It’s time to get down and dirty and renovate that bathroom that has been stuck in the 1970s for long enough. As a DIYer, hopefully you have spent the time putting together a solid design plan with layouts (floor plans), electrical drawings, 3D designs, product and material shopping lists and a confirmed budget. The following tips and suggestions will help guide you through the next phase: construction.

Out with the old

When it comes to demolishing your outdated bathroom, there are still a few considerations to make. Put down the big sledgehammer and think about what needs to be done first.

1. Shut off the water, drain tanks and lines and turn off the power to the room.
2. Decide what will be disposed of and what could be sold or donated.
3. Use a drill or screwdriver to start disassembling or detaching items to make for a much easier clean-up.
4. Have a bin or truck in place to remove items in order to maintain a clear and safe work zone.
5. Don’t demolish more than you have to. If you are not moving walls, plumbing, electrical lines, etc., and if there is no damage, consider keeping the existing drywall.

The demolition stage can be a lot of fun, but remember to always think smart and be safe. You will know the demo is complete once everything that was supposed to be removed is actually gone. At this point, the remaining components should be ready for the new products to be installed. Make sure the space is clean and tidy.

In with the new

When the time comes to start installing your new bathroom features, it is easy to get overwhelmed. If you’re not sure where to start, consider the following:

1. Make sure you have all the correct new products on-site. Also, take the time to double check the needed quantities. For example, do you have enough tile to cover the entire wall area? Do you have enough cartons of flooring to cover the entire surface?
2. Start with a solid foundation. If any elements need repairing, such as a squeaky subfloor or leaking pipe, now is the best time to do these repairs.
3. Complete all the work inside the walls, such as moving or adding lighting, fans and plumbing. If a new tub or shower is going into the space, now is the time to install it. 
4. Close in the room from the top down. Complete all the needed work starting with the ceiling. From there, tackle the walls with drywall, taping, mudding, sanding, priming and painting.
5. Install your new floor in the bathroom. Make sure that you take into consideration the flooring height in the adjoining space. You may need a reducer or transition piece to bridge the gap between floors.
6. Install the vanity, countertop and sink. If the vanity is a larger piece, has a toe-kick rather than legs, or is a floating cabinet, consider installing the flooring after the vanity.
7. Finishing touches can now be completed, including any remaining paint jobs, trim, doors, toilet and backsplash installation, bath-ware accessories, mirrors, lighting, electrical plates, shower curtain rods and register covers. Ensure you have installed wall blocking to support these new features. 

Renovating a bathroom can add a lot of value to your home if it is done right. To do this, prepare ahead of time with a design plan, have a good understanding of your own skills and don’t be afraid to ask for help from the experts. As with any renovation project, make sure to access any needed permits for the work you are planning on doing. Above all else, have fun with the process and make the space something that reflects you and your style.