Bathroom Reno Update

So, we are about two weeks into the bathroom renovation, and I feel like it has been an all consuming part of life the last few weeks.  Once the walls were torn apart in the shower area, we realized we would need to call in the experts to re-do the plumbing.  We are grateful for a huge favor, and now have the plumbing updated so we can continue with the next steps in the project.

There are a couple of things that make me happy about this photo.  The first being the partial wall we were able to take out. 

Before:

After:

Although the wall was only twelve inches, taking it out made a huge difference!  Also by taking it out, we were able to increase the size of the shower from 48 inches to a full 60 inch shower.  I was quite tempted to put in a soaking tub since standard tub length is 5 ft, but we already had plans in motion to do just a shower stall, so that is what we stuck with. 

The other thing I love about this photo is the idea that we will be getting two shower heads in the shower.  I have never actually been in a shower with two shower heads, but it sounds like a fantastic thing.  Getting the second shower head took some doing.  The long wall of the shower along with the wall opposite where all the plumbing is located are both exterior walls.  Plumbing in exterior walls in the midwest is frowned upon.  Something about freezing pipes...

Anyway, the solution was to come up with a way to drain the line from the second shower head.  Initially, we thought we would need to have a tub spout coming out somewhere to drain the line.  We weren't keen on the idea of a random tub spout sticking out.  The solution?  A body spray located on the wall with the main plumbing will serve to drain the line of the second shower head any time it runs.  I can't wait to test it all out. 

Now that the rough ins for the plumbing are taken care of, we have moved on to hanging Durock to prepare the walls for tile.  The new subfloor is also down in the bathroom, and we will lay Durock down on the floor as well to prevent moisture issues and prepare the floor for tile.  Initially, I wanted to have the project completed by the end of April.  However, I have been told putting down tile isn't something to be rushed.  So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed the project can be done by my birthday the end of May.  That would officially mark the one year anniversary of when we started having leaking shower issues.  It seems only fitting that is when we would have the issue fully resolved.