Ordering Tile-
Do this right away- since lead times vary.
I decided on a sea foam green field tile 3X6 from a local tile company. And then figured I’d buy cheaper black accent tiles from Dal. However I began to cruise the Revival line at Missiontilewest.com and it was so lovely I could not resist. I tried to purchase some accent tiles locally but it was much cheeper to order direct form Mission Tile west and have the tile shipped. I saved about 25%.

Tile Buying Tip- If you are ordering tile at a local store- find out if it is cheaper to order direct form the manufacturer.

Hiring Help-
I decided to hire someone to move the window- patch the exterior siding, frame the medicine cabinet and install two boxes for sconces.

My usual handy man just retired so I looked for people on Angie’s list. I am now a big fan. I met with several prospectives and decided to work with Wilco Painting and Construction. The owner, Primo, arrived in his Wilco uniform t-shirt and presented me with a folder of testimonials and information on the company. Throughout the presentation he’d pause and sigh deeply as if depressed and incapable of continuing. In spite of this worrying proclivity, I liked him. He was fond of repeating the phrase. “You’re going to be very happy with the job we do.”
I know this is a blatant sales technique but it worked.