and the other section was designated for the bathtub, toilet, and hamper. We started the deconstruction process by removing the vanity with the counter top and all the attachments. Then we removed the toilet. The major deconstruction that followed was the removal of the hamper and the partitioning wall that sectioned off the bathroom in two and we continued with removing the culture marble tub surround and bathtub. This bathroom had two entries, one from the hallway and the other from the master bedroom. The client suggested a more private access to the bathroom so we removed the door entry from the hallway. Finally, the bathroom floor tile was removed.

            The bathroom was already completely deconstructed, the reconstruction phase was to begin, and we started with the plumbing. The old shower faucet was removed and the plumbing for the new faucet was raised to a more comfortable level. The new faucet body was installed. The lavatory plumbing was also raised. This was done because we were to install a comfort height (36") vanity cabinet. The new electrical circuit was wired to supply power to the On-demand water heater, mounted below the counter top. This unit was also plumbed-in. In this phase, the tub drain has been removed and replaced with a new drain to accommodate the installation of the shower pan that followed. We also installed reinforcements for the faucet body, showerhead, the grab bars (to be installed later), and the return jam on the new shower stall. The hallway door entry was framed, sheet rocked, and prepared for tape and floating. In addition, all the ceiling's old popcorn texture was removed along with the sand wall texturing.

            Wall and ceiling preparation continued. The ceiling was primed with Kilz. The material seals all the backer board and is a primer for better paint adhesion. The ceiling and walls were texture in Monterrey finish, primed and painted with two coats of paint.

            The new hardi backerboard was installed in the shower stall area. Then the backerboard was tape and floated with latex fortified thin set mortar and fiberglass tape. The shower bench was then constructed out of 8"x8"x16" and 4"x8"x16" cinder block and mason mortar.

            Installation of the porcelain tile was as followed. This design is one of the most popular designs because of its sheer endurance disguised as sincere elegance. The design is as follows starting from the base, two rows of 13"x13", followed with a band of 6"x6", then two more rows of 13"x13", and then the next two rows of 13"x13" include two 6"x6" deco diamond inserts. The shower bench was tile to blend in with the shower walls. The top of the bench was tile in a 2"x2" tumbled travertine. This 2"x2" travertine also coordinated with the mosaic stone set on shower floor. If you notice the curb (step into the shower) was so well blended in that it practically has disappeared. This is a low-entry shower stall, meaning the client would have to step up only two inches to enter the shower. The tile accessories installed were two shampoo caddies, one soap dish, and one towel bar. All of these accessories are bone in color.

            We also installed the identical tile on the wain coating (half way up the way outside the shower) and on the bathroom floor. All tile work was grout out in Sandstone. 

            The cabinets installed are Arkansas Comfort Height 36"  with a Polystone solid surface counter top with a built in sink in Taupe. The faucets were American Standard. The onsite On-Demand water heater is Primo's 2 gallon self-contained. The ceiling light is Ambiance 10" light diffuser. The three handrails are 2 at 24" and 1 at 36" x 1 1/2" stainless steel with concealed mounting.

            The final result of this bathroom was a more functional and Senior-friendly space. The above description may be a little technical. In fact Mrs. G, the client said," Robert, just made it so my mom won't have any problems using this bathroom and my stepdad will be able to get in and out with his wheelchair." She selected the colors and accessories and let us do what we do best.  

Call for more information. 832.202.8453