Bathroom renovations are a way to improve the overall resale value of your home on a relatively small budget. Replacing an old vanity or toilet or updating flooring or wall coverings can make a big impact for only a few hundred dollars. Better yet, a dedicated homeowner with a spare weekend can complete most bathroom remodeling projects.
Replacing a Vanity
Most bathroom remodeling projects involve updating an old vanity. To replace the vanity, turn off the hot and cold water to the sink using the shut off valves in the vanity. Place a bucket under the pipes and remove the trap attached to the drain as well as the water supplies using an adjustable wrench.
The next step is to use a utility knife to loosen the seal between the top and sides of the vanities and the wall. Pull the sink and top of the vanity away from the wall and discard. Remove the screws attaching the vanity cabinet to the wall and remove that as well.
Now locate the studs in the bathroom walls using a stud finder. Mark them, and move the new bathroom vanity cabinet into place. Drill through the cabinet and into the studs to fix the vanity to the wall, making sure that the vanity is level and shimming as necessary.
Finish by replacing the vanity top. To do this, run a bead of silicone caulk around top edges of the vanity cabinet and the wall where the top will attach. Then put the vanity top gently into place, making sure not to smear the caulk on the wall. Attach the water supply and drain pipe to the new vanity, using Teflon tape on the threads and an adjustable wrench to tighten as needed.
Replacing a Toilet
A basic bathroom remodeling project that is easily finished by most homeowners is replacing the toilet. To do this, you will need a new toilet and a new wax toilet ring gasket. Once you have those two items, turn off the water supply to your toilet. Then flush your toilet and remove any remaining water with a sponge: you want to make sure the toilet is completely empty before proceeding.
Remove the coupling nut that attaches the water supply to the toilet with a adjustable wrench. Then, detach the bolts that hold the tank to the toilet bowl. Remove and discard the old tank.
Next, remove the bolts that attach the toilet bowl to the floor. There are always at least two bolts, and often four, so be sure to remove them all. Rock the bowl slightly to break the old wax seal before lifting the bowl free and discarding it as well. Stuff the exposed hole with rags to prevent sewer gasses from escaping into your home.
Before proceeding with the bathroom remodeling, be sure to do a cleanup of the area where the toilet used to be. Remove the old wax seal and any putty or dirt that surrounded the old toilet. Then, do a test fit with the new bowl by placing it over the flange and checking for levelness. Make any needed adjustments with metal washers.
Now you can complete this bathroom remodeling project by installing the new toilet. Begin by placing the new wax seal on the bottom of the bowl of the toilet. Then, remove the rags and carefully seat the toilet bowl over the flange, using a rocking motion to make a good seal. Use the hold down bolts that came with your toilet to fix the toilet into place.
Then attach the toilet tank using the bolts that came with your kit to attach it to the bowl. Using an adjustable wrench, reattach the water supply to the toilet tank. Caulk around the base of the toilet using a high-quality silicone caulk made for bathroom use and your bathroom remodeling project is complete.
Updating Flooring and Wall Coverings
Many homeowners interested in bathroom remodeling take the opportunity when the toilet is being replaced to update the flooring and wall coverings as well. If you are looking to add value to your home with your bathroom remodeling, a good-quality tile in a neutral color is the best choice for the floor.
The best wall coverings in bathroom remodeling projects vary, but often homeowners will continue the using tile for at least the bottom half of the walls. This allows part of the wall to be protected from water damage, as well as retain the easy cleanup factor of tile. Any color you wish to add during your bathroom remodeling project can be done with paint or wallpaper on the top half of the wall.
If the bathroom you are working on is not the only bathroom in your house, consider tackling the basic bathroom remodeling jobs yourself. However, if you only have one bathroom in your house, or you don't have the time to devote to these projects, contact a professional who can finish your bathroom remodeling quickly.
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