Monday, November 2, 2009

Guest Bathroom Reno - Day 2

Whether your a weekend warrior or a full-time fix and flipper, you're undoubtedly aware that renovation jobs rarely go as planned.
Our guest bathroom reno is proving to be no different.

A couple of days ago we decided we wanted to paint a checkerboard pattern on the floor. But once we realized that the tiles on the floor were of the peel-n-stick variety, and not the click-n-lock kind, we were forced to rethink our plan. We could take a chance and remove the plywood to expose the original hardwood flooring- but that would involve removing the tub and toilet which is way more than we had planned to take on right now. And what if the hardwoods were in really bad condition? Then we'd have to re-install the plywood and that sounds about as fun as a punch in the face.
We had to come up with a game plan that would cost under $25. Here's what we decided to do...



Looks like we'll be able to start taping off our checkerboard pattern soon after all!
I'm sure it will be a mathematical nightmare, but we're up for the challenge and we can't wait to get it finished so that Kevin can begin working on the vanity area.

Have a terrific Tuesday!
Layla


Check out the Lettered Cottage Art Giveaway at



And this one at Seens From The Backs Of My Eyelids

36 comments:

Chez Zizi said...

You continue to amaze me.

Zizette

Dianne said...

Could you two be any cuter? I think not!!! Every woman in blog world is going to be in love with Kevin. He is so sweet and patient and hard working. You are both amazing. Love the way you are keeping it real with the hair dye too! :)

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

The Wild Wenovation Wizards! This is a great idea and you will be thrilled with the outcome!

Thanks for mentioning the giveaway!

Miss Obara said...

Love the checkerboard idea. My sister and I pulled up the carpeting in my parents living room last year (may I add while they were in Florida w/no clue as to what we were doing many miles away)It turned out really neat, but YES it was a nightmare. (It may be video worthy though)
Good Luck w/yours....can't wait to see the results!

Erin @ The Impatient Gardener said...

Painting a checkerboard on the floor is a great idea and I'm glad you didn't give up on it. I'm glad to see that Max is doing well. After watching yesterday's video and seeing how sticky that floor was I've been worried he was going to get stuck in there!

geri said...

Love the idea! Love the videos.
Love how you both work together so well. I think my Glennie and I would have definately stuck one of us to that glued floor permenantly. hehe
My friend is an amazing faux painter.
She was hired a lot to do checker board floors.
After miles of painters tape she would magically have the most beautiful floor designs ever.About half of hers was diamond /harliquin done. Worked as well for a small spaces she thought.
She did a 8x5 faux carpet, fringe and all for an area under the dining room table in a french country kitchen. It was grand.
You are my heros. geri.

Emily Dykstra said...

Okay Layla... Let me tell you three top reasons why people love your blog and videos:

1. Because you show the process, even if it takes extra work. Other shows make things look too easy, I think. And what's cool is that when you're done, it makes the project look that much more beautiful.

2. Because (laughing)... you connected with every single woman on the planet when you showed your hair being dyed. You're a hoot.

3. Because even my six year old said, "I want to see that video again, Mommy." And that's saying something.

Kudos, guys. Your blog is approachable and realistic and connects people. Keep trucking!

Somewhere In The Sun said...

Fun video! Love the Jeopardy segment! :)

Stephanie said...

Great idea to sand it off. Looks like it's working great.
By the way, LOVE the new wall color - no more purple!

Leen said...

Good morning, Kevin and Layla!

I was totally supportive of the checkboard pattern until you mentioned mathematical nightmare, that's where you lost me! I was putting on my shoes to come over and help too. Maybe next time!

Elijah loves Max. He said "where puppy go?" when the video was over. We've watched it three times since :)

Thanks for the link to my giveaway!

Megan said...

Can't wait to see the finished product!

mkelton24 said...

I too just painted a bathroom floor, and I am pleased with how it turned out, but not LOVING it! It is important what color you choose because it shows marks and such!
www.thekeltonscozycottage.blogspot.com

Mary said...

Can't wait to see the finished project! Painting is a fabulous idea! ~mary~
vintagehomeandgarden.blogspot.com

Kara Paslay said...

Why can't anything be easy? Oh well, at least we develop some perseverance! Can't wait to see it!

Jamie, the Very Worst Missionary said...

love the creativity! thanks for the inspiration. looking forward to the results! :)

Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating said...

Glad you found a solution! I'm a DIYer, and have much experience using all kinds of tools, and yet, I've NEVER even heard of 20 grit sandpaper!!! I had no idea they made 20-grit.

Can't wait to see your painted floor! Hope you have more success with yours than I've had with mine. I'm getting ready to cover up my painted floor with another flooring. I'm tired of fighting it.

Cottage Dreamers said...

