Hey, it’s Steve from CT Home Repair and Tutoring LLC.
Today I made solid progress on the bathroom conversion—got about 2/3 of the cement board up and even cut out the spot for the shower niche. It’s starting to look like a real shower space, not just a construction zone.
On the family side, we took a break to put up the Christmas tree. It’s always a highlight of the season—watching the kids (and wife) get excited about the lights and ornaments. More on that below.
Cement Board Progress
I started by measuring and cutting the boards to fit around the framing, making sure everything was level and tight against the studs. The cement board goes up with screws every 8 inches, and I taped the seams with mesh tape and thin-set mortar for a smooth base before tile.
Cutting the niche opening was the fun part—used a multi-tool to trace and cut the rectangle, then reinforced the edges with extra screws. Next up: finishing the rest of the board, waterproofing, and thin-set for the tile.
Family Time: Christmas Tree Setup
Amid the sawdust and screws, we carved out time for something joyful—putting up the Christmas tree. It’s our annual tradition: bare tree first, then lights, then ornaments. The kids love it, and it reminds me why we do these projects — to make our home a better place for the people we love.
By the end, it was fully lit and trimmed — the room felt festive, and it was a nice break from the construction chaos.
Next week: Wrapping up the cement board, waterproofing, and getting ready for tile. Stay tuned!
What’s your favorite holiday tradition? Drop it in the comments — I love hearing how others celebrate.
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Happy building,
Steve
CT Home Repair and Tutoring LLC
