Better late than never.

For years I've been meaning to do something about the switches in the bathroom.

Crazy stuff happens to half century old rental houses in low income neighborhoods. Things like two single switches (one for the light and one for the fan) installed so closely together that two single light switch plates couldn't be mounted over them without "customizing" one (but too far apart that a double switch plate wouldn't work, either).  It looked ridiculous.

I know wiring isn't rocket science, but I respect (read: fear) it enough that I just don't mess with it. I also never got around to asking one of my handy friends to help...

After years of being annoyed by the ghetto switch plates, I finally asked for help and had the switches rewired to a double box and they're finally covered by ONE double switch plate.

Which meant I had some drywall patching to do.

And I already had everything I needed!  This is probably the first project since I've returned that didn't require a trip to the hardware store.  Which also makes this the least expensive project to date!  I only had to purchase the electrical box, a new switch (the old one was decrepit as all hell) and a switch plate cover- everything else had been purchased previously for a bigger drywall project.

More after the jump... 

• screwdriver? check
• mesh tape? check
• mud (joint compound)? check
• putty knife? check
• fine sandpaper? check
  

Almost done!  Approximately 6" of mesh tape and a few coats of mud later...






A couple of notes:

1. I didn't support this patch from behind.  It's such a small sliver I didn't think it necessary.  About 2/3 of the tape's width adhered to the drywall, so it seemed as though it would be well supported (I completely forgot to snap a pic). After completion, it feels solid enough that I expect it to be fine.
2. There's a handy little entry concerning mesh vs paper drywall tape at remodeling for geeks. 

I puttered with other things (cutting down and painting rods for window treatments, hanging hardware, replacing some crown molding) between coats.  I let it dry overnight, sanded it smooth and replaced the switch plate cover the next morning while the coffee brewed. 

Tada! All done.  No more annoying rigged switch plates and no more hole in the wall.  I no longer cringe every time I flip the bathroom's light switch, which is indeed a beautiful thing.  



I've got more small projects to complete like this than I can count, and have been feeling a bit overwhelmed and very I'm just one person/a girl.  I've decided to forgive myself, and am slowly beginning to remember that this is a normal part of homeownership.  In the meantime, this sense of accomplishment serves as a good motivator to get a few more quick & easy projects crossed off my list...