Thank you, Jeffrey Court, for sponsoring today’s post. As always, all opinions are our own.

Transforming Our Guest Bathroom: The Demolition Begins!

Every home has those spaces that patiently await their moment of transformation. For us, it was our guest and kids’ bathroom. A heavily utilized area that, while functional, was far from reflecting our home’s evolving style or our growing family’s needs. The exciting news arrived with the official green light to kick off our One Room Challenge, proudly sponsored by Jeffrey Court! This partnership marked the beginning of a truly ambitious project, and as soon as the word was given, my husband, Jon, wasted no time diving headfirst into the exhilarating, albeit messy, world of bathroom demolition.

Just last week, we shared a detailed look at our “before” photos, offering a glimpse into the outdated space we were eager to revitalize. We also unveiled our carefully curated inspiration board for the guest/kids bathroom, a visual blueprint of the serene, rustic-breeze aesthetic we envisioned. The planning phase was extensive; we meticulously crafted a comprehensive list of every single improvement we wanted to make, from plumbing fixtures to lighting, and, of course, the stunning Jeffrey Court tile that would form the cornerstone of our new design. Once our tile order was placed, Jon eagerly geared up for the physical work.

The DIY Dilemma: Balancing Ambition with Reality

Our initial plan for this renovation was a hybrid approach: we would tackle the demolition ourselves to save on labor costs, but then enlist a professional tile installer for the intricate tiling work. Tiling is an art form, demanding precision and experience, and with two small children running around, maintaining a functional main bathroom (which this one is, being the most central toilet to our family room where we spend most of our days) was paramount. However, Jon, ever the enthusiast for a challenge, harbored a strong desire to handle the tiling himself. He dragged his feet on agreeing to hire out, and by the time we finally moved to book a tile contractor, the best ones were already booked out for over a month!

This turn of events meant Jon got his wish: to handle both the demolition and the entire tile installation on his own, at his own pace. While I admire his dedication and DIY spirit, it wasn’t exactly ideal for me. With two young kids, losing access to the main bathtub and toilet for an extended period was a significant logistical challenge. Nevertheless, we embraced the reality and prepared for the exciting, if slightly inconvenient, journey ahead. The first step, a crucial one, was to clear out the old and make way for the new.

Demolition Day: Starting from the Ground Up

Demolition is often seen as the most cathartic part of a renovation, but it’s also where safety and smart planning are key. Jon began by systematically tackling the floor tiles. Armed with the right tools, he meticulously pried up each tile, one by one. Our pro tip for anyone undertaking a similar project: keep a sturdy plastic bin nearby as a makeshift, portable trash can. As each tile was removed, it went straight into the bin, making for incredibly easy transport and minimizing the spread of dust and sharp debris. This simple trick drastically streamlined the cleanup process and kept the workspace safer, which is particularly important in a home environment.

The Disassembly Continues: Toilet and Subfloor Preparation

With the initial floor tiles removed, the next item on the demolition agenda was the toilet. Since we were planning to install a brand new, more efficient, and aesthetically pleasing toilet, this old unit had to go. Jon carefully disconnected the water supply, flushed out the remaining water, and unbolted the toilet from the floor flange. This allowed him full access to the remaining floor area. While not captured in the photos, Jon dedicated a solid hour, behind a closed door to contain dust and noise, skillfully using an electric chisel to meticulously remove any residual thinset and grout from the subfloor. This step is often overlooked but is absolutely critical for a successful new tile installation. A perfectly smooth and level subfloor ensures proper adhesion and a flawless finish for the new tiles, preventing cracks and uneven surfaces down the line.

The Shower Transformation: From Dated to Open Canvas

Next up was the part Jon was arguably most excited about: gutting the shower. This involved removing the existing tiles and the underlying hardy board (or cement board). Armed with his trusty crowbar, Jon strategically began prying the old materials off the walls. The key here is to find the weak points and use leverage effectively, carefully detaching large sections to minimize debris and maximize efficiency. It’s a physical job, but incredibly satisfying to see the old give way to the new potential.

