Whether a couple is building a new house or remodeling while still living in their current home, the process can push a marriage to the limit. The stress can put a strain on their relationship, but it can also bring them closer together. My recent renovation experience was unique, as I’ m married to the contractor doing the work, making it even more complicated and definitely more stressful. Especially when the project ran past the usual timetable!

My husband Jerry has remodeled at least 25 bathrooms this year, and he always does excellent work. We’ ve wanted to renovate our own primary bathroom for years, and recently finally put the process in motion, selecting stunning new tile, lighting, fixtures, mirrors, flooring, and hardware. But little did I know how the experience would unfold.

Since Jerry owns his own construction company, we had to wait for one of his crews to finish their current job before starting our renovation. One evening, Jerry announced that his team would be out the next day to demo the bathroom. Even though I’ ve watched numerous DIY shows, I wasn’ t sure what to expect. Chip Gaines’ favorite thing on his show Fixer Upper is“ demo day,” and when my own demo day rolled around, I just thought the shower was going to be removed. To my surprise, not only was the shower chiseled out, but the toilet was removed, the flooring was pulled up, all the vanities

Showing off the beautiful new shower in my master bathroom. It took a while and a few gray hairs to get there, but it was worth it. were taped off, and there was dust pretty much everywhere. The crew arrived, tore everything apart, and then left.

Since the main bathroom was out of service, Jerry and I had to use the small guest bathroom down the hall. I kept asking him when they’ d finish the work, but he’ d simply wave dismissively or respond with vague answers like“ Not sure” or“ Whenever they finish such-and-such job.” Eventually, he promised it’ d be done before I returned home from a two-week trip to visit an old friend.

When I got back from the trip, Jerry picked me up in my newly washed car. When we got home, I discovered the house had been professionally cleaned. To top it off, he showered me with gifts for our upcoming wedding anniversary and took me to a wonderful dinner at an elegant restaurant. With this warm welcoming, how could I be upset that we still didn’ t have a master bathroom?

Two weeks later, the crew finally returned, and Jerry assured me the renovation would be finished by week’ s end. The final result is incredible— a spa-like bathroom that makes me feel like I’ m staying at a luxury hotel. My usual five-minute shower has become a decadent, relaxing time to unwind from life’ s highs and lows.

After a rocky start, I considered firing my contractor, but now I’ d rate him five stars. Though the project felt endless, it tested my patience more than it affected our marriage. Our next task is to upgrade the kitchen with new cabinets and countertops and build the island we’ ve always wanted. Jerry mentioned it wouldn’ t happen until early next year, but I have a plan to speed up the renovation— by ordering takeout every night!

4 | NW GEORGIA LIVING NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2025

NOV / DEC 2025 Volume 16 | Issue 6

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