Some people are born with the DIY gene. Others develop it out of necessity – hats off to both camps for vindicating Darwin and evolution.
However, in the context of a full bathroom renovation, here’s an important disclaimer: unless you’ve restricted your project(s) to moderate modifications, possess a snowball type of consistency, and are a great secondhand who knows their way around the toolkit, you may want to tame your ambitions on this one.
In this post, you’ll find good tips to mind before launching yourself updating a bathroom renovation DIY journey.
Also, I’ll hand you the 5 best bathroom renovation options for DIY starters. Keep scrolling!
Contents
Better Safe Than Sorry
It stretches credulity for any self-aware amateur to even believe, let alone act upon the aggressive gambits of random home channel YouTubers, who ignorantly or conveniently conceal the following risks associated with DIY bathroom renovations:
1. Improper Installation
This happens at the arrival of even the slightest challenge since a DIYer’s success rests upon dodging challenges, not navigating them.
2. Poorly-sourced Materials
This is a common pitfall for most DIYers, who are usually either overly cutting costs or can’t identify superior qualities due to lack of experience.
3. Undetailed Finishes
This is most usually due to ignorance, lack of expertise, or both.
4. Unperceived Hazards
This should be a weighty consideration for any DIYer, since the bathroom is a frequently visited room, and arguably the only one where the user locks themselves in.
5. Resource Misallocation
Without a wide practical knowledge on the subject matter, the novice “professional” struggles with correctly budgeting both time and money.
6. Biassed Enthusiasm
A non-professional will always exercise selective zeal. This makes them excel in likeable tasks, haphazardly handling the rest – Negatively impacting the final outcome.
Comprehend Your Limits
Not all bathroom renovation tasks are created equal, and none is cast on stone either. On the same note, not every bathroom needs a full remodel.
Depending on your need, budget, skillset and timeline, the following bathroom renovation DIY mini projects are not only achievable.
They’re also relatively quick and easy to plan and execute, while still being as flexible as a ballerina!
5 Bathroom Renovation DIY Options
Below, you can browse a few selections of bathroom renovations you can make yourself with little skill.
If you’re just beginning in the DIY journey, these can be good to put you in the right direction. Remember to be careful and comprehend your limits!
1. Shower Upgrade
We all love it don’t we? The farewell bid to the old retiring shower and the inauguration of the new walk-in shower in town!
But as ecstatic as it sounds, a smooth transition should be the topmost priority, which is why the following tools and materials should top your checklist:
Tools Required
- Utility knife
- Power drill
- Tape measure
- Circular and reciprocating saw
- Caulk and caulking gun
Materials Required
- Sand mix
- Thin-set mortar
Steps to Follow
- Remove the current fixtures.
- Install the shower floor and walls.
- Install the shower curb, and waterproof all new builds.
- Install tiles and the glass enclosure.
2. New Bathtub
This comes as no surprise, I mean who in the DIY comradeship still pays for bathtub installation?
The following tools, materials and steps are the DIYers’ anthem for bathtub replacement.
Tools Required
- Bathroom floor plan
- Level
- Tape measure
- Caulk or plumber’s putty
Materials Required
- Very fine mortar
- New bathtub with plumbing
- Replacement tiles
Steps To Follow
- Remove the existing bathtub.
- Install the plumbing and the ledger board.
- Fit the new bathtub.
- Hook up the plumbing.
- Install the bathtub surround.
3. Floor Replacement
Most homes are replete with examples of awkwardly fitted bathroom floors, so this is your chance to flaunt that knack for finesse.
To pull this off, your requirement and procedure list ought to be a carbon copy of the one below.
Tools Required
- Floor scraper
- Caulk gun
- Notched trowel
- Tile adhesive and cutter angle grinder and diamond grinding wheels will also do
- Rubber mallet and grout float
Materials Required
- Floor tiles – porcelain/ceramic/travertine
- Silicone caulk
- Tile spacers
- Drop and cleaning clothes
- Grout sealer and haze remover
Steps To Follow
- Work on the subfloor(make it immaculate and level), then lay the wonderboard.
- Work out a precise square tile placement then do a trial layout(dry fitting).
- After making necessary adjustments, mix a thin, fine(peanut butter-like) mortar.
- Meticulously set and lay the tiles, then cover.
- After 24 hours, grout the joints, clean up and there you are!
4. Drywall Replacement and Painting
This may arguably not be a walk in the park, but with religious adherence to the requirements and directions below, your new drywall installation may just end up being a piece of cake.
Tools Required
- Drywall saw
- Screwdriver and screw gun
- T square
- Drill
- Paint brushes and rollers
Materials Required
- Drywall
- Drywall screws and nails
- Paint
Steps To Follow
- Fasten the backers at the corners to support the drywall.
- Measure, mark and precisely cut the drywall as required.
- Smoothen its edges.
- Tack and fit it into place.
- Finish by screwing and painting with your desired colours.
5. Cabinets, Countertops and Storages Replacement
This is carpentry at its core. Armed with the right tools and materials, this is yet another opportunity for you to unleash your woodwork wizardry.
Tools Required
- Adjustable wrench
- Impact driver
- Jigsaw
- Carpenter’s scale
Materials Required
- Screws
- Epoxy/silicone
- The new fittings
Steps To Follow
- Position the cabinets where you want them to be. (The vanity should also perfectly align with water supply lines and drain pipes).
- Screw them onto the walls using 2.5 inch plated screws.
- Install the vanity top, first by trial fitting to make adjustments if any.
- Seal any edges and joints with clear silicone, then use a wet rag to clean up any seepages.
Changing Times
More and more people are embracing DIY. Take Australia, for example. Despite the numerous builders Brisbane for instance has, DIY is still gaining massive traction for most mini-projects.
This indicates a major paradigm shift in the construction landscape.
Hopefully, during this guide, you were able to understand your limits and possibilities on DIY practice. Remember: better to be safe than sorry.
If you think you got what it takes, pick one of the quick bathroom renovation DIY options above and start making your plans today!
If you think you got what it takes, pick one of the quick bathroom renovation east London DIY options above and start making your plans today!