A quick but important side note: before embarking on this heavy demolition, Jon had already completed some crucial preparatory work. This included significant electrical upgrades, enhancing the functionality and safety of the space. Most notably, he installed a sleek pocket door, a brilliant space-saving solution for a smaller bathroom that truly maximizes the usable floor area. Furthermore, the light in the shower, which was never there before, is brand new! This addition dramatically brightens the space, and I absolutely adore the modern touch it brings to the overall design.

Jon’s technique proved highly effective; he was able to remove the three shower walls in large, manageable sections. This method, combined with careful handling, resulted in surprisingly little mess, a testament to his methodical approach and attention to detail. Instead of chipping away small pieces, detaching larger sheets of the tiled hardy board significantly sped up the process and made cleanup considerably easier.

Carefully pulling these large sheets of tile and hardy board off the wall required precision to avoid unnecessary damage to the studs or any underlying plumbing. It’s a delicate balance between force and finesse, ensuring a clean break and an easy path for the next phase of construction.

A Glimpse of the Future: Introducing Jeffrey Court’s Alaskan Chill

Amidst the dust and debris of demolition, Jon took a well-deserved, albeit brief, break to share a sneak peek of what’s to come. He held up a sample of the exquisite Alaskan Chill Glass Mosaic tile from Jeffrey Court. This moment offered a vivid contrast between the chaos of the present and the serene beauty of our future bathroom. The Alaskan Chill tile, with its subtle cool tones and elegant glass finish, is the perfect choice for creating the “rustic breeze” ambiance we envisioned. It immediately brightens the space and promises a sophisticated yet inviting feel. Seeing the tile in the actual space, even surrounded by raw studs, really solidified our excitement for the final reveal.

Another wall successfully cleared! The transformation from a fully tiled shower to an exposed framework was rapid, revealing the bones of the structure and preparing the space for its new identity.

Finally, all three shower walls were gone, completely stripped down to the studs. This “down to the studs” stage is an incredibly important milestone in any major renovation. It allows for a thorough inspection of the structural integrity, plumbing, and electrical systems. It’s the perfect opportunity to address any hidden issues, upgrade components, and ensure everything is up to code before rebuilding begins. It also provides a clean slate for precise measurements and installations of new waterproofing membranes, backer boards, and, eventually, our beautiful Jeffrey Court tiles.

Assessing the Aftermath: Minimal Damage, Maximum Relief

The piles of demolished tile and hardy board may look daunting, but amidst them, we found cause for celebration: very little water damage! This was a huge relief, as discovering extensive water damage behind old shower walls can significantly inflate the renovation budget and extend the timeline. It means our subfloor and wall studs are in good condition, requiring minimal repair before the rebuilding phase can commence. This small victory truly buoyed our spirits as we looked ahead.

Demolition is undeniably heavy work, and carrying out each weighty piece of tile and hardy board was a significant physical undertaking. But with each trip, the space grew closer to its “blank slate” potential, and the excitement for the upcoming transformation grew stronger.

The True Blank Slate: Ready for Reimagination

That same evening, Jon put in the final effort to move out the bathtub, officially creating a true blank slate. The bathroom, once a collection of dated fixtures and worn tiles, now stands completely empty, revealing its raw potential. This is where the real magic happens: where our vision, inspired by the Jeffrey Court tiles, will begin to take physical form. The demo phase is complete, and the stage is perfectly set for the exciting journey of rebuilding, tiling, and decorating.

Stay tuned and follow along over the next 2.5 weeks as we continue to share the thrilling progress on our guest/kids bathroom renovation. We’ll be documenting every step, from framing to tiling with our beautiful Jeffrey Court selections, and finally, the stunning reveal!

Make sure you head over to Jeffrey Court’s Facebook page every Thursday to hear what the judges think of the progress made by all participants in the One Room Challenge. Your support and comments mean the world to us as we navigate this exciting home transformation!