What did you do today?

[Handy Don 17,003]

3 hours ago, ohiofarmer said:

     After I sent the screws through to mark the drywall behind the wall, we had to mount a hardwood board inletted into the drywall so the screws could have a solid bite. 

 

Planning ahead for solid mounting points for grab bars is an often-neglected step.

I hope you are placiing a vertical one on the near wall for stepping in and out as well as one on the “far” wall for stability while getting up or down in the tub. 

Edited 5 hours ago by Handy Don

[davem1111 2,287]

On 7/27/2026 at 4:13 PM, davem1111 said:

So, this is not a "today" thing but ongoing work for the last few weeks.  We had a torrential downpour (we seem to be having more of those lately) and discovered that a large quantity of water was being re-routed into the corner of the house due to a badly constructed gutter. Had to remove a built-in bookshelf and start tearing out walls and floor. This apparently had been happening for years - there was a lot of rot, and the waferboard subfloor was like pudding. 

 

 

Interestingly, we discovered a floor-to-ceiling window in the wall to the left, that a previous owner had just cover over for some reason. This is between the house and an aluminum screened/glass porch. We've decided to open it up again, it lets in lots of light. There are streaks between the panes so we'll probably put some vinyl adhesive frosted pattern on it to hide that:

I'm in the "sanding spackle", "patching in tongue-groove flooring", and "re-framing the window" stage now. I painted everything that won't be seen under the flooring or bookshelf with mold killer primer. I used Rock Wool insulation - that stuff is cool (but expensive). Outside is done.
 

 

Inside work is all done except putting the shelves and books/knickknacks back in place. 

 

 

[ohiofarmer 3,456]

1 hour ago, Handy Don said:

Planning ahead for solid mounting points for grab bars is an often-neglected step.

I hope you are placiing a vertical one on the near wall for stepping in and out as well as one on the “far” wall for stability while getting up or down in the tub. 

       Absolutely.We bought three grab bars and will install at least two. The wall I was dealing with is an outside wall so i left it intact as possible and used hardwood for maximum hold. Drilling an undersize hole so the threads grab without splitting. The other walls will get solid blocking and a block for a third grab bar in case there is need for a caretaker within the shower. this house was bought in case we would have to take care of a parent, but its only two miles from here and the need for an easier property for us is a possibility. It is a step in shower that fits a five foot opening. Its nice and rigid and solid Vickerel where the cplor goes all the way through