Thanks Miriam, that makes a lot of sense. We are going to tackle the guest bath ourselves when life isn't so hectic. My 9 1/2 month old just started walking and DH just started his PhD and cant commit to tiling on a timeline. I do feel better though about pulling my own permits. I talked to our "contractor" and he said he would put on the Hydroban at no additional costs, and typically he just goes with the homeowner to purchase the construction items so they don't miss anything. ceezeecz thank you for the pocket door and permit info. I am going to check out Johnson hardware. Yes we do need threshholds I completely forgot about that. 8pmg I definitely think the TX market is different. We have a little of a language barrier, but he definitely doesn't seem like a hack. When I told him we wanted two showerheads one rainshower and one sliding bar, he asked if I wanted it like the last bathroom he did and showed me the attached pic. Uhhh no, too fancy for us *lol*. I am going to continue to agonize about this for the next couple day's and drive DH crazy. It's hard to put it off, because DH used it as his paint room and didn't clean up. Previous owner smoked in the house for 20 years, we had to prime and paint every single surface. Ripped out all the laminate and carpet and put in hardwood throughout. Here is a link that might be useful:

Looks like we're on the same timeline! My GC was here, today, too, and we will start demo in 2 weeks. TWO WEEKS!! AHHHH!! We are also having all the floors refinished and are trying to decide where we are going to stay for the 5-7 days that the floor guys need to do the work. Im excited, nervous, and second-guessing my choices a bit. (like one of the other posters today mentioned) The one bad thing? My husband came home tonight and told me he has to be out of the country for the first two weeks of the reno..UGH.

What I did was print out two blank calendar pages. (The job was estimated to take 6-8 weeks). I asked my GC for a general schedule. I then posted the calendar with those tasks written on the appropriate dates. The calendar pages were hung on the refridgerator door out in the garage. I had hired my own plumber, electrician, painter, flooring company and backsplash tile person. I met with my GC each morning (for maybe 5 minutes) and we would go over the schedule. At the end of each day I confirmed with him what the plan was for the next few days. We had ONE calendar that both of us used so that we were (almost) always on the same page. This worked out very well. Each of us always knew what was expected. The majority of stuff was done on schedule. The remodel took 7 weeks, and we had everything ripped to the studs, moved plumbing, TONS of electrical, cut in 2 new doors, covered 2 old doors, covered up the old window, cut in a new popped out window, tore out a soffit & raised the ceiling, raised a floor, and all of the other stuff involved in a major kitchen remodel. We've been "99% done" for about 2-3 weeks now. We're in the stage now just getting all of the little odds & ends done, and a few things fixed. Of course at this point, there's not such a rigid schedule because we're fully functional in our kitchen and my GC (as well as us) have taken some vacation time. But we should be done done in about 2 weeks. Anyhow, maybe you could insist on a calendar with your contractor - or his replacement. Then you will always be aware of what is going on and when... more than just "What are you going to do today?". Plus, he'll know what/when he's committed, in writing - might be a good way to cut through his excuses. Good luck!

I've brought up lunches on occasion. I can't offer them the use of the potty, since it isn't connected into the septic yet .... (this is an inside/outside/full new house project.) Meanwhile, he (and his subs) drive down to the town works department to go, or to a community center (as do I). For the first 6 months, he rented a porta potty on his own dime (or maybe it was bundled into my dime, but I didn't care.) I'm sure a sub or two has found a bush to go behind... Would not surprise or concern me, actually. My GC is diabetic so I try to bring him healthy food. He likes healthy food, but much prefers the stuff that got him diabetic to begin with, so he gets the healthy stuff when I bring it. I eat the same stuff as I bring. He appreciates that I am a fan of spices and herbs. Anyhow, I don't feel obligated to bring food -- but simply occasionally it is a nice touch for me to do so. He/they seem to appreciate, without expecting it. In fact, one time I was up and the GC treated me out to lunch at a neighboring diner (which ONLY served the types of foods he shouldn't be eating!)