article

Replacing Your Bathroom Vanity

By Bluehammer Admin

Replacing your old vanity can make a big aesthetic difference in your bathroom. The following are some helpful tips when it comes time to replace your bathroom vanity.

When is it Time to Replace my Vanity?

Unless your vanity is broken, most of the time these are replaced to give the bathroom an aesthetic upgrade and to improve storage.

Cost Factors of Replacing Your Vanity

Both labor and material costs factor almost equally into this project. If you are a capable do-it-yourselfer, then you can save approximately 45-50% of your project cost depending on the quality of your finishes selected. Below are the main cost factors in the project of replacing your vanity.

  • Removal of the old sink and vanity
  • Purchase, delivery and installation of the new vanity, sink and faucet
  • Replacing water supply lines and angle stop (if necessary)
  • Installing any new plumbing and materials
  • Hauling away the old vanity and sink materials

Saving Opportunities on Labor Costs

If you are hiring a plumber to install your new vanity and sink, you can still save on costs by removing your existing vanity yourself. Below are the steps to remove your existing vanity.

  • Turn of your waterYour water can be turned off under the sink on the wall. If you can't turn the water off here you can always turn off the main valve. Once the water is turned off you will want to open your faucet to release any water pressure that's left. It's always a good idea to have some bath towels on hand when disconnecting water lines.
  • Detach the plumbing and water lines to the sinkUnder the sink, disconnect and remove the p-trap by loosening the slip nut located at the top. Note that there will be water left in the pipe so be ready with a bucket or towels. Unscrew the water lines to sink with a wrench and disconnect. Be ready for any water that is still in the water lines.
  • Remove the sink and vanity-topIf you have a drop-in sink then removing the sink first will make removing the vanity-top easier. Cut along the caulk around the sink and gently pry it loose from the vanity-top. Remove the sink. You want to also cut any caulking where the vanity-top meets the wall. You will need to see how your vanity-top is connected to your vanity. Usually they will either be screwed to the base or glued. Unscrew the screws if that is the case. If your top is glued, use a hammer and screwdriver or chisel to pop it from the base. Pry the top off making sure not to damage the walls and remove.
  • Remove the vanity baseThe vanity is usually screwed to the wall. Remove any vanity doors to gain access to the screws. Unscrew the vanity and remove the unit.

Choosing Your New Vanity Style

Now that your old vanity is removed, you will need to make decisions on your new one. Vanities come in both built-in or freestanding variety and come with or without vanity-tops. On top of that, some vanity-tops come with the sinks built-in as one piece. If you are replacing a same-sized vanity you will not need to make any major changes to your plumbing. If you are expanding your vanity size, make sure to measure your new space. If your new vanity-top does not come with a built-in sink you have options of adding a drop-in sink, underneath the counter sink or a vessel sink (bowl shaped that sits on the counter). Once you have made your design decisions, it's time to install your new vanity. Below are the steps to install your new vanity.

  • Attach your new vanity base to the wallRefer to the manufacture instructions that come with your new vanity. Measure and mark where you are going to attach your new vanity to the wall making sure to find your studs. Slide your vanity into place and make sure it is level. You might need to use wood shims to level your vanity base. Once in place, secure your vanity to the walls with screws using your markings. If you are not screwing into a stud you will need to use appropriate sized wall anchors to make sure your vanity is secure.
  • Pre-assemble your faucet and drain to your sinkFollow the manufacturer instructions to install your faucet. This will be easier to do while your sink is off the vanity.
  • Attach the vanity topYou can attach your vanity top to the base with glue-like adhesive. Run a bead of adhesive around the top of your base and gently lower the top into place. Let the adhesive dry to the manufactures specifications.
  • Install the sink (if applicable)If your sink was not built-in to the vanity-top you will need to install your sink. Follow the manufacturer directions for cutting and installing your sink. Once your sink is installed you will need to apply sealant around your sink for a nice water-proof finish
  • Reconnect your plumbing and water supply linesMake sure any adhesive or sealant has dried before you re-connect your plumbing. Turn on your water and test for any leaks.
  • Finish your intallationApply caulking where the vanity-top meets the wall to hide any imperfections or gaps.

Want to estimate your home improvement costs before talking with a contractor? Claim your home for free with bluehammer to estimate costs, secure your home inventory and learn more about your home.

* THIS REPORT IS AN OPINION THAT MAY BE INACCURATE AND IS PROVIDED SOLELY AS AN INFORMATIONAL TOOL NOT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE DEFINITIVE ANSWERS. ALL ELEMENTS ARE OFFERED “AS IS” AND BLUEBOOK EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS, AND GUARANTEES OF ANY NATURE, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABLITILY, NONINFRINGEMENT, TITLE, QUIET ENJOYMENT, ACCURACY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL BLUEBOOK (OR THEIR SUPPLIERS) BE LIABLE FOR ANY GENERAL, DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE RESULTING FROM USE OF THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING : (1) RELIANCE ON THE MATERIALS PRESENTED, (2) COSTS OF REPLACEMENT GOODS, (3) LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, (4) DELAYS OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTIONS, (5) AND ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF INFORMATION) WHETHER OR NOT BLUEBOOK HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Know what you should pay for your home improvement projects with bluehammer.Claim your home. It's free!

Popular


Replacing Your Kitchen Refrigerator

Refrigerators are the most important appliance in the Kitchen.

Replacing Your Kitchen Sink and Faucet

Replacing your old sink and faucet can make a big aesthetic and performance difference in your kitchen.

10 Spring Cleaning Tricks For Everyone

Lazy cleaning is all about minimizing the effort. But, minimal effort doesn't have to mean you live like a slob - it just means you need to know some cool tricks tools that will help do the work for you, or at least make it less painful.

Clever Tips To Make Painting Your Home Easier

Painting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to transform a space. But it can also be a hassle, what with all that taping and prepping and cleaning up. These clever tips can make it easier. Fun, even. (That might be a stretch.)

Replacing Your Clothes Dryer

With lots of small moving parts, having a clothes dryer stop working is inevitable.

Tips For Creating A Luxe Bedroom

Creating a relaxing, romantic retreat of a bedroom is the goal, but it's not as easy as just loading the furniture in and making the bed. Many people find that even with beautiful pieces and great space, their bedroom is still lacking that something special. A few tips and the right mix can make you feel more serene, help you sleep better, and even make you feel more amorous in your private sanctuary.

Tips For Decorating Rooms That Are Long And Narrow

Distract attention away from an awkward room shape and create a pleasing design using these pro tips.

How To Create A Statement Ceiling

Are things looking up in your home? How about people? If there's nothing to draw their eye up, you may be missing out on a great decorating opportunity. Today, the ceiling is being called the "fifth wall," and it's a great place to add color, texture, and interest to a space that is often ignored.

7 Simple & Smart Basement Repairs to Consider

No space in your home is more accommodating and homey, or conversely scary, than your basement. A nicely finished basement can be the entertainment centerpiece of your entire home, housing your big-screen TV, the most comfortable couches in the place and a warm, inviting atmosphere that wraps each guest in comfort.

Nine House Cleaning Tasks That Give You A Great Workout

House cleaning is a drag. That comes as a surprise to no one. But, there is a great side benefit to having a tidy home. Well, there are many, but we're not talking about the psychological advantages of living in a clean home or even the fact that a clean house just plain looks good. We're talking about working up a sweat. Go ahead and skip the gym. Grab the broom or the vacuum cleaner instead. Turns out the simple acts of sweeping, vacuuming, and so many more housecleaning tasks can give you a great workout.

See More Articles