When does a mini-makeover become plastic surgery?

When a renovating retiree is in the picture - that's when. The basement bathroom didn't get a total face-lift, but it was definitely more than a trip to the Clinique or Lancome counter. Possibly more like a nose job-type of reno and almost as painful.

BEFORE = really outdated.
Most of the work was concentrated on this area.

We originally planned to just change the outdated formica vanity top. Sounds easy enough. Then I suggested we get rid of the brass fixtures. OK, not too bad. And while we're at it, let's look for another light fixture - the one in place was the old fashioned "hollywood dressing room" type. Well, if we replace that we may need to replace the outdated mirror. If we remove the mirror (which is glued to the wall), the sheet rock will need to be repaired and repainting the room will be a must. If we paint the walls we need to paint the ceiling. And while I'm at it I might as well paint the trim. Then I thought that the vanity could use an updating with a nice shade of charcoal gray...and this is how a mini-makeover (think - using a new foundation and eyeshadow) turns into a job that costs more, requires more man hours, and a helluva lot more energy (like invasive plastic surgery requiring anesthesia and time to heal).

That is not a blow dryer but a heat gun we used
in hopes of removing the glue from the wall.

As usual there were some bumps and craters in the road. I won't go into the fiasco involving the installation of the lighting fixture. I'm sure this product that was made in China was designed just to piss off Americans that were stupid enough to buy it. 'Nuf said. And re-installing the toilet tank and the new plumbing for the sink gave us a better appreciation of plumbers that can do it quickly and only one time (yes - why do things once when you can do it multiple times?) without having leaks. It took us over a week to complete this project and once again I'd like to throw a wrench at the TV when the people in those commercials spritely claim, "Update your bathroom in a weekend!" Idiots.

After
 My daughter's artwork was a perfect compliment to the more contemporary design.

Not too bad for under $400.

Budget was $300 however, we went over - shocker. We were able to use a faucet we originally had in the upstairs bath along with hooks, hinges and cabinet pulls that were stored in the attic. I had some paint in the garage leftover from painting the living areas that I could utilize. We kept the same shelf which my dad hung over 25 years ago, and just spruced it up with some white spray paint, which we always keep on hand. All of the items that we were able to reuse helped keep the costs* in line which resulted in me naming this room the "mish-mosh bathroom". Part new - part leftover stuff. Hopefully you'll agree that it came together fairly well and didn't completely break the bank.

Vanity top $140 
Mirror $64
Light Fixture $72
Toilet paper holder $10
Vanity paint $15
Ceiling paint $27
Misc. painting and plumbing supplies $30
Total:   $358
$58 over budget

*All costs from Lowes include Phil's 10% veterans discount; however it does not include the gas consumed for the many trips back and forth to Lowes to get the right plumbing parts.

This is just a warm up leading to the Big Kahuna of renovation- THE MASTER BATH. Stay tuned...