A bathroom remodel doesn't always mean tearing everything out and starting over.
Sometimes, a few small updates can make the space feel completely different. A new mirror, fresh paint, updated cabinet hardware, or a new set of towel bars can go a long way without turning your bathroom into a full construction project.
But there are also some bathroom projects that look simple until you get into the plumbing.
Knowing the difference can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.
If you're thinking about giving your bathroom a refresh, here's a look at some projects you can probably tackle yourself and the ones that are better left to a professional.
Start With the Easy Updates
Replace Your Cabinet Hardware
New knobs and pulls are one of the easiest ways to give an older vanity a quick update.
If your existing hardware is dated, swapping it out for something that fits your style can make the whole vanity feel newer.
Before you buy anything, measure the distance between the screw holes on your existing handles. Hardware isn't always a standard size, and matching the existing holes can save you from having to drill new ones.
Tip: Keep one of your existing knobs or pulls with you when shopping. It's an easy way to compare sizes and make sure the new hardware will fit.
Update the Mirror
If you have a basic builder-grade mirror, consider swapping it for a framed mirror or a style that better fits the rest of your bathroom.
Just make sure you measure the space first. You'll want to consider the width of the vanity, the available wall space, and anything nearby that could interfere with installation.
If the mirror is attached to existing electrical components, such as a lighted mirror, that's another story. In that case, you'll want to make sure the electrical work is handled properly.
Give the Walls a Fresh Coat of Paint
Paint is one of the simplest ways to change the look of your bathroom.
If you're painting a bathroom, choose a paint designed to hold up well in areas with moisture and humidity. Proper preparation matters, too. Clean the walls, repair any holes or imperfections, and give the surface enough time to dry before painting.
And don't forget about ventilation.
Running your bathroom exhaust fan during and after showers can help reduce excess moisture and protect your walls, paint, and other surfaces.
Install New Towel Bars and Accessories
Towel bars, hooks, toilet paper holders, shelves, and other bathroom accessories are all projects many homeowners can handle themselves.
The biggest thing to pay attention to is what's behind the wall.
Use the appropriate anchors for your wall type, and avoid drilling into areas where plumbing or electrical wiring may be located.
If you're not sure what's behind the wall, it's worth taking a little extra time to figure it out before grabbing the drill.
Re-Caulk Around Your Tub or Sink
Old caulk can make a clean bathroom look worn out, and it's one of those projects that can make a surprisingly noticeable difference.
If the existing caulk is cracked, peeling, discolored, or separating from the surface, it may be time to replace it.
Start by carefully removing the old caulk and cleaning the area. Let the surface dry completely before applying new bathroom-grade caulk.
Take your time with this one. A smooth, continuous bead will look better and provide a better seal.
Tip: Don't rush the drying time. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for how long the new caulk needs to cure before the area gets wet.
Know When a Bathroom Project Becomes a Plumbing Project
This is where things can get a little trickier.
Replacing a towel bar is one thing. Moving a sink or installing a new shower is another.
Any project that involves changing plumbing connections, water supply lines, drains, or the layout of your bathroom can introduce problems if it's not done correctly.
That's where having a professional involved can make the process much easier.
Leave Shower Installations to the Professionals
A new shower can completely change your bathroom, but it's also one of the projects where small mistakes can become big problems.
A shower needs to be properly installed and sealed to prevent water from getting where it shouldn't.
Depending on the project, installation may involve:
- Water supply connections
- Drain connections
- Waterproofing
- Shower valves
- Proper slope and drainage
- Sealing around fixtures and surfaces
A shower that looks great on day one isn't much of a win if water eventually makes its way behind the walls or underneath the flooring.
If you're replacing or redesigning your shower, let a professional handle the plumbing and installation so you can focus on choosing the finishes and features you want.
Vanity and Sink Installation Is Another One to Think Twice About
A new vanity might look like a straightforward swap, but the plumbing underneath can make things more complicated.
If the new vanity is the same size and the sink and plumbing line up with the existing setup, the project may be relatively simple. But if you're changing the location, size, or configuration, you may need to modify the water supply or drain connections.
That's where a DIY project can quickly become a plumbing project.
We can help make sure your new vanity and sink are connected properly and that everything is working as it should before the project is finished.
What If You Want to Move Something?
Here's a good rule of thumb:
If you're changing the location of a plumbing fixture, call a professional.
Moving a toilet, sink, shower, or tub usually means changing plumbing behind the walls or underneath the floor.
That can involve more than simply disconnecting one fixture and connecting another. The existing plumbing needs to work with the new layout, and everything needs to be properly connected and sealed.
If your dream bathroom involves moving fixtures around, it's a good idea to bring a professional into the planning process before you start demolition.
DIY or Professional? Here's a Quick Guide
Here's an easy way to think about it:
Good DIY projects:
- Replacing cabinet hardware
- Swapping a standard mirror
- Painting walls
- Installing towel bars and bathroom accessories
- Re-caulking around tubs and sinks
Projects to discuss with a professional:
- Installing or replacing a shower
- Installing a new vanity and sink
- Moving plumbing fixtures
- Changing water supply or drain lines
- Making significant changes to the bathroom layout
When you're unsure, it's always better to ask before starting. Finding out that a project is more complicated than expected after you've already removed a fixture can make the job much more stressful.
Plan Your Bathroom Remodel With the Right Team
Sometimes, a few smaller updates are all you need. Other times, you may have a bigger vision that involves a new shower, vanity, sink, or changes to the plumbing.
You don't have to figure out the whole thing on your own.
Whether you're tackling the cosmetic updates yourself or planning a bigger refresh, our team can help with the plumbing work that needs a professional touch.
Have a bathroom project in mind? Let's talk about what you're planning and figure out the best way to bring your vision together.
