She was determined to stay in her home. But there was no first-floor bathroom. 'Not possible,' said the various contractors! She thought otherwise and would not take no for an answer. Once you meet a brilliant, strong-willed 92-year-old, you better be careful about saying those words.
It has been four years since I first met my friend. This week I had the privilege to spend some time at her home.
She loved this comfortable abode- an unusual home that started as a log cabin with a few additions over the years. Located in one of the best neighborhoods...it is a true hidden gem.
This was the eighth house she had purchased. Her philosophy on real estate, buy the cheapest, poorest condition home in the best neighborhood and go from there. After three decades, whether she could remain in her home arose.
The only place for a bath was a small room, only 4'9" by 6', too small to stretch my arms. In addition to the size, there were other obstacles. There was no room for a complete door (#2), and with this tiny space, no storage.
But she made it happen. Under the chimney stack (#3), they made storage for shelves and an area just wide enough for the TP.
The first-floor space measures 4'9" x 6'. It's not possible to put in a full bath. It was not just the size but other obstacles, as seen in the photos above.
Check the window above the heat radiator (#4) and notice the proximity to the planned bath space. The adjacent wall with the wood stove's chimney stack (# 1) also occupies precious space.
Jill did not give up. She researched various bathroom fixtures and found a corner sink, a corner shower, and a corner toilet. Jill should have been an architect. After all, this room has four corners, and she was sure it would work.
Now to convince the contractor. she was most concerned about the windows. One window was no problem, but the other would be partially in the bathroom and outside, above the stationary radiator.
The entry door, split in half, opened outward.
Check out the impossible New First Floor bathroom.
She was smart enough to know it could work and was smart enough to convince the plumbing contractor to take on this project.
And with that determination, she figured out a way to stay in her home!
Thinking about selling your home
Call Margaret Rome
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