A Step-by-Step Guide to DIY Bathroom Remodels

While the bathroom is the most used space in a home, it is often forgotten when looking at home improvement projects. Are you embarrassed by your outdated bathroom? These seven steps will help you remodel your bathroom.

What is the Average Cost of a Bathroom Remodel?

According to Angi’s estimates, the average cost of a Bathroom remodeling in Northbrook IL project is between $10,000 and $25,000 depending on whether you need to change the layout or the plumbing locations. Labor costs are estimated to consume at least 20% of a typical budget.

Do-it-yourself is a great way to save money, especially when renovating a bathroom. You can also save money on bathroom renovations by avoiding expensive materials such as tile and refinishing fixtures rather than buying new.

How to plan for a bathroom renovation

Choose Design Elements

Before remodeling your bathroom, make sure it fits your vision and your DIY skills. This project can be approached in many ways, from replacing the vanity with a new one to completely gutting the space and starting over.

Before you start your bathroom renovation, here are some details that you must know.

• Color scheme Are you looking for a modern farmhouse style? Are you searching for a modern, clean design that matches the rest of your home? Find inspiration photos to ensure that your bathroom tiles blend in with the paint you choose.
• Are you replacing your tub or shower? Do you need a new sink installed? The cost of replacing one or both fixtures can add time and expense to your project.
• Storage areas: What will you do with your towels and toiletries after a remodel? To make up the space lost in the bathroom, remove a closet and install shelves or cabinets.
• Locate utilities: Are you familiar with the location of electrical wiring and pipes? These areas should be marked to prevent damage to the hookups or costly repairs.

Get your tools

There are many useful tools that you can use to help with a bathroom remodel, beyond what is already in your home improvement toolbox.

You will need the following tools and supplies to remodel your bathroom DIY:

• Safety mask
• Gloves
• Goggles
• Caulking gun
• Silicone sealant
• Hammer
• Tape measure
• Spackle knife
• Spackle
• Stud finder
• Power drill
• Pry bar
• Bucket
• Chisel
• Adjustable wrench
• Flathead screwdriver
• Hacksaw
• Utility knife
• Chalk line
• Extension cord

Optional Tools We Recommend

• Wet Dry Shop-Vac: This is very handy for removing fixtures or cleaning up water from the toilet.
• Cordless drill This makes it easier to move about while you work and frees up your extension cable for other power tools.

You can rent these tools at most home improvement shops for a very low cost. Perhaps a friend or family member can lend you theirs.

7 Steps to Remodel Your Bathroom

Take out bathroom fixtures

If you are renovating your bathroom, you will need to remove the drywall and replace the fixtures. It’s not difficult to gut a bathroom, but be sure to follow these steps to avoid costly mistakes.

Tips to Clean a Bathroom

1. To avoid any spillages, turn off the water and drain the toilet.
2. Cover your bathtub and begin removing the bath tiles down to the studs. This is necessary to modify the plumbing in order to install your new tub or shower.
3. If necessary, remove insulation from walls. Insulation should not be cut with a hammer. To cut the panels, you can use a reciprocatingsaw. Wear safety goggles, gloves, and a safety mask to avoid injury.
4. Finally, take out the mirror, vanity, cabinets and flooring. It’s good not to remove the baseboards when removing tile flooring. After installing your new floor, you can reinstall them.
5. Install the new shower or tub

Once you have gutted your bathroom, it is time to install your new fixtures. To prevent further damage, replace any subfloor with water damage or rotting wood signs before installing your new shower.

You will need to choose a basin or pan that matches your existing decor and your tub area. You can choose from a square, rectangular or pentangle basin shape. Consider the layout of your bathroom, such as the location of the doors, when choosing a base shape.

You might also consider installing a combination bath tub and shower if you have the space. Although walk-in showers may be more popular with homeowners, it is recommended that at least one tub remains in the home for its resale potential.

Install the new flooring

Once you have prepared your subfloor, it is time to install your new flooring. Tile is the most common choice for bathrooms. However, vinyl and laminate are cheaper and easier to install.

Use a mason’s chalk to draw reference lines parallel (at a 90 degree angle) to the wall that has the longest continuous line. This will help you keep your tiles straight as you place them in the room. More tips on how to lay bathroom floor tiles can be found here.

Hang Drywall, and Paint

Next, you will need to install your new drywall. This step can take a while as you need to cut the drywall to fit around your bathroom walls, vanity, and other features. You should be able finish this task quickly once you have finished nailing the boards up.

Here are some helpful DIY bathroom remodeling tips:

• Tape and drywall mud can fill in the gaps and cover seams.
• For the tub wall, use cement board rather than drywall.
• Cover the cement board with Redgard (or another waterproofing membrane) to prevent water damage.

Once you have put the walls back together, it’s time to add color to your bathroom. It is one of the most cost-effective and easiest ways to give your bathroom a new look. Semi-gloss paint is the best choice. It’s easy to clean and resists mold and mildew.

Install cabinets and vanity

Once you have completed the wall repair, you can add the cabinets, vanity, and other important items to your bathroom remodel.

The vanity and the faucet and sink should be installed first. Once the drain is connected to the faucet, you can install the other necessities such as the mirror and cabinets, trim around the tub or shower, and trim.

Update Lighting

Install your new lighting and configure electrical fixtures. You’ll need to modify the wiring and possibly patch around holes in walls if their dimensions differ from yours.

If your vanity takes up more space than before, this step could involve moving the power outlets. You don’t want your hair dryer to be plugged in every day by someone reaching for the toilet. This step is best left to an electrician, especially if it’s your first time working with home wiring.

Connect the plumbing

Your bathroom will look more like a bathroom by this point. It is possible to reinstall the toilet, or install a new one sooner in the process. However, leaving it until the end helps you avoid damaging it while working on the other bathroom parts.

Are you unsure how to replace your toilet? Lowe’s offers a great guide that you can follow.

Complete your bathroom remodel with finishing touches

You can now install trim around the room and begin decorating. The trim provides the finishing touches as the final touch to any bathroom renovation. To personalize your space, add window treatments, pictures and decorative storage containers. Enjoy a relaxing soak or shower, and then enjoy the space you have worked so hard to create!

Mike the One Inc.
401 S LaSalle St., Chicago, IL, 60605
(224)-766-6249