Remodeling a bathroom can be an exciting process but if you don’t do it properly, it can quickly become a nightmare. For people who are handy with tools, remodeling a bathroom on your own can be fairly simple and, even if you are limited in your construction and plumbing experience, you may be able to handle most of the tasks yourself. Marble Concepts explains the best order in which to renovate your bathroom in order to avoid many of the headaches that could develop.
Before You Begin
Before doing anything in your bathroom, you will need to nail down a few details. First, you want to determine how much of a renovation you want to do. You may be able to renovate your bathroom without removing your bathtub unless you intend to install a shower that will replace the tub. Unless you have significant plumbing experience, you may want to hire a professional to remove the tub and install a shower. You will need to determine where the electrical wiring and plumbing pipes are located. Take accurate measurements for the locations of these items in order to avoid expensive repairs later.
Be Sure You Have the Tools
You are going to need tools for the renovation, so you want to do an inventory of what you have. Although the exact tools will vary, these are commonly used tools for renovations:
- Adjustable wrench
- Bucket
- Caulking gun
- Chalk line
- Chisel
- Extension cord
- Flathead screwdriver
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Hacksaw
- Hammer
- Power drill
- Pry bar
- Safety mask
- Silicone sealant
- Spackle
- Spackle knife
- Stud finder
- Tape measure
- Utility knife
You may also want to have a wet-dry shop vacuum and a cordless drill. You may be able to find these for rent at local rental stores.
Remove Bathroom Fixtures
Once you have gathered all the tools you will need, you will want to remove all the fixtures, like the toilet, sinks, and vanities. First, drain and remove the toilet. You can use an old rag to block the toilet drain to avoid smells. If you are removing the bathtub, tear out the tile or surround down to the studs. This is because you may need to rework the plumbing so that it works with the new tub. Remove any insulation using a reciprocating saw to cut out panels. Be sure to use a safety mask, gloves, and goggles. Next, you want to remove sinks, vanities, and mirrors. Finally, remove the trim and baseboards as well as the flooring.
Install Shower or Tub Basin
Once the bathroom is completely gutted, you will need to install new fixtures. You will want the footprint of your new tub or shower to be close in size to the one you removed. If there are any signs of rot on your floor, you will also want to replace those parts of the subfloor.
Hang New or Repair Drywall
In areas where you have removed drywall, you will now need to replace it. If you did not need to remove any, you still want to patch holes or cracks that can occur as your home settles. Use drywall mud and tape to cover seams and fill gaps. Instead of drywall, you may want to use a cement board for the walls around your shower or tub. Coat the cement board with a waterproofing membrane to protect it from water damage.
Begin Painting
Once you have the drywall completed, you can begin painting. It is recommended you do the painting before installing the vanity, cabinets, and flooring as any drips will simply land on the subfloor which will be covered by tile or another flooring. Choose paint with a semi-gloss finish that is resistant to mold and mildew. If you plan to retile your tub area, this would be the time to start that portion of the remodel as well.
Install Vanity and Cabinets
The next step is to install the vanity and cabinets. This may mean you have to adjust the plumbing or wiring if the cabinets are a different size than your old ones. You may need to move the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) which are outlets that cut the electric power should something go wrong, like an electric appliance that comes in contact with water. You want to be sure these outlets are easily accessible. If you don’t have experience with electrical work, you will want to call an electrician for this part.
Install Floor Tiles
Use a mason’s chalk line to mark reference lines at a 90-degree angle to the wall with the longest continuous line. This keeps your tiles in a straight line as you lay them. If you are using another type of floorings such as vinyl plank or sheet flooring, you will want to lay the floor before you install your vanity and cabinets.
Install Plumbing Fixtures
Once the flooring is done and the cabinets installed, you can hook up the faucet in the sink. The next plumbing task is to reinstall the toilet. Many home improvement stores can provide you with the steps you will need to get the toilet installed properly.
Add the Finishing Touches
Once you have all the fixtures installed, you can add the finishing touches like mirrors and trim. You will also want to caulk around the toilet, sink, and tub areas. Add pictures and another décor to complete the entire look.
If you are considering a bathroom remodel, contact Marble Concepts today. You can arrange for a no-obligation consultation by calling or filling out the easy online form today. We will walk you through the entire process and give you the bathroom of your dreams.
