I hope you had a wonderful Christmas! We’ve all been taking it pretty easy this week but I was able to recruit help from Wes, Madison and Madison’s friend yesterday and we made fast progress of the demo that needed to happen. Celebrate -good -times!
Since my last update, I changed up my design plan a bit which requires removing some of the bedroom wall. Wes and company went donate the vanity, sink, faucet and light fixture that I tore out many many days ago. I don’t know why it took 3 people to do that errand but they all left.
In the meantime I removed the doors and trim.
Then I started tearing out the bathtub. I was going to leave it and work the remodel around it but I really dislike one-piece, fiberglass, tub/shower enclosures. I don’t like showering in a bathtub and I really don’t like bathing in a shower. I vacillated with this decision for many days but decided to go with what will serve OUR needs rather than what might be more desirable to the masses if we ever sale. I decided on building a walk-in shower.
Now — I’m not a fan of demolishing things that can be re-used (by someone). But this is a one-piece and I had to cut into it to remove the plumbing lines making the whole thing kaput. So I had to bust it up in order to get it to the dump. 
I probably didn’t NEED to bust it up but it was enjoyable.
Here’s a funny thing I discovered as I busted the tub/shower walls off the studs. The insulation was all bunched up like this. Clearly the tub was installed first and the insulation was stuffed down behind it afterward.
In case you were wondering — this is not a proper way to install insulation. 
Anyway…
I tore out the tub and busted it up. I even used it as a trampoline for a few minutes before it broke.
AND then the family arrived back home to help! The girls removed sheetrock.
Then Wes removed the crown moulding and the girls tore down more sheetrock.
Next Wes and I removed some portions of the subfloor so the plumber has access from above to do the rough in work for the new bathroom. This way the entire mess is contained in these two rooms upstairs and I don’t have to tear out the ceiling in another room downstairs.
So this is the new view of guest bedroom #1. I need a better name for this bedroom…
And the future bathroom.
I set about measuring, marking and testing the new layout. Trying to determine how big a 48″ wide shower will actually feel. I want to put the most space where I want it most but deciding where I want it most is a really difficult decision to make.
p.s. I think I decided 48″ wide is plenty wide for the guest/kid’s room shower.
JulieW says
Have you thought about putting a foot recess in the shower. It’s like a recess for the soap and shampoo but on the bottom half of the wall to make shaving your legs more comfortable. I saw it on a TV show a long time ago and thought it was genius.
Sandra says
I like that idea. I was planning to install a small bench for that but I like the recess idea. Thanks!
Guerrina says
Love the plan for a walk in shower. Four feet will be great! Our fiberglass tub/shower is small , like only a kid can enjoy a bath. Will definitely be paying attention to this remodel!
Sandra says
I agree. I think it will feel spacious enough when it’s finished.
deaconsbench says
I never supported the science of cloning until running across your site. Could I order up one of you, please? 🙂 great, inspiring work!
Sandra says
LOL So funny! Thanks for following along!
Susan K Stanley says
I love your blog!
Sandra says
Thank you Susan. Happy New Year!
Vickie H. says
Liking the new plan A LOT! Rock on, girl!!!
Sandra says
Thanks Vickie!
Lu says
I am in the process of tearing down my bathroom. I walk in-I walk out. Been saving ideas and my folder looks like I’m in high school-total mess. I guess once I narrow down the ideas, I can start making a shopping list. Here’s to NO unforeseen deviations from the budget. Yeah-of course I’m dreaming. Look forward to seeing your bathroom. You are always so awesome at all your projects. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!
Sandra says
LOL I never set a strict budget. My budget is always “as little as humanly possible while still getting exactly what I want”! LOL
Kat says
Love your watching you do your bathroom. Mine is also totally gutted, but I work so slowly that it will be months before I actually see any progress. Everything is out, and my husband and I are taking out the toilet on Sunday. Then to replace the part of the damaged subfloor…
Sandra says
Good luck with that remodel Kat. Progress is progress, no matter how long it takes to make it!
karen powell says
Think about fitting in the shower along with handicap senior for ease of bathing them and additional space that a safety rail will eat up ! I have 42 sq wish it was 54 so two peopl could fit in it together.
Sandra says
I don’t want to encourage couple showering in the guest bathroom. 😉 LOL
Carmen says
I purchased your e-book some time ago and was recently trying to access it for reference. It came up as “Error 404 – Page not found”. What do you suggest other than purchasing it again.
Sandra says
Carmen I’ll email you the file.