Step 1: Demo (next 100 steps: the hard part)

We have been talking about it for while, but like the old billiard-themed pinball game at Stefano's used to say, "Stop talking and start chalking." A tepid sledge hammer strike from Jamie confirmed our commitment to completely remodel the master bath. The plan is to transform or water damaged dirty plastic tub into a luxurious magazine-worthy walk-in shower. Our old tub held water in the corners, and wall tiles were beginning to peel off. The losing side of a Clorox battle with mold and mildew, the soap scum buildup that requires a biweekly jackhammers worth of elbow grease, and the outdated fixtures purchased on close-out in the early eighties were all factors in the decision, but a hammer, crowbar, and a sawzall sealed the deal. Without a more detailed plan, projects tend to grow. After getting down to the studs in the shower area, we decided to also tear out the linen closet on the other wall.

At this point, everythin g is down to the studs and

it is plumbing time. Throughout the project, we are taking a "cross-that-bridge-when-we-come-to-it" mentality. If we have to hire someone, so beit, but for now we are still on the DIY plan. I am armed with a few youtube videos and a master plumber friend (Matt Spexarth) for the next few steps. We need to move the drain to the middle of the floor, and reroute the hot/cold lines through the wall. There is a product called SharkBites that allow the weekender to so small plumbing projects. I am still not sure how much I trust the product, but they were just approved by the city for use inside the walls. After assessing the situation, the plumbing it is going to be non-trivial at best and only time will tell. Stay tuned for our next update.