Beginning our DIY kitchen remodel— gutting the bathroom… *VIDEO*
The strangest thing about writing a blog on the internet is feeling like you owe strangers an explanation for your life… then, after the explanation, some of these strangers will be aggrieved by your choices.
This is going to be one of those times.
We are taking out the half bath on the first floor; it is not original to the house, and there is NO PLACE else to relocate it that does not duplicate the same awkward design.
To recap the feedback I’ve gotten:
1. That bathroom is hideous. You MUST tear it out.
2. That bathroom is hideous. You MUST keep it; a first-floor bath is invaluable.
3. That bathroom is hideous. You MUST tear it out… and put it somewhere else; because a first-floor bath is invaluable.
Here is the explanation for taking it out… not that it will persuade you. I only offer it because I am legally required, as a blogger, to account for all of our decisions, so that my explanation may be ignored in favor of public derision.
We are removing the bathroom because we feel the poor location and horrible appearance outweighs its value.
Does that mean we do not understand the value of a bath on the first floor? No. Shockingly, we understand. AND YET we are removing it anyway.
Did we think of some workarounds? Yes.
Were they designs that would enhance the space? No.
They were ways of building half walls and pseudo mudrooms and moving the bathroom further into the kitchen… and just generally creating MORE UGLY to hide the EXISTING UGLY.
So we have decided to have NO UGLY.
To us, this entire space— the addition AND the kitchen— are going to look 1,000,000,000% better with windows on that wall, rather than a boxed-in toilet.
To us, one billion percent is a lot and we feel good about our choice.
I’m also compelled to say this:
This is an old house.
Old houses come with the necessity that you sometimes be willing to ACCEPT THE HOUSE… and sometimes that means choosing what is best for the house, rather than what is most convenient.
Okay… Now you may proceed with the cries of VALUE! Resale!
But you’ll have to do it while watching Paul and I take it out.
other videos to help you waste time:
bed to roof/through window,
how to move a grand piano,
building drawers inside the piano
October 6, 2015 @ 10:36 am
OMG, Where did you get that man? Handy, good looking, willing to execute your ideas and retrieve goodies from far, far away. He is a keeper x 10.
As for removing the bath, very good idea. In our County, we would not be able to get a Permit for it as it was because of its proximity to the Kitchen. You are getting Permits, right?
October 6, 2015 @ 10:37 am
“Accepting the house”…..PERFECT. Very SMART choice!
October 6, 2015 @ 10:40 am
I adore the egregious Elvis shot at the end!
October 6, 2015 @ 10:41 am
Definitely one million percent improved!!! I can envision a beautiful mantle at the end of that room!!! So happy to see your accomplish your goals, and what a great way to stay in shape at the same time — you and Paul both are so lean and muscular! Btw, love your tee shirt! 🙂
October 6, 2015 @ 10:43 am
Oh, the humanity! 😉
October 6, 2015 @ 10:48 am
Good decision on bathrm. How’s Elvis?
October 6, 2015 @ 10:51 am
I could not be happier with your decision.
A toilet in the kitchen, egad.
October 6, 2015 @ 10:51 am
Sweet sink……! I agree the bathroom is awkward and needs to go.
October 6, 2015 @ 10:54 am
Yeah, I agree with you. I would have struggled with the decision to take it out because it seems like you HAVE TO HAVE A FIRST FLOOR BATHROOM. But I also live in a Victorian house with no first floor bath. I remember when we bought it, I thought it would be an issue. It’s not. Even at parties, etc, I think guests prefer the privacy of the 2nd floor bathroom. You are doing the right thing.
October 6, 2015 @ 10:56 am
Outhouse, anyone? …going ol’ school.
October 6, 2015 @ 10:58 am
Cannot decide which I love more- your stories or your pics! Agree on what is expected from bloggers, and am so glad that you can have a sense of humour about it.
Bathroom in the kitchen area is definitely a no go for me, but I could not manage going up the stairs every time I needed to tinkle! Have you considered a tasteful outhouse off the back porch? (joking, of course!)
Keep up with the stories, and best of luck to you all!
October 6, 2015 @ 10:59 am
Love how your videos always incorporate dancing! And the room does look better without the bathroom there.
October 6, 2015 @ 11:03 am
“Toilet in a box” pretty aptly described it! Glad you followed your heart in the remodeling process; it’s the best guide to ensure you build your home with love. And hey! You look fantastic!
October 6, 2015 @ 11:07 am
First of all, just seeing that sink was reason alone to rip out the whole dang bathroom. Carry on, warriosr!
October 6, 2015 @ 11:08 am
That is the neatest, cleanest demo I’ve ever seen. No hammering and dust, good job. And that was one fugly bathroom, good riddance.
October 6, 2015 @ 11:12 am
First of all, just seeing the sink is reason enough to rip out the bathroom. Carry on, warriors!
Then, you have to understand how many people will never be able to do stuff like this to a house like this, so they are living vicariously through you. Because of this it touches them personally when you make a choice they would not have made.
I may or may not be included in this group of people, because if I watch your videos and ponder your decisions I can keep putting off the projects I already bought the supplies to do, but haven’t started/finished yet. (There are many projects, take your pick)
My favorite part of the video wan’t the dancing. While I adored the dancing I love even more how it was you who kicked, punched and pushed out nearly 100% of the drywall!
I have myself convinced that one day there will be a video in which Paul takes you over his knee. (Giggling to myself) He has a good sense of humor, too.
October 6, 2015 @ 11:17 am
Your house – your decision. Can’t wait to see the reveal.
October 6, 2015 @ 11:18 am
The bathroom was HIDEOUS and most certainly needed to go. No need for a bathroom on the first floor; I myself like a little privacy when I’m going about my business. (Probably because I grew up using an outhouse, and I’d still love a fully plumbed one away from the house)
You and your Paul are a joy to behold. Elvis is incomparable. My day has been made!
October 6, 2015 @ 11:23 am
Do I see a pair of windows that are really close but not quite the same size on that wall? So weird.
And then that wall around it. There’s an office park with weird signs on the North South Freeway that remind me of the yellow wall you took out. You know what I’m talking about?
I did without a first floor bathroom too. People told me I had to have one in my little rowhouse and sacrifice the back living room window and space for a full size dining table to get it. A nice house is a much better thing to have than a checklist.
October 6, 2015 @ 11:25 am
To hell with the toilet! If you have elderly visitors who can’t do the stairs hand them a bucket or drive them to the coffee shop. Yes, always good for resale but for now it has to go! Our bathroom on main flr was right off the kitchen, you heard it all. We sealed up that door (installed soundproofing) and created access via the new back entrance. Not everyone can do this, we were lucky we cld. You will love it now that it’s gone and you can start adding windows. Sally forth!