Tarantula Arms Is Getting A Facelift

[compactelectra]

Well, since the market was slow and I got a new job close by, I have decided to keep Tarantula Arms. Since I am keeping it (Tania is very happy!) I have decided to do a total facelift. Furniture is out for reupholstery, carpeting is on order and all bathrooms are getting a make-over. For those of you who don't care, you can skip this thread. I have been getting questions though, so here is an update.

Most of the furniture on the first floor is being replaced or recovered. As that happens, if there is interest, I'll post pictures. Carpeting on the second floor is being replaced but not until the second floor bathrooms are finished with construction. One of the things I learned by putting the house on the market was that this place was somewhat dated - especially in this price range. The house is 25 years old. When my sister-in-law helped me put it on the market (she's a broker) she asked if I had gold plumbing fixtures. She was disappointed to hear that the whole house was filled with them. They really date the place. So when I decided to keep the place, those were the first things to go.

First to be done - the powder room - picture before. Gold fixtures and door hardware. All replaced with brushed nickel even the door handles. Corian counter replaced with granite. Don't even know how to describe that toilet paper holder. It went as well.

 

[compactelectra]

After - First Picture

Same vantage. New cabinet and door hardware, cabinet painted, new granite counter top and fixtures. Finally, a new paint job.

 

[compactelectra]

Next - Upstairs

Tania and Charlie's bathroom. Charlie had some specific requests. A before shot. I really didn't mind it, but now that I look at it OY! Welcome to the 80's. Here is a shot under construction.

 

[compactelectra]

And After

Black granite counter, white sinks and chrome fixtures. The floor was off-white and grey so grey, white and black became the theme. Tania doesn't like it, but I think Charlie does. The shower and bath in the next room is now done in white glass tile with a black inset. All new Grohe chrome fixtures.

 

[compactelectra]

Now

The major bath work - on my master bath. This one is a total gut job. Some before pictures.

 

[compactelectra]

And

The old whirlpool tub.

 

[compactelectra]

And

Shower. This is getting a total make-over and expansion.

 

[compactelectra]

Jerry

My adorable contractor started on the demolition. First shots. Cabinets - gone.

 

[compactelectra]

Shower -

Gone

 

[compactelectra]

Whirlpool Enclosure

Demolished - all this in one day.

 

[gusherb]

I love the transformation! The brushed nickel is a very nice choice, I've always liked it, but wondered if that's gonna go the way of Polished Brass after a little while too.

If you waited long enough Polished Brass would've been back in fashion!

 

[compactelectra]

So

My plan is for a Joan Crawford like shower. Multiple shower heads (6). This will require 3/4 inch plumbing lines to the shower. Now we know that 3/4 inch lines come up from the basement, but when Jerry opened the walls, only 1/2 inch lines. It required digging up the floor to find where the 3/4 inch lines were. This is what I am planning on the shower looking like after. Different tile though.

 

[compactelectra]

So

I got home today - second day of demo on the master. I guess he found those 3/4 inch lines. Yikes! Dig Dig Dig

 

[compactelectra]

Another Shot

Don't know what those corrugated tubes are except that I know they are hooked up to the heating/A/C system. Must be for heating/cooling the floor.

 

[compactelectra]

They Will Have to Go

I am meeting the contractor tomorrow. I am sure I will get an earful. Oh well, I could have asked him to put in recirculating hot water! More to come as we go along.

 

[gusherb]

The corrugated aluminum ducting is usually used for exhaust fans, do you have a bathroom nearby on the level below?

Oh one thing I wanna warn you about is that all shower valves since 2010 have built in flow restrictors that limit water flow to 2.5 GPM or lower, you may not get the experience as pictured! I don't know if there is any way to remove the flow restrictor built into the valve or not. The only work around now is to have multiple shower faucets.

 

[hooverboy81]

Fabulous!

Fred,
Looks like everything is coming along beautifully! I love the color selections and new granite! I wouldn't worry about having a contractor hate you, just about every one in a fifty mile radius hates me...I'm ok with that! The shower will be amazing! I have one similar to the one you shared. You DEFINITELY get the Joan Crawford feel when all of the shower heads are spraying at once! Can't wait to see the finished product!

 

[compactelectra]

Every Valve

Will be 3/4 inch. I used to remove the restrictors and will check these.

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Wow!  Everything looks fabulous so far!  Major congratulations are in order!  Robert and I can't wait to see it.  I absolutely love the Lawson/Voigt bathroom transformation... and your master is going to be incredible!  Will you break a bottle of champagne on the shower before its maiden voyage??