Clever Bathroom Renovation Tips for Beginners

Shut off the Water
Turn off the shutoff valve and pour liquid lock into the toilet bowl. This will solidify the water, preventing any mess. Wait a few minutes.
Remove the Closet Flange Bolts
Unscrew the closet flange bolts. If they don’t come off easily, cut them off below the nut.
Disconnect Water Line
Remove the water supply line, and you’re done without any mess.

Score Baseboard
Score the baseboard to separate the drywall and remove any sealant.
Pull Up Vinyl
Use a pry bar to pull up the vinyl and plywood together. This method saves time and avoids damage.
Circular Saw for Tile Removal
Use a circular saw with a diamond blade set to a quarter-inch thickness. Cut through grout joints to create 3×3 sections, which are easy to remove with a pry bar. Remember to wear a dust respirator.

Prepare Subfloor
Dampen the wood subfloor and apply modified thinset using directional troweling. Add cement board (e.g., Durock) and secure with alkali-resistant screws.
Waterproof Seams
Waterproof between cement boards using alkali-resistant mesh tape and thinset. Apply waterproofing membrane after curing.
Apply Penny Tiles
After the membrane cures, apply modified thinset and set your tiles. Use a proper trowel size for uniform thickness.

Speed Set for Fast Curing
Use Speed Set thinset to bond cement board and waterproof it with hydra-band. Ensure proper thickness using a wet film gauge.
Waterproof Around the Tub
Apply sealant and banding around the tub to prevent leaks. Waterproofing along baseboards is essential.

Cut the Ceiling Hole
Use a hole saw or keyhole saw to create the hole for the recessed light. Pull wires through the hole.
Install the Light
For easy installation, use push-to-connect fixtures. Simply push in the hot and neutral wires, then plug the light into the socket.

Dry Fit and Cut Pipe
Cut the pipe to size and dry fit the toilet flange. Mark holes and cut through the tile with a diamond blade.
Secure Flange
Prime and cement the pipe and flange. Secure it with tapcon screws to the tile and use a foam gasket instead of a wax ring for a better seal.

Replace the Fill Valve
Flush and drain the toilet tank, disconnect the supply line, and remove the old fill valve. Install the new fill valve with a rubber gasket and secure it in place.
Adjust Water Level
Set the water level by adjusting the knob on the fill valve (about ½ to ¾ inches below the overflow pipe).

Turn Off the Water Supply
Turn off the water and disconnect the supply line.
Replace Supply Line
Install a new steel-braided water supply line with a click-seal feature. Hand-tighten it until you hear the click, then turn the water back on.

Mark and Drill Holes
Use paint to mark the location of the water supply pipes on the vanity. Drill pilot holes, then use a hole saw to create clean, professional holes.
Install Vanity
Dry fit the vanity, ensuring it’s level. Secure it to the wall using screws into the studs.
Install Sink
Apply silicone to the top of the vanity, then install the sink. Clean excess silicone for a neat finish.

Install Shower Niche
Install a custom shower niche by cutting and attaching the top and bottom plates. Waterproof the niche by sealing around the edges with joint sealant.
Tile the Niche
Apply modified thinset to the shower walls, back butter the tiles, and set them. Ensure adequate thinset coverage and leave expansion joints where necessary.

Use a Laser Level: Always use a laser level for precise tile installation, especially for wall tiles and mosaics.
Tile Leveling System: Use a tile leveling system (like T-Lock) to ensure even tile surfaces and eliminate lippage.
Waterproofing: Don’t skip waterproofing steps for showers, bathtubs, and wet areas to avoid future leaks.