This throwback post describes the time we set out to do a “simple little bathroom renovation.” It’s a reminder that renovation rarely follows the plan — and that things often get worse before they get better.
As my mom used to say, “Things usually get way worse before they get better!” In our case, she was absolutely right. Read on for the chronicle of missteps, setbacks, and eventual success. There’s also a note below pointing to the final bathroom reveal when it was all finished — and it was worth every troublesome minute.
Some renovations are straightforward: measure, paint, install, admire. A clear before-and-after makeover, like the painted barker board project I shared previously, can be quick and satisfying.
Other times, “progress” takes a winding route. One small change can lead to an unexpected chain of work: a pipe moved three inches, a bit more drywall cut, an electrician called in, and suddenly your tidy project feels anything but simple.
Renovation is as much about perception as it is about progress. To illustrate, here’s what someone would see if they stopped by our house for coffee during this phase:
Not exactly the spring curb appeal I’d imagined. It’s a little embarrassing to greet guests with construction at the door, but it also shows that work is happening — and that’s encouraging. The vanity installation required moving water pipes, which led to a small hole in the wall. That small hole quickly expanded as we discovered hidden complications.
It started with a three-inch shift in pipe location. Then a 1 1/2-inch height adjustment required cutting a little more drywall. While peering through the wall with a flashlight, my husband noticed a tangle of mysterious electrical wiring. That discovery changed the scope of work: what had been a cosmetic change became a safety and structural concern.
An exacto knife and a steady hand revealed the house’s hidden history: layers of old construction techniques, unexpected wiring runs, and the oddities that come with older homes. Drywall removal continued until the problem areas were exposed and ready for repair.
When the electrician finished, the tangled, unsafe wiring had been removed and re-routed properly. That felt like a huge step forward. It doesn’t always look pretty in the moment, but the work made the space safe and set the stage for the next steps in the bathroom renovation.
A new, properly installed outlet in the correct location was another small but meaningful victory. Little details like safe electrical, correctly placed plumbing, and solid framing are the foundation of any successful bathroom makeover, even if you don’t see them in the finished photos.
Finally, new drywall went up. It was sore work — I even injured my thumb in the process — but seeing a clean, rebuilt wall after the demolition felt like a real turning point.
Over the next few days we measured progress in dustpans full of drywall dust and the steady accumulation of small tasks completed. Renovation progress can be slow and messy, but each step brings you closer to the finished bathroom: safer wiring, properly fitted plumbing, smooth walls, and eventually, the pretty vanity and finished finishes.
I was so excited as the project finally began to align with the vision: the messy middle had given way to real forward movement. The finished small bathroom makeover was absolutely worth the headaches and the bandaged thumbs.
To See More Bathroom Renovation Posts
- Want to see how this bathroom turned out? Check the small bathroom makeover reveal post on the original blog.
- A simple shiplap accent wall in a powder room can make a big impact — see that shiplap wall project for inspiration.
- We also featured a bathroom accent wall painted in Evergreen Fog; it’s a great example of choosing the right paint color for a small space.
Want to do some budget-friendly room makeovers in your house?
I put together a free guide for budget-friendly room makeovers — a practical recipe I use every time I refresh a space. After completing dozens of makeovers over the years, I’ve refined a simple process that works on a budget. If you’d like the guide, sign up to receive it and get step-by-step tips for planning, pacing, and completing a room makeover.
