Full Sheets of Drywall

I couldn't believe it when I saw the post.  Full Sheets of drywall!  The guy had recently finished his basement and had leftover drywall.  He lived in one of those outlying towns that many people think are "way out in the country" when in reality they are merely the outer edge of the metro area.  In other words, one of those towns that will be overlooked.  I told him I couldn't come until the next evening.  Someone had already asked for it but failed to show.  He offered it to me.

Sorry for the boring picture.  Drywall is not very photogenic.

So we took a little family drive and picked up some drywall.  It is not easy to transport full sheets of drywall, plywood, or anything that comes in a standard 4 foot by 8 foot sheet.  The inside of my minivan was purposefully made to be a tight four foot width!

It worked out, though.  We stopped for ice cream on the way home.  Later, I unloaded six full sheets of drywall in the blazing August heat, carrying them downstairs, around a tight corner, and stacked against the wall.

He also gave me a few cut-offs and partial sheets.  Don't laugh- they will go farther than you think they will!

By the way, if you have ever wondered what is the real name for this stuff- "drywall" or "sheetrock" the answer is, drywall, or even gypsum board.  Sheetrock is a very popular brand of drywall, which, because of its popularity, has become a common term of reference.  (Kind like folks in Oklahoma who refer to any kind of soda pop as "coke."  Seriously, a coke Sprite?)

I Bought Some Lighting!

If you read the title, you may be wondering if I am giving up on the free part of this free bathroom project.  Not really, but just kind-of, sort-of.  You may remember that I sold a few items that I originally obatined for free and then decided not to use.  For instance, that white 6 panel door- sold it off for $10.  So before purchasing these lights, I was up $47.  Now I am down to $32.  For all you math geniuses, I spent $15.

But I got 3 lights!  And that is probably all I will need in this small bathroom.

Here is the story.  I have been searching hard for lighting!  Vanity lighting, recessed lighting, track lighting, natural lighting, or you name it.  For a while I thought I would have to settle for flashlights!  When it comes to lighting, there is not much of Craigslist.  And what there is leaves much to be desired.  Not that I am complaining about free, mind you.  But remember rule #2- this bathroom has to be visually appealing.  No avocado green toilets, no glitter-infused clamshell sinks, and no yellow brass chandeliers!

After having no luck finding lighting, I saw a listing for some items removed from someone else's bathroom renovation.  Those items included 2 recessed "can" lights and a vanity light that sits above the mirror.  I offered him $5 each- or $15 for all of it. Now they are mine!  Here is one place the spray paint comes in.  When done correctly, spray paint can add a quick, evenly-covered coat of bright paint over rusty tin, such as the baffle of a recessed light.  Good as new!

Lighting is really important in bathrooms.  Many bathrooms feature small square footage and small windows.  The result- a dark, claustrophobic bathroom.  In my project, the bathroom will have no outside windows and will only have seven foot ceilings (neither by my choice).  I need to do everythign I can to make the bathroom feel spacious!  That means I will need lots of light and lots of bright, fresh colors on the walls, floors and ceiling!  For this reason I will most likely wire all three lights to the one wall switch so that when you walk in and turn on the lights you are flooded with lots of light!