Good for you! I happen to be working on the same thing at the moment. Not on such a grand scale but when my youngest son moved out in December and I went in there to clean it I was totally grossed out by the mess he left behind. After I scrubbed it and got it spotless my creative juices started flowing and I decided to paint the walls. I was going to do peel 'n stick tiles over the vinyl floor but after purchasing the tiles I opted to pull up the vinyl and go with ceramic tiles instead. I had to scrape the concrete and get it nice and smooth which was the biggest job of all so far. I did pull up all the baseboard and am planning on resanding and refinishing it. I would call what I'm doing remodeling on a shoestring. I wish I could've gotten the old tub out but it's the kind that the tub/shower is all-in-one and it would've had to be cut out to replace it and though I'm confident in my "handyman" skills I didn't think I should take that on. Besides I would've had to pay someone to do it and that's just not in my budget. The tiling I can do myself as I've done it in 3 other rooms in my house in the past. I've become an old pro at that job.

But, I for one, love to hear about other widow's home improvement projects and would love to hear of your progress as you make it. Kudos to you!!!
Judi

Congratulations! Sounds like a project :) You will have to post pictures of your progress :)

(((hugs)))
Carla

Kudos to you for doing so much by yourself!

I had mine remodeled ~~the bathroom off of our/my bedroom and redid my bedroom too~~ the summer after Joe died. BUT, I had my brother-in-law do it, because he is a carpenter. (Joe's youngest brother).

The bathroom was very small anyway and was always ~~ Joe's. It had a shower stall that had to be cut apart to be taken out. The floor had to be replaced ~~ I knew that.

Joe had been waiting "until later" to do it. I was afraid he was going to fall through it one day, but, he kept saying it was ok. Joe was NOT a carpenter, but knew it was just the top floor that was ruined and had been slowly rotting. The one under it was just wet and molding. (found that out AFTER it was torn into). We didn't know there was mold until it was torn into. Thank goodness I had moved to another bedroom for the remodeling! I'm allergic to that particular mold! That's why I had him tear the whole floor out and redo! I didn't want ANY mold left in there.

I had my closet torn out and made the bathroom bigger and had a tub put in with a door and a seat inside it (and, yeah, all the Jacuzzi jets). I had fun picking out the tile and wall board & new toilet. We had another man add to the sink cabinet and make a marble sink and top for it. I had a marble sink, but, the cabinet was so small. My brother built the cabinet and another cabinet that was above the sink and toilet ~ the 2 parts were connected, but we took them apart, because the sink had to be moved to put my tub there. I think it turned out to be one of the prettiest rooms I have!

My brother's health was too bad to redo the cabinet at that time. (He passed away a year and 3 months ago.) I love the cabinets he made but the sink needed drawers added to it. The man that did it for me ~ did a great job matching the wood and stain. (light Oak)

Have fun! I love my new bathroom! I'm sure you will love yours when you get finished.

I'm not good at carpentry and was very glad to have my brother-in-law doing the work. He likes for it to be done 'right'. He got under the house and placed supports, etc, for my new tub. He didn't want the floor falling in....LOL. It was a lot of work ~~ worth it though.

Hugs, Joely

Kudos to you , i am ashamed to say I cant even get up the mojo to clean mine, let alone remodel. I keep wanting to , but still in the "dont give a D@#$ state of mind. Let me know, how it goes, maybe i can pull some inspiration from your spirit.

I wouldn`t even know where to start. Good for you. I hate to admit, I hadn`t even pumped my own gas before Larry got sick. I know I am pitifull and regret not doing so much more. He was a man`s man and just liked looking after me so I lapped it up. Now I am wishing I didn`t!! You go girl but be careful. Hugs Lu Ann

Good for you! There is something purging about ripping out things; and a great satisfaction in doing things yourself! I found this out when I started working on our somewhat neglected big 3 bedroom house to get it ready to sell. I replaced door framing, painted inside and out, re-finished floors, caulked, tarred, etc. It took months; I got to know the hardware store people very well. Kind of blundered through some of it, making it lots more work than it should have been. I started out annoyed that my husband hadn't kept up on it, but gradually it became a journey for me and this old house, which I had bought myself originally. Now it looks about as good as it can, and I made it happen! I learned lots of new things, but did draw the line at plumbing, and especially electrical. I have pretty much wrecked my right hand, but it doesn't have to do much more, and has earned its rest. Best of luck to you, and have fun!

You all rock! I was congratulating myself for hanging pictures by myself until I read these posts. -Shelli

Holy Cow! You have my respect! I feel like I did a lot learning how to use a power drill.

hugs..
-Diana

I have needed to replace the thermostat for our central air and heat for months since the old one won't cut on or off by itself. I have the new thermostat but so far am too scared to tackle it. I keep rereading these posts to psych myself up to trying it.. We'll see.

Wmsbaby, I replaced the thermostat you're talking about myself a few years ago even before my husband died. It was one of the easiest jobs. I'm sure you can do this, and when you do you're going to be so proud of yourself. You'll be telling yourself, "today the thermostat...tomorrow the world!" Seriously, if I can do it you can do it too. Good luck!
Judi

I love to destroy things! There's nothing like a crowbar in the hands of an hurting woman!

Sounds like major fun - Enjoy...and pick another project after this one!!

It's amazing what we CAN do! I have a bathroom that we started to remodel together; then as health issues became the priority, got left on the back burner. But you know, I do believe I can "get 'er done", mostly by myself...will need help getting the claw foot tub in & plumbed, but am excited about doing the rest of it on my own! You all rock!!

I bow to all you do it yourselfers (spellcheck does not like that word) LOL

I look around at my old house and made a list of projects. Then I thought I am going to sell and it was in good enough condition for that.

I purchased a new house. Really miss doing projects.

Hugs, Holly

OK do not ask how I did it, it had to be broken before HAD to be
I broke the crowbar that I was using to take off the modeling around tub etc. And can not get hammer etc into it so have to go borrow or buy another crowbar UNREAL

But neighbor with backhoe etc here fixing my broken line to the well. WIll have water by tonight DARN its cold out there

Well done I must say! I did a bathroom reno but the destruction part was done before Mike died. If you need any advice on drywall..I'm your woman. Messy business that dry wall but satisfying once your done.
Good luck and kuddos for plunging in!

Cindy