pan calls for a slightly different strategy.  Starting a jig-saw puzzle around the edge is as universal as dunking an Oreo.  OK, for you connoisseurs out there, I'll mention twisting it and eating the middle.  But I digress.  Instead of stopping at the end, I think we'll stop at the middle.

Here, planning is what it's all about.  Pencil lines and initial tile cuts give some dimension.

Then, continuing to piece together the ultimate puzzle causes the final image to begin to come through.

There are two other items that merit a mention.  First, never underestimate the value of blue painter's tape.  It is inexpensive, can be removed easily and does a great job of holding tile in place long enough to allow the mud to set.

Secondly, here's a look at the trim pieces, cut from full tiles.  The edges are rounded in the familiar bull nose manner, giving them a very nice finished appearance.

In the spirit of full disclosure, many of the trim pieces are additional pieces of tile our contractor had to "acquire."  You see, we ran out.  And when we checked with the supplier, the source had run out.  In our contractor's defense, it was I who guesstimated the amount we would need when measuring to finalize the order.  Rookie error: I didn't plan for the extra tiles needed due to the waste that comes with the diamond pattern in the shower.

Pulling in markers is another art.  Our contractor went to one of his regular suppliers and not only got a few pieces that were plenty close enough in color and pattern, but he (we) didn't have to pay for them.  They just comp'd him.  It gets better: one of the pieces was ripped from a sample display board.  I just wish I could claim this as a strategic move to keep our costs down.  I know: Bravo-Sierra.

But Wait, Don't Take the Counter for Granite!

OK, so I took a bit of license with that one, but we can't take the granite for granted.  With all the focus on the tile, and all the beauty it has been holding, the granite is like the frosting.

Backsplash is in and the sinks are ready to be cut out.  (Yes, my challenging and inconsistent lighting is still with us.)  Look carefully at the differences in thickness between where the sink will be cut out and the bull nose edge.

To provide the appearance of a thicker piece of granite, the front edge is rounded and then a small piece is laminated on the underside.  Don't ask me!  It must be magic glue, special cutting, voodoo - I have no idea how they do it.  The slab is plenty stout at the actual thickness, but this effect gives the appearance of a much thicker piece.  I call it "visual value."

The photos above and below are great examples of how the finish work will bring it all together.  Above, this is another example of existing walls not being what you could call plumb and set at 90 degrees.  Notice the gap between the countertop and backsplash edges and that of the wall.  The pieces were cut exactly 90 degrees, but the wall didn't want to cooperate.

My late father was a carpenter and his forte was finish work.  The part you see, and in particular, the part you see that ties pieces together, is what makes or breaks a project.

The great equalizers: sheetrock mud, a can of texture and an artistic eye.  More on those later.

The Tile-Saw Puzzle Begins!

If you've ever worked a jig-saw puzzle, you know that the pieces must be placed together exactly so to create your masterpiece.  Here, the artisans are using a tile saw (not elegant, but very cool), to create the intricate and precise pieces that are causing this puzzle to take shape.

In Turning the Corner with Tile, I hinted at the cascading effect of moving one piece.  Look closely below at the precision needed to keep all lines straight.  There's the tile spacers, the sticks of wood acting as braces up and down the edge, and there's even that little red shim used to get the spacing exact.  Now think about doing that on a vertical surface, with adhesive mud backing the tile, with many sizes and shapes -- and -- not offering four letter words in front of the homeowner.  Very impressive.

Our niche is one of the more interesting creations.  Since we couldn't find the style and size we wanted in a prefabricated unit, we decided to design our own.  (With our contractors' help, naturally.)  Remember, this is the place for shampoo and other bottles, a soap dish and a wash cloth (when the bar is installed.)

But the most intricate of the entire process will be the floor.  It's not vertical, but it does hold four unique planes, draining to the center, that must have lines, slopes and patterns align perfectly.  Not for me... Check Please!

One more level of detail that might seem insignificant, but is equally as important: keeping track of the baseboard trim pieces so they can be touched up and reinstalled.  By replacing only those pieces that can not (and should not) be repaired, we are saving considerable money.  The final product will look just as good - but without buying, prepping, and painting a fairly detailed molding.

 
I've always said that when a final product looks flawless on the surface, it's a signal that considerable planning and execution went into it.  We're seeing that unfold daily with a great deal of detail work being invested that is beginning to hint at what I expect to be a very spectacular finished puzzle.

The Shower as a Continuing Science/Art Project

Tile may have been the corner-turner in the last post, but it is the shower stall that will be the jigsaw puzzle.  How hard can it be to put tile down on a big, flat floor?  (Remember, if it was easy, I'd be doing it!)  The shower is a complex space with slopes and multiple surfaces that must all work together.

The first step of course, is to get it covered up.  With the sheetrock on the walls, it is beginning to take shape.  The niche has been defined and the increased depth is beginning to become obvious.

From this angle, the two thicknesses of 2x4s is clearly shown.  Previously, the wall went just to the edge of the painted area.  It doesn't seem like much, but it will be a great enhancement.

Oh, yeah.  The toilet is still in the garage...

The shower will continue to be the focal point for several more days.  Plan, measure, cut, fit, adjust, glue, adjust again... you get the idea.  Art or science?  It's anybody's guess!