On the opposite side of that wall is the closet in the 2nd bedroom. I could easily cut the wall and drop in an access panel. That is more plumbing work than I feel comfortable doing myself. I like to experiment and learn to do things on my own. But since when I shut off the water supply, I shut off eight units in total, I don't want this to be a learning experience that inconveniences my neighbors for a long time. If I do that, it can wait until I do a complete remodel in my master bath and have a plumber here. I've got that planned for another year or two. Thanks for the tip though writersblock!!! And trtsmb, I do agree with doing a linen closet or hutch with a smaller vanity. But I need suggestions or pics for ideas. I'm not sure exactly what.

OMG! I'm so happy to have a working washer/dryer!!! Lowe's delivered a week ago and I'm still trying to catch up on my deferred laundry piles. LOL I said I would report back after my Samsungs were delivered. After only a week, I have to say that I am loving my SAMSUNG set. My laundry room is on the second floor and I was very worried about vibration issues. Verdict-the washer hasn't moved an inch. We didn't even have to fuss with the leveling much during the installation. I feel confident saying that this machine is an excellent choice for a second floor front loader. My loads thus far have been pretty typical - no bath mats or blankets which might be a bit more challenging. I'll have to report back on those later. My clothes seem cleaner and because they come out of the washer pretty well wrung out, the drying cycles take less time than the washing cycles. The machines are really a pleasure to operate. They are so attractive and I really like the chimes, etc... It just feels like such an upgrade from my basic white Maytag top loader set. On a side note: I purchased FloodChek hoses (which are supposed to be superior to the steel braided ones) and one of the hoses leaked!! I was very disappointed! I had to run out to Lowes and buy one of the steel braided hoses until I can get a replacement for the flawed FloodChek.

I cannot express how much I LOVE our fiberglass pool!! When we bought our home it had a very large 35 year old concrete pool (30' x 60'). After 15 years enjoying the pool (the pool was now 50 years old) we had to make big changes because the floor drain was bad. After many estimates (vinyl, gunite, fiberglass etc.),we decided on fiberglass. The old concrete pool was very hard to keep clean and it was way too big for us. We went with a San Juan fiberglass pool that is much smaller. The new pool was placed right inside the old pool and filled with stone all around. We did have to do demo work on the old pools coping & side first. We also had to put a line in to pump out if necessary because of the old pool floor underneath but in 5 years we have not had any problems. Everything was included except for the electrical work and we had our own electrician do the work for us. It included 4' of concrete surround but we increased it to 6' and added a pebble finish on top. The fiberglass is SO easy to clean and stains are not problem if you use a stain treatment at opening and closing each year and a metal treatment once a month. We have our fiberglasss 5 years now and it looks as good as the day it was put in. Each year we are amazed when we open it how clean it is. No water line marks, no algea problems,the steps are spotless and yes, the water does have a silky feel to it. We also have 2 labs who swim in it daily and other than empting the skimmer basket there is very little work. By the way, before we moved to this home we has a vinyl pool. So I have had the pleasure of taking care of all three types; vinyl, concrete, and fiberglass. Hopefully we will never move again, but.....if I had to put another pool in, it would be a fiberglass. hands down! I can't tell you enough how much we love it!

Talia -- I'm so glad you decided against the firm! I didn't want to offer an opinion before as I have no experience with a kitchen reno in your budget. Mine was a relatively modest $20k - no structural work but I replaced every single thing. The one thing we do have in common though is that I didn't have time to manage my project either -- but I didn't have a choice, having a "more than full time" job/career. Yet when I fantasized about having a GC, I realized, "who am I kidding? I'm gonna be all over this no matter who is in charge! It's my home!" I did luck out though, finding the best licensed, insured, experienced carpenter, contractor -- George -- I could have found through asking around a LOT. Amazing, really. As the "GC" I hired the electrician, plumber and floor tile guy, (all referrals) but not without consulting George, my carpenter first who had a ton of experience and knowledge of other trades who checked their costs first for me, helped me tweak and negotiate, etc. George helped me with my lighting plan, a rather extensive one, for me and then he came here with me and "supervised" to make sure it was done right and according to plan. When I couldn't get out of a work meeting and get home for my granite install, George jumped in and then fielded a major problem with the island -- cut wrong size -- fabricator error. He called the fab and quickly resolved the problem and a new island top was put in the following week. And George? He removed and demo'd old cabs, installed the new ones and moldings and trim, cleared all trash and did cleanup, made me a second pantry with new door and shelves, put in new sink and faucet, new range and micro, new dishwasher and fridge, moved a misplaced chandelier (my fault) and patched/painted ceiling hole, kicked out the sloppy painter and found me a new one, patched kitchen floor after I decided to move a radiator a month after floor had been done, added new saddles... and I'm sure I missed a few things... which came to about $2,500. I gave him an additional $500.00 which he finally did take... not just for his extra supervision of others (that he throughly enjoyed doing and did so well with a very gentle touch) and jumping over here when I needed him and answering my 1,000+ questions about everything, but for caring about this job as if it were his own home. (I also gave him a like-new circular saw that I used only once some months ago and have been too scared to use again.) I also gave him 2 referrals that have turned into good jobs for him. Really, I feel like I owe him so much more! I think there are some real GEMS out there at reasonable cost that just need to be found. Of course with your budget and plans, you need more than a lone super-dedicated carpenter, but I'm hoping you'll find a firm or KD or GC or all three that will be your "George!" Note to Lovestocook -- I found 2 great Mauviel pieces at Home Goods! More great gems at...