Thinking about it, I should have posted a blog on vanity vexation sooner as it has been a long road to get the point we are at presently. Well, it started with a hot water dripping bathroom vanity faucet. I tried to fix it but ended up breaking the cold-water faucet handle. Oh, boy on that one!
Although the bathroom vanity is still in pretty good shape, I also noted a hairline crack in the sink’s countertop; so, it is time to replace things. That is when, my tale of vanity vexation began.
The Old Bathroom Vanity
The last time we went shopping for a bathroom vanity, it was years and years ago. We stopped in a big box store and picked out the one we wanted. Things were simpler back then. However, when we opened the box, there was a slight crack in the wood, but this was covered up with a little paint, so it looked fine and lasted to this point.
I remember, the enclosed instructions said not to get this vanity’s countertop wet. How is that possible with a sink? Anyway, up until recently, I never noticed much wear.
OLD VANITY – It’s a little hard to see the crack in the countertop, but this sink has seen lots of use. The round silver knobs did not come with the unit.
Shopping for the New Bathroom Vanity
We were not sure where to begin with this project but decided to forgo the big box stores since some of the reviews were not positive, plus we didn’t know exactly what we wanted.
Design Center
Our first stop was a design center, the designer who worked there was very knowledgeable, and she showed us several showroom samples of counters and countertops that would look good.
At first, we thought a vanity that was built into the sidewall was the way to go. However, thinking about things, I wanted a stand-alone unit so I could line up the glass shelf, mirror and lights easier. Then I decided I wanted legs on the unit, so I could push the scale under it as we do now. The first drawing only had a toe kick on it.
The designer adjusted the plans but that, of course, also pushed up the cost of it. She also gets a 10% fee on your purchase. The designer then went on vacation for two weeks and we waited for her to get back to make our final decision on the man-made quartz countertop.
Changes in Countertop
However, she emailed us photos of the different types of marble and quartz that would look good in our bathroom. Then, we returned to the show room to make our selection of the countertop. Unfortunately, we could not use any of the selections, because of the size of our vanity.
The designer then suggested a local granite and marble place for the top. We made arrangements to meet there at lunchtime. I was impressed with all the samples which were stored outside near the store. The salesman was very knowledgeable about all things in stone. He also knew what was in style.
We quickly picked out a man-make quartz top which was a remnant. Then once you had the vanity bottom in, they would come and measure things with a red laser, cut the stone and then return it to your home. Lastly, a plumber or handman was needed to hook the sink up. To hold it, a 50% deposit was needed so we wrote out a check for $550.
Changes Needed
We got to thinking we need to use this bathroom, and this was going to take forever.
So, we made one more stop to a building center to look around as a friend referred us to them. We were looking for something already made that would cut off all the extra work that was needed to custom make the top.
The showroom was impressive and right away we found something we liked. Note: You could scan the codes on the items with your phone to see more details. Of course, this showroom did not have an available salesperson to talk to us. Fortunately, since a previous appointment cancelled during the time we were there, we took their spot.
Ordering the New Vanity
We were seated at the salesman’s desk, and he went over everything about the vanity. The modern handles come with the new vanity. We, also, ordered a modern looking faucet at the same time. Since I didn’t want to spend over $400 for the showroom sample faucet, he found a similar one for a little over $200. The countertop is quartz, not the man-made quartz, I initially wanted. But I like the extra top drawer and, of course, the legs on the piece.
As for price, about three and a half times what we initially paid for the old vanity. But the new vanity is a quality piece and is made very nicely.
What Now in Vanity Vexation?
So, the vanity and faucet were delivered. They generally just leave the vanity on the wooden pallet in the driveway. But I tipped my deliverer, so he brought it up my driveway hill. Note, it is very heavy on that wooden pallet, so he got a nice tip.
Yesterday, I signed a contract to have the old one vanity taken out and the new one put in. Now to get a good date/time for that.
Lastly, I cancelled my holding order for the man-made quartz piece. My refund is “pending” but I am going to call and see what that means.
Of course, I’ll keep my Readers updated on my long quest to have my bathroom vanity replaced.
I want to say Thank You to Everyone who has helped us out with this Vanity Project, but it’s not over yet.