How to Remodel an Existing Bathroom
If your bathroom is very old, or you are just looking for a fresh look, it may be time to remodel it. No matter what your budget is or what amount of time you have, there are many ways to update the look of your current bathroom. Most bathroom makeover projects can be completed over a weekend or two. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Dropcloths
- Painter's tape
- Eye protection
- Respirator
- Gloves
- Painter's overalls
- Paint rollers
- Paint trays
- Primer
- Paint
- Putty knife
- Plumber's wrench
- Buckets
- Towels
- Screw gun
- Screw gun bits
- Level
- Shims
- Silicone
- PVC plumbing kit (for bathroom sinks)
Instructions
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Painting Your Bathroom
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1
Apply dropcloths to the floor area. Cover any fixtures, too. Mask the surrounding wall and corner areas in preparation to paint. Put on your protective gear and painter's overalls if you desire.
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2
Apply a good primer to the wall areas first, using the paint roller and tray . Use a primer that covers well and is mold- and mildew-resistant. Use the best primer available because it will require fewer coats of paint and will seal the wall properly from bleed-through. Bleed-through is when a darker color shows through the lighter one you painted.
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3
Apply one or two coats of primer. Let dry several hours between coats. Roll on the primer, starting from the top of the wall and working your way down.
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4
Apply paint to the walls following the same procedure as for the primer. Have some fun with the colors. You may want to use pastel colors in your bathroom. You can paint each wall a different color. Or apply neutral colors other than white to give your bathroom that freshly remodeled look.
Remodeling Your Bath Vanity
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5
Cut away the silicone from your bath vanity top, using the putty knife.
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6
Turn off your water supply valves under the vanity sink. There will be two valves, one hot, one cold, to turn off. Place buckets and towels under the sink to catch any water that may leak from your pipes. Disconnect the plumbing from the wall outlet, using the plumber's wrench. Disconnect the two supply lines from the bottom of the sink.
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7
Remove the screws from the wall that hold your vanity in place. Use the screw gun and screw bit. Remove the entire vanity, including the top and faucet. Pull the unit gently away from the wall. Wiggle it side to side a bit if necessary to break it loose. Most vanities are placed on top of the flooring, so this shouldn't be a problem.
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8
Install the new vanity by screwing it back to the wall. Level it and use shims if needed.
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9
Install your new faucet in the new vanity top before the top is installed. This will save you a lot of time from being under the vanity, trying install your faucet. Install the threaded posts of the new faucet through the sink top. Tighten down with your plumber's wrench. Hook up the drain assembly next.
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10
Place the sink top and faucet onto the top of the vanity. You may want to place silicone on the top edge of the vanity base, before installing the sink top. This is optional. Silicone may prevent water from getting in between the vanity top and base, but can make it harder if your top needs to be replaced later. Apply silicone around the back side of the vanity base, where it meets the bathroom wall.
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11
Reconnect the supply lines and your bath plumbing. You may use the same parts as your old sink or buy a new kit. Turn on your water supply and check for leaks.
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Tips & Warnings
Paint your bathroom with vivid or fresh new colors. There is no better way to remodel your current bathroom. Painting your bathroom is inexpensive, and really changes the way your bathroom looks.
Replacing your vanity top, faucet and vanity base is a good idea for a bath remodel because the vanity is usually the focal point of the bathroom. Try a modern look with an elegant china bowl that overhangs the vanity base. Or you may want a brightly colored solid surface top to add color to your bathroom remodel.