I can't wait for more on this one. We'll be painting our floors soon too so I'm curious to learn how you all decide to do everything. If you find an easy way to do the math part, please let us know!!

Kimberly said...

The jeopardy segment in your video is hilarious! Can't wait to see the gorgeous finished bathroom!

s as in tset said...

I sooooo can relate. Isn't this the dark side of old house "finds." Sometimes they're grand and sometimes they STINK!

I am just about to paint a checkboard pattern (for the first time) on our 3 season porch floor this week. So any tips you want to share would be very appreciated. :)

Jacci said...

Man - this makes me want to RIIIIP the bathroom out **right now** :)

So, question - did you all live with the lavendar for 2 years or did you have a "during" stage where you maybe made a few cosmetic changes until you could get to this real-deal rip out stage? I go back and forth on whether we should spend and time and even a little money on a between stage.

Thoughts?

I just know this is going to look awesome, by the way! Susie's cottage floor was such a great idea, Layla, and I can totally envision it here :)

XO,
Jacci

Jess said...

wish I knew about this sooner...Mean Green from Dollar General works the best. I took carpet glue off 1800 square foot of floor. Just poured it on and swirled it around and mopped it off. No one believed it would work, but it saved me so much money! At a later date, removed the sticky tile residue from a ceramic tile floor in a house that we are remodeling. Mean Green works for everything!

maura said...

I thought the application of the 12 gallon jar of goo gone would have been a hoot to watch! Glad the sanding worked. I can't wait to see the finished product.

Megan @ Megity's Handmade said...

I agree with Dianne. I think we are all crushing on Kevin with his work ethic. You guys are fun! The theme music to the decision cracked me up!

mah said...

Love it! Of course it is more work that is a given in an old house. Anything we do we double or triple the time and cost!!!! If it is easy, we always think something has got to go wrong or we didn't do it right! LOL. We have been working on our "old girl" for 10 years!! My kitchen floor is painted in checkerboard, black and off white. I did it "temporary" until I found something I loved, but it has been like this for almost 5 years, ( I just repaint when needed)Good luck and I know it will be awesome.

Melissa said...

We just did the checkerboard thing and we bought a cheap tile the size of the squares we wanted and a chalk line. We used the tile to mark off widths on the opposing walls and then held the chalk line to those marks and snapped. You're probably already done, so I'm wasting my typing energy, but this really helped make it easier for us so I had to share. Good luck!

The Chenowiths said...

Super excited to see the checkerboard - good luck with the math!

Kim @ Twice Remembered said...

You are so right - It's always something! Looks like you found a great solution! Being the impatient girl that I am, I probably would have been tempted to cover the sticky plywood with a thin layer of 1/4 inch luan. Bathrooms can be such a pain, huh? But all your efforts are going to be well worth it!

I love your cute little shot of your hair in the process of being dyed...so sweet!

Vivian said...

We had the same "sticky" problem without kitchen floor and removed the sticky with a Heat gun. Wasn't easy but it worked!

I love your hair color! I have so much gray and I am constantly trying to keep my blonde! Such a battle! Almost as hard as doing the floor...

Lori said...

you two have way more patience than I do! I would have floored over it, I am sure. I cannot wait to see the checkerboard. Love your videos and Max too!

Elisabeth said...

I am so glad y'all are paving the way for us on this project! LOL! We have been considering doing the same thing but we're too scared to get started, hit an obstacle, then not know how to proceed... on a tiny budget! Our flooring is ugly old lenoleum though, hopefully, we will have as good of luck as y'all did!!

Tiffany said...

Great video once again.

Layla, you made my day by visiting my blog and leaving a sweet comment! I was actually going to write you today and let you know that I gave you a shout out. You have inspired me like crazy! I LOVE your blog. I am in love with your house and all the special changes you have made to make it home. You and Kevin make such a great team. I am always showing my husband your blog trying to motivate him! : ) Thanks for all the inspiration. I will be forever grateful for the wonderful ideas you have put into my mind.

p.s. isn't dying your hair the pits? ugh. at least you look cute doing it! : )

MilkMaid said...

Oh. My. God. Buy that man a broom Layla LOL.....you guys rock!

Alexandria ♥ said...

good morning,
lovely blog.
Instead of a checked floor...I am picturing black and white.... it might be too busy... could you try a subtle stripe or solid cream color? It might be worth it to try both looks out using paper.
Then make the bathroom really pop with your ever so creative use of accessories.
~finds~

Kasey said...

amazing.
xo

AG said...

LOL! Okay Layla! you did it! you dye yer own hair???? do-tell! bleach or just box colour??? you knew there would be somebody who would ask ya! ((:
BTW- I like yer hair I just assumed you went to the shop to do it! looks good! now DETAILS! ((:
-ginai((:

Meg said...

Ditto MILKMAID!! I was going to say the same thing! LOL