A Small Bathroom Reno Can Be an Affordable DIY Project

Small bathroom reno can be an affordable DIY project if you limit the scope of work to cosmetic improvements like painting and lighting fixtures. However, any detailed and skilled work such as plumbing or electrical should be left to professionals to avoid expensive re-work and ensure code compliance.

For extra savings, consider shopping the odd lots section of a home improvement store or showroom for vanities and cabinets that were returned or slightly damaged. This can save you up to 50% on costs.

Chipped Tiles and Stained Grout

A shabby bathroom can detract from the overall look and feel of your home. To make your small bathroom a place you love, try a few budget-friendly upgrades that add style and function, like a fresh coat of paint, a new mirror, upgraded cabinet knobs or pulls and towel hooks.

For a cozy space, use a floor-to-ceiling mirror to draw the eye upward and make the room feel bigger. Then, top it with a small shelf for greenery and storage.

For a quick fix to dated wallpaper, limewash can provide an elegant yet inexpensive update. And if your tile has chips or indentations, you can fill them with liquid epoxy. Just be sure to sand the area and apply several coats of clear, water-based acrylic to finish. For detailed and skilled work like electrical and plumbing, consult a professional to avoid costly re-work and ensure safety and code compliance. A permit may also be required for some remodels.

Mold or Mildew

While many people use the terms mold and mildew interchangeably, they are not the same. Both are fungi that form from excessive moisture and both can emit musty odors, but they’re distinct in color, texture and health effects. According to the EPA, molds are microscopic fungi that need water, oxygen and food to survive and grow. They can also spread to other organic materials, including clothing, leather and paper.

They typically grow on softer, more porous materials than hard surfaces such as drywall and wood, which can cause structural damage over time. Mold spores can be found in most homes, but thrive in damp areas like basements and bathrooms where moisture accumulates. It can also form on plants if not properly watered and ventilated. Mold is typically gray, black or green in color and appears fuzzy or velvety in texture, while mildew is flat and powdery. Both can be cleaned using soapy water, bleach solution or disinfectants.

Lead or Asbestos

If your house was built before 1985, it’s likely asbestos is present in building materials. If disturbed during a renovation, asbestos fibers can be inhaled and cause serious lung problems like mesothelioma and asbestosis. These diseases have a long latency period and are not always recognized until it’s too late.

It’s important to have all materials tested for asbestos in a lab before disturbing them during a remodel. This can be done with a DIY test kit or a professional contractor will be able to send samples to a lab for testing.

If asbestos is detected, the contractor should follow EPA Lead Safe work practices as outlined in the RRP program. He or she should also apply a wetting agent to all materials, including pipe insulation, before removing them. This will make the material more difficult to break apart and reduce the amount of airborne asbestos particles. In addition, they should isolate the area being renovated from other areas of the house with plastic sheeting and duct tape.

Demolition

Demolition is one of the first steps in a bathroom remodel. It’s important to use safety gear, like goggles, gloves, and a dust mask, as well as to shut off the water and electricity to the room before starting any demolition work. A cordless drill can make this step much faster, and it also helps to have a dumpster close by to avoid any messy clean up.

Once the water and power are shut off, you can start the process of removing everything from the walls and flooring. Most homeowners will start with their bathroom vanity and remove the screws to separate it from the wall. Then, use a saw to cut through the exposed drywall, avoiding the studs, and then pry it away.

If you’re tackling tile, be sure to use a grout removal tool or a hammer and chisel to get the stubborn bits loose. You can rent these tools from most hardware stores, or if you’re doing a large remodel, hire a professional to handle the job.



from Canberra Bathroom Renovations Specialist https://ift.tt/daP0u7U
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