Some remodels are a ripple effect

And another layer, and another...

So, while we were improving upon the bedroom, we removed the overhead fixture.  It was a black and brushed nickel ceiling fan.  And there was some question as to what we should do with it.

Well, I'm all about re-purposing, reusing, and recycling.

And that's why the ceiling fan was moved to the great room.  And that's what started the ripple effect.

*sigh*

I was accustomed to the ripple effect.  It' was how I had started the remodel of the master bathroom in my own house just down the road.  I had lived in it for a month or so.  I was completely dissatisfied with the lack of storage.  And the room was really dated.  I pretty much hated everything about it, except for the tub, which had a lovely tile shelf around the outside.

Here's where I began...

Ever so tentatively, I pulled on a piece of the wallpaper that was behind the door.  It was the master bathroom, so I figured that it wouldn't be so bad.  There should only be two people truly bothered by whatever was underneath and needing fixing.

The wallpaper came off so easily.  It was like slicing through butter.  And bolstered by my success, I continued around the room.  The rest of the room was more like performing surgery with that same butter knife.  Oh, the pain and aggravation.

I had to rent a steamer from Sunbelt.  I spent twelve hours on a ladder removing three layers of wallpaper and two layers of paint only to discover that the sheet rock had never been primed and now was in need of repair.  It was a good lesson. 

These are the things I learned...

• Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.  It is phrase that can be applied to every aspect of your life.
• Tools tools tools.  Remodeling is all about having the right tools to work with.  Luckily with stores like Lowe's, Home Depot, and Sunbelt around, projects for the DIYer can be more affordable.
• Ask as expert.  I was proud.  I believed that I could do anything.  At the same time, I was smart.  It didn't scare me to ask someone who knew more than I did...still do.  The guys at these home improvement stores know what they are talking about.  They can give great advice.
• Do the research.  It's always best to know what you are getting into.  Despite all the home improvement shows, I really had no idea.
• Have a plan.  Yeah, when I started, I really hadn't thought much past...the wallpaper had to go.  I hadn't priced out bathroom cabinets or new toilets or tile floors or light fixtures.  Big mistake.  Don't make the same one.

Oh, and come back tomorrow for more remodeling tales from our experiences.  My remodels have gone much more smoothly since I started involving Sam and our company: Carolina Home Enhancements.