The Logistics of a Remodeling a Bathroom
Common questions when remodeling a bathroom are where to start, what steps are involved, how much it costs, and how to make the process go as smoothly as possible. If you hire contractors to take control of the entire endeavor, your job may simply be to make decisions and pay the bills. But if you want to save some money and learn some new skills, it’s important to understand the numerous steps it takes for a successful bathroom remodeling project.
This article will describe the "DIY how to" remodeling bathroom process and what logistics are involved from start to finish
Decide Upon Your Desired Design
If you have even casually considered bathroom remodeling, chances are that you already have a good idea of what you’d like to improve upon in your bathroom. Many homeowners desire a more accessible shower, a more energy efficient toilet, more storage space, or decorative tiling with new accent colors. You may also want to replace outdated cabinets, update your space with modern hardware, or improve the ventilation in the room. Look at design magazines, watch bathroom remodeling TV shows, and talk to experts in home improvement stores to get your initial ideas narrowed down.
Set Your Bathroom Remodeling Budget
It’s no secret that bathroom remodeling projects can be very expensive, which is why it’s important to set your budget early and stick to it. Before settling upon a dollar amount, you’ll need to do some preliminary research about the typical costs for the projects you’re interested in and factor in your level of DIY skills versus what you’ll need to outsource. Consider doing only a partial bathroom remodel if you’re on a tight budget.
Make a List of Tools You’ll Need
For bathroom remodeling tasks that you can handle yourself, start by making a list of all the tools and supplies you’ll need. Common bathroom remodeling tools include a power drill, bucket, tape measure, hammer, caulking gun, utility knife, screwdriver, wrench, and chisel. You may also need a stud finder, wet-dry shop vac, spackle, and a hacksaw. Don’t forget about safety gear when you’re picking up supplies, such as gloves, goggles, and a mask top prevent breathing in fumes and dust.
Haul the Equipment and Parts to Your House
Many pieces of equipment you can likely fit into your own personal vehicle, but some larger items may require renting a truck or trailer. This may be the situation if you are installing a large new bathtub, for example. Home improvement stores often rent out hauling vehicles, so inquire at the store about pricing and availability when you’re shopping for supplies.
Remove Existing Bathroom Fixtures
Demolition is the first big stage of most bathroom remodeling projects, which involves removing drywall and bathroom fixtures you plan to replace. Start by draining and removing the toilet, bathtub tiling, and insulation with special care. This is also the time to remove cabinets, vanities, floor tiles, and mirrors.
Adjust to Not Having a Functional Bathroom for a While
From this point forward, you aren’t going to have a fully functional bathroom for a while. This is when it comes in handy to have a second usable bathroom in the house or to make other special arrangements. Bathroom renovations take several weeks or even months if you’re doing them yourself at a slow pace. So be prepared for this in advance, prepare the rest of your family too, and perhaps delay hosting parties with lots of guests.
Install Your New Bathtub and/or Shower
After the demolition is done, many DIY remodelers begin to install the new bathtub or shower. However, it’s a smart idea to check your subfloor for any water damage to see if it needs to be replaced before the new installation. Large bathrooms can accommodate a shower-tub combination, while smaller bathrooms may benefit from just a shower that is rectangular, square, or pentangle in shape.
Install Vanity and Cabinets
Once your tub or shower is in place, you can start working on cabinet and vanity installation. The vanity includes your new sink and faucet, which can really transform the look of your new space. Meanwhile, a new countertop will be very useful in the bathroom and serve as a focal point as soon as you walk into the bathroom.
Set Up the Electricity
Some bathroom remodeling projects require rewiring electricity, especially if your GFCIs need to be moved to accommodate a different size or shape of cabinets. Wiring can be tricky and even dangerous, so consider calling an electrician for help if you have not worked extensively with wiring before.
Install New Floor Tiles
New floor tiles can make a huge difference in how a bathroom looks, so this is a good time to update the color and style of your tiling. No one likes to see crooked tiles in a bathroom, so use chalk to make reference lines and continually monitor your work to ensure that tiles are placed in straight lines.
Update the Ventilation System
Ventilation is so important in the bathroom but often an afterthought during a bathroom remodeling project. Don’t make this mistake because an effective ventilation system will help prevent mold and mildew from forming due to the constant moisture of a bathroom.
Install Drywall and Apply Paint to Walls
Another logistical step in the renovation process is to cut drywall to fit around your structures and hang it to create new walls. This can be an especially tricky project if you haven’t worked with drywall before. But once it’s up and dry, now comes the fun part of painting. Choose a paint color scheme based upon the size of your bathroom, how much natural light it gets, the overall theme you’re going for, and simply what colors appeal to you.
Install Your Toilet and Hook Up Plumbing
Many remodelers choose to leave the toilet installation until the end of the remodeling process in order to not chip It while working on other parts of the room. Installing a new toilet is a great DIY project to take on when you have an understanding of what the process entails and the tools you need to get the job done right.
Add New Mirrors, Hardware, and Lighting
Now comes the fun part – adding all the finishing touches that make your newly remodeling bathroom a personalized space you love. With all the heavy labor out of the way, you can now install trim around the room, hang mirrors, and adjust lighting fixtures. You can also breathe new life into your bathroom by installing towel bars or dedicating some room for bathroom seating.
Local Help with Your DIY Projects
Central Plumbing Specialties is here to help you through these logistics with the very bets plumbing supplies and top-quality bathroom fixtures. We have numerous locations in New York where you can stop by for supplies, fixtures, advice, and inspiration. As you are planning your bathroom remodeling project, browse our website for ideas and to get a better sense of what options are available. Our Grand Central Showrooms can provide additional information about features, pricing, and availability. We’d love to be part of your next remodeling project and look forward to serving you in New York.