The weather in Phoenix today was perfect. 81 degrees, 10% humidity, light breeze. We're talking perfect, it can't get any better than this.
So imagine my chagrin when Francy comes in from the garage and hands me the Bosch 11224VSR Rotary Hammer. Now don't get me wrong, this may be the coolest power tool on the planet. The testosterone courses through your veins just holding this bad boy. But it only means one thing — it's time to re-tile the kitchen.
I don't understand my lovely bride's fascination with replacing perfectly functional tile with different perfectly functional tile. I owe this particular tile color, pattern, whatever they call it to some house Francy showed months ago. She fell in love with the tile and the next thing I knew there was a pallet of it in my garage. We've already done the bathrooms, the entryway, laundry room and hallway. All that remains is the kitchen and breakfast area.
The woman is a tile laying machine. Chiseling up the old, perfectly functional tile is my job.
Fortunately, the power rotary hammer makes relatively quick work of it.
Here's a few photos:
Before:
During:
After (obviously not done, but getting there…):
My opinion of doing this on the perfect weather day, and NFL Sunday to boot?
Francy won't let me post that picture…
Next up: rip out the perfectly functional breakfast area tile, rent a tile saw for the curvy cuts (the ONLY way to go), grout and enjoy!
See folks, if you're looking for a home and you find one with everything you want but you can't stand the tile, change it! It's a reasonably simple project for the do-it-yourself type.
I'll even loan you my Bosch rotary hammer.
Technorati Tags: Home improvement, tiling, kitchen remodeling, cool power tools
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{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Lane Bailey 10.07.07 at 7:37 pm
GREAT post. Loved it. Gotta love a tool that beats tile into submission!
Scoot 10.07.07 at 9:11 pm
Nice taste in toolage. That new tile does have a nice texture and color Francy.
Francy 10.07.07 at 9:33 pm
The problem with showing a lot of homes is that you get some great ideas! It makes it a little more difficult to put up with items in your home that you don’t care for.
Our original “perfectly functional tile” was flat white with a hint of a beige pattern (it came with the house and I never liked it). To top it off, our large master bath was carpeted - who likes carpet near a shower and tub?
The new tile is textured with many shades of brown, beige, sand, and grey. It looks great with just about any color wall.
Next I’m taking out all the carpet and putting in wood!
Jay - The Phoenix Real Estate Guy 10.07.07 at 9:36 pm
YOU are taking out the carpet? So I can just sit back and watch?
John Wake 10.07.07 at 10:26 pm
You’re a good husband!
I just can’t let my wife know that husbands can theoretically do such things.
Debbie Cook 10.08.07 at 6:24 am
I agree with your bride,
Even though it was fully functional, if you can’t stand the color or something else about it - it’s got to go! and you ARE A GREAT HUBBY for doing it.
Dining Room Set 10.08.07 at 7:12 am
Great photographs and great job done. The only problem is that you are setting a bad example. Imagine what would happen if my bride saw that blog! I prefer lazying around on perfect days, thank you.
Candace 10.08.07 at 8:25 am
It’s lovely and you are doing a fine job with your “honey-do” list Jay!! Keep up the great work. Just imagine not many wives are willing to help!! You got lucky! Nice choice of tile might I add. I hope we get to see the finished look, before & after pictures!
Mark A. 10.08.07 at 10:17 am
Dining Room Set’s got it right. Yeah Jay, what’s wrong with you, publishing a post like this? I mean, great job and all, but you’re ruining it for the guys. Now I’ve got to take you out of my RSS feeder, so my wife doesn’t see this post. Way to go, buddy!!
Ginger Wilcox 10.08.07 at 4:24 pm
I don’t know if a do-it-yourself spouse is a blessing or not. You make it look so easy. My husband is a complete do-it-yourself type of guy, but I just want everything to be done. Can’t we just hire someone??? Please??
Kelley 10.08.07 at 6:44 pm
if you had a fubar, you could rip out those old countertops more easily, upgrade those too. i’ve poured my own concrete countertops, if you’re interested in a little advice. the hardest part is dumping the first shovelful of concrete onto perfectly good cabinets — after that, it’s all downhill.
Jay - The Phoenix Real Estate Guy 10.08.07 at 9:03 pm
Thanks Kelley. My wife reads this blog ya know.
I think this evens out my ruining it for the guys…
Jayson Gibson 10.09.07 at 1:51 am
The new tile looks good. Sounds like you might be getting some new counter tops soon!
Josh 03.05.08 at 12:32 pm
Its nice to know how many other guys out there have honey do lists (or “The never-ending list”as I like to call them)besides myself!!