6 Tricks to Update Your Bathroom Vanity without a Contractor

It’s more than possible to update your bathroom without a contractor unless you want to move around the plumbing or gut it completely. In fact, bathrooms are one of the most popular rooms for do-it-yourself (DIY) remodels, mostly because they’re small and require less work and resources than other areas of the home. Plus, all it takes to refresh a bathroom is a coat or two of paint, some trendy décor, and a brand new vanity that’s easy to install yourself. Here are some tips to help your DIY bathroom vanity installation go smoothly.

1. Increase Your Knowledge with Tutorials

Before getting started, it helps to increase your knowledge of what you’re about to tackle. There are plenty of helpful tutorials online that can take you through the process of installing a new vanity step by step. Read through some ideas and inspiration for picking a vanity or watch a video about installing one on YouTube. You can use these resources to wrap your mind around the process beforehand, or you can watch or read as you go to make sure you don’t miss a step.

2. Measure, Measure, Measure

When it comes to choosing a replacement vanity, size is an important factor. You’ll want a vanity that’s big enough to store all your products and supplies so they’re easy to find. Don’t get too ambitious, though – if your vanity’s too big, your bathroom can start to feel cramped and crowded. You spend a lot of time in your bathroom, so the space should be designed with comfort and ease-of-use in mind.

Before you even pick out a replacement, you’ll have to measure your space. Good measurements are essential to the success of any home improvement project. When it comes to bathroom vanities, accurate measurements prevent you from purchasing the wrong size while ensuring that the end product is functional and aesthetically sound.

3. Choose a Bathroom Vanity You Love

A bathroom vanity can last you a long time, so it’s important to invest in one that you really love. Your new vanity will be the centerpiece of your bathroom and a perfect opportunity to let your inner stylist shine.

Natural textures and wood are just two of the vanity styles always on-trend. Consider a stylish barn door bathroom vanity (like the one shown above), which can bring modern farmhouse flair to your home or complement a more industrial style. If that’s not your thing, a classy gray finish (shown on the vanity below) is pleasing to the eye and coordinates with any color scheme. And don’t forget to choose some new fixtures, like lighting and a mirror, to finish the look.

4. Get Your Tool Belt

Installing a new vanity doesn’t require a bunch of expensive tools, but you’ll need a few to get the job done right. You may already have them in your tool shed or garage, but if not, they’re easy to find at any hardware or home improvement store. These include:

• Drill with screwdriver bits
• Adjustable wrench
• Electronic stud finder
• Bucket
• 24” to 48” level
• Caulk or another sealant

5. Turn the Water Off

Before you start, don’t forget to turn the water off – the consequences can be nasty otherwise! If you forget this crucial step, your pipes will spray water all over your bathroom as soon as you disconnect the faucet. This results in a big mess that’s a hassle to clean up and makes the whole job much tougher than it needs to be.

The valve shutoff switches are located near your sink pipes and will keep water contained as you disconnect the faucet. Double- and triple- check to make sure the valves are shut when you start working – you’ll save yourself from a major headache and a lot of extra work.

6. Know When to Call a Professional

While replacing your bathroom vanity is one of the simplest ways to spruce up your bathroom, any kind of DIY home improvement can be tough. No one is perfect, and things can go wrong, especially when you’re attempting the job for the first time.

If you run into an obstacle or simply feel too overwhelmed to try it yourself, it might be time to call a contractor. While more expensive than DIY, contractors are experienced and know how to avoid potential pitfalls. No matter where you’re at in the process, a professional can finish up the job and make your bathroom vanity look great.

Ready to Replace Your Bathroom Vanity?

A new bathroom vanity can go a long way toward refreshing your home, and when you install it yourself, you’ll feel an extra sense of pride whenever you walk into the room. For more tips and tricks for upgrading your bathroom and other areas of your home, subscribe to the Twin Star Home® email newsletter.