Drexel Ave.

This customer, a renowned artist, had mold and mildew-impregnated grout between the tiles in her bathroom. The plaster behind the tiles had been moist for some time. Because of the extent of the damage (and the dated tile aesthetic), we determined that the bathroom required complete rebuilding. I began by dustproofing the work area and demolishing the bathroom. Because the old studs had been installed for lath and plaster, I needed to add studs and replace rotted studs from a long-ago repaired roof leak. I augmented the floor joists, while leveling the floor at the same time. I also leveled the ceiling. I installed my preferred subfloor: two thicknesses of 3/4″ plywood for a finished subfloor of 1 1/2″. I have never had tiles popping loose with 1 1/2″ subfloor. I insulated the exterior walls, and the interior walls for soundproofing. I installed Duroc on all walls to provide a base for tile. I drywalled the ceiling, tiled the floor, tiled the walls (including the shower area). I installed the mirror and light fixture, primed and painted the ceiling, trim, and door. While the customer contracted with the plumber, electrician, and HVAC contractors, I interacted with them and acted as her agent to ensure accountability. After the bathroom was completed, the customer had a party and brought twenty of her friends through the bathroom to show it off.