Shower and Lawn Improvements

While I was home over Memorial Day Weekend, we decided to rip out our master shower.  We had someone come bid us for it, just to get an estimate of what they thought it would cost to replace, and it was ridiculous.  So we decided we're going to do it ourselves.  The guy who came and bid us said we definitely had mold underneath so we had better get going on replacing the shower asap.  After going to Floor and Decor to price out the costs ourselves, we decided to get started.  We didn't want to take out the wall we just did with the pocket door in it, so we figured we would just improve the current space where the shower was.  Here is the progress in photos.

Old Shower.  Pretty gross and small.

Looks like mold and mildew stains.

Strong Steve ripping out the shower and door trim.  The old tile came out in sheets and was just a little heavy to carry downstairs and outside, but we managed.

 

Luckily when we got down to the studs there was no water damage or mold.

Such a relief!!!  Surprisingly after 34 years it still looks great!

Putting up the new mold resistant drywall and shower niche.

Since we were down to the 2x4's we figured we my as well as update the plumbing.  So we went from the old copper piping to the new standard ones, apex piping.  Plus Steve connected the 2 waterlines, so instead of 2 waters handles (one for cold and one for hot), we now have one.  Steve was a little apprehensive to do it himself since he hasn't done plumbing before, but after watching many YouTube videos and talking to a neighbor, he went for it and succeeded, as usual.  He's amazing and so talented when it comes to home repairs!

Old plumbing with 2 water handles, and new plumbing with one handle.  

Plus Steve raised the shower head so he doesn't have to duck anymore. :)

 

We decided to put the tile all the way to the ceiling this time, plus we widened it another 4 inches.  It doesn't sound like much, but it sure makes it feel bigger!

         

Steve decided to put in a waterproof can light above the shower while he was updating things.  And after watching another YouTube video on how to do it, he did it!  It definitely adds more light in there.

New can light vs old one.

The last drywall up, and now the drain system (described below).

Next was the Schluter-Kerdi system.  This orange material is waterproof in and of itself.  As they say its an "all-in-one solution to building a completely waterproof shower that's ready for tile."  It adds another layer of protection to the shower essentially.  Also the shower tray is already sloped just as you need it to drain properly, so you don't have to mess with getting the proper slope yourself. 

The Schluter-Kerdi system in place.  Once it was set they suggest you fill it with 2 inches of water to make sure you don't have any leaks.  After 12 hours of no movement in the water line, we figured we were good and continued on.

 

And after putting in one can light, Steve figured why not put in another.

We decided to put rocks/stones for the base of the shower, and in the niche.  Then grey for the main tile all the way up to the ceiling.

Getting started and looking good!

  

That Saturday Steve worked all day and got the rest of the grey tile put in.  After a little trial and error, he realized he couldn't pre-cut the tile for a row, he actually needed to put each one in one by one, in order to make sure the fit perfectly.  Needless to say, he went up and down the stairs to outside where the tile saw was, just a few times.  I think he got some good exercise :)

More progress.

  

Almost done!

Tada!

  

Then the step tile done.

Then the niche.

Then the grout, then put the new shower head and handle on.  It works and looks great!  We are using the shower now and it feels wonderful!  Both the pressure of the water coming from the shower head, and the stone on our feet.  Ahhh, so refreshing!  Steve did an awesome job!!!  Steve continues to amaze me with his home improvement skills!

Before and after again.  Definitely more inviting and enjoyable to use now.
We have the new glass ordered, so hopefully in a couple weeks it'll be in.

  

Our lawn and flowers are also progressing.  I love seeing their beauty every day; makes me happy.  Pretty Dianthus flowers blooming.  Our seed in the back coming in also at the beginning of June.

Slowly but surely.

Of course the weeds are coming in as well, so we'll have to get rid of them later.

Our Day Lillies starting to bloom!

 

Pretty butterfly on our flowers.

The grass coming in more full.

Mowed now.

Yeah for the lawn!

Now the maroon ones blooming!

 Our garden is growing!  A tomato plant and bell peppers plants.  

The strawberry plants in the back struggle a little.

A couple more of our Day Lillies and Dianthus flowers in front of the porch.

 

The pear tree we planted has 6 pears growing too!

Plus we have like 30 peaches growing too, vs last year we only had 1.

It's fun to see the progress on both the inside and outside of our house as we look back over this past year since moving in.  It's been a lot of work, and we're not done yet, but it's rewarding at the same time.  We enjoy the extra space and the area we live in.  It definitely feels more like home now.  :)