THE PROJECT:

THE CUSTOMERS:   Sky and Chris Drysdale.  They originally called Cathi-the-Contractor because they had some unique challenges that Sky thought perhaps only another woman would truly appreciate.  Sky is no taller than 3 feet!  Her husband, Chris, is slightly larger ... 6 foot 2 inches!  They have been married for 18 years and are a total joy to be around.  Sky and Chris recently bought a foreclosure in Clearwater, Florida.  Their first real dream home.  Sky wanted to write a short testimonial on why she chose Cathi to do her long-dreamed-of remodel.  This is what she had to say:

 "I’ve dreamed, my whole adult life, of having a bathroom made just for me. No more dealing with toilets that come up to my ribcage, or having to climb up on steps as high as my knee just to use said toilet. No more steeling myself for the pain of arthritic joints as I climbed up to the sink just to wash my hands or brush my teeth.  No more having to get my husband to help me in and out of the bathtub because the sides were too high to navigate.  When we bought our first house a few months ago, I knew that dream might someday be realized.

 I first heard about Cathi from a news article, a year or so prior. I got the impression that she was someone who would actually listen and understand. The first meeting only solidified that impression. She came in, took a bunch of pictures and asked a lot of questions. But, just as importantly she listened to my answers, she took notes of what I could and couldn’t physically do and she assured me that all the things I needed and wanted were possible. From the very first meeting, heck from the very first handshake, I knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that she was the one I wanted to do my work.

The 1st day consisted of sitting with the customer to assess their needs.  This is critical because some work just can't be undone!  When I first met with Sky and Chris, I was relieved at their easy-going attitude and that their needs and wants were well-thought out.  We determined immediately, that their biggest priority was to allow Sky some independence.  Sky's wants were more of functionality...while Chris wanted a cosmetically pleasing look, as well.  While they originally had steps in mind for Sky to reach the toilet, sink and tub...after some brainstorming, we decided to replace the tub with a step-in shower, and lower the sink and toilet.  That in mind, LET THE DEMO BEGIN!

DAYS 4 and 5:  DRYWALL AND TEXTURE!

The next phase was a 2-day process:  hanging the drywall, mudding the seams and drywall screws, and texturing.  The most important consideration in hanging drywall, is to pick the right size and kind.  Drywall sheets range in thickness from 1/4" thick to 5/8" and the width you choose should be determined by the width of any drywall that may exist on the walls (if no drywall exists, width isn't as critical -- although you should consult with a professional if codes apply).  Drywall sheets come in various sizes, too...normally 4'x8' or 4'x12' and types (normal, purple-/greenboard, firewall, concrete backerboard and hardy-backerboard, to name the most common.  While hanging drywall may look easy, it can be difficult to handle, hard to align and tricky to "mud" (to cover the seams so they look seamless when painted).  Unless you have experience in drywalling, calling for a professional at this stage is highly recommended.  Texturing is also a real art.  While hand-textures can be a nice look if you know what you are doing, texturing with a "hopper" (a hand-held sprayer) is a much nicer finish.  There are several "knock-down" finishes one can choose from:  Spanish Lace and Orange Peel are the most common.  Once again, unless you are familiar with this process, the outcome could be disastrous so a professional is highly recommended for this process as well.   COMING NEXT:  learn to build a shower bench and curb, as well as pour a shower bed!

DAYS 6, 7, 8 and 9:  Painting, then the shower curb, liner, bench and bed!

Painting at this point will be a whole lot easier before the tile, trim or accessories are installed.  Always use a primer, then two coats of paint.  In the bathroom, use a semi-gloss for easy cleaning later.  I chose a darker color that matched the tile trim I picked out.  Next, I used an elastomeric membrane called RedGard to line the shower floor and walls.  This is as easy as painting and protects against moisture leakage and mold.  It's a very user-friendly product anyone can apply.  After that, I used cinderblocks to build the bench.  Once that was done, the shower bed was ready to pour.

I always loved building mud pies when I was a little kid!  Now I get to do it in my work!  But, certain prep work needs to be done before the shower bed goes in.  The most important is the grade to the drain.  Unless you are a pro at this, the easiest way to ensure the perfect grade is by purchashing the pre-fab guides you see in the picture below.  These can be purchased at most tile stores and are well worth their extra cost.  COMING NEXT:  ready to tile!

Days 13-19:  Toilet, Sink and Steps to Toilet:

TOILET:  A child's toilet was specially ordered so Sky could reach it with ease.  Unfortunately, once installed, it was still too high for Sky.  Solution?  "Cathi-the-Contractor" layed cinder-blocks around the toilet, with Sky testing their height and width every "step of the way".  Once deemed stable for Sky's measured stride, Cathi tiled them and a spa is born!
                               

SINK:  The sink was a whole other challenge.  Not wanting to relocate the original galvanized pipe (thereby costing Sky alot more money), we opted for a wall-mounted, low sink for easy reach.  Unfortunately, once it was installed, Sky couldn't easily reach over the sink to turn on the water.  Now what?  SOLUTION SOLVED:  we installed a foot pedal so Sky could just walk up and turn the water on with her foot!  

                               

The rest of the job entailed hanging the mirror (Cathi suggested a tilt-able one so Sky could see her whole self, which Sky loved) and all the accessories, buffing out the Terrazo floor, repainting, installing all the trimwork and doing all the "punch-out" work.  

We really hope you enjoy the finished product as much as we did and that the pictures below bring you as much of a smile, as Sky's new bathroom brought to her!

Special thanks to Sky and Chris for being two of the best, happiest, most accommodating customers that "Cathi-the-Contractor" has ever had the pleasure to serve! 

STAY TUNED!

"Cathi-the-Contractor" has just finished a 2-apartment remodel in Gulfport, Florida. 

When we started that project...it was already gutted. 
But, we had to tear down and rebuild some walls (requiring architectural drawings),install new kitchen cabinets/sinks, tile floors, replace bathtubs and install bathtub surrounds, build a closet, design the finish product, paint...and, lots, lots more.

As soon as "Cathi-the-Contractor" gets caught up...that project will be posted!

We promise you'll be amazed by the progress...AND, the end result!