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


New Kitchen Cabinetry: Make Your Investment A Smart One

At an average of $50,000, a kitchen remodel is a major undertaking. A good return on that investment means different things to different people. You may be considering resale value, your bank balance at the moment, the elements of your dream kitchen-or all of the above. Whatever the case, kitchen cabinets are a key component of every remodel.

Find The Right Interior Doors For Your Home

Take a minute to count the number of doors in your house. Surprising, right? Consider then, the impact that a little attention to the doors can have on the overall style and design of your home. Whether you're just moving in or staging for a sale, new doors are a simple way to dramatically update the space. The good news is that there are as many styles of doors as there are doors in your home. Making the decision is the toughest part.

Follow These Steps Before Starting Your Kitchen Remodel

If your kitchen is looking a bit dated, consider a remodel to upgrade its efficiency and looks. Here's a quick guide to planning your kitchen update:

How to Upkeep Your Home So Neighbors Are In Awe

Homeowners are responsible for the quality of their home with the maintenance and care that they provide for the building throughout the year. Every home requires a specific amount of upkeep to ensure that it maintains its value and has a high level of appeal. To keep your neighbors in awe of your home, there are a few important steps to take to allow it to stand out in the local area.

Tips For Selecting An Interior Door

Take a minute to count the number of doors in your house. Surprising, right? Consider then, the impact that a little attention to the doors can have on the overall style and design of your home. Whether you're just moving in or staging for a sale, new doors are a simple way to dramatically update the space. The good news is that there are as many styles of doors as there are doors in your home. Making the decision is the toughest part.

Using the Homeowners Insurance Report to Gauge Your Insurance Coverage

When it comes to knowing how much homeowners insurance you need, running the Bluebook Homeowners Insurance report gives you insight into the potential costs to rebuild your home and the value of your home contents.

How To Create Year-Round Home Curb Appeal

Exceptional curb appeal will add to the enjoyment and value of your property and home. Maintaining your curb appeal throughout each season may pose its challenges, but with these tips, you can ensure that your home and landscaping will look their very best throughout the year.

A Guide to Home Insulation Materials

Insulation is one of those building products that you never see, because it is usually covered up by something else. But if you don't have enough, or if it is installed incorrectly, you're wasting energy and paying more for heating and cooling than is necessary.

Is School Improvement Part of Your Ownership Strategy?

Neighborhoods with good schools often carry higher value for home buyers with children, so if you want to raise values in your neighborhood, supporting school improvement may be a valuable undertaking.

The Best Paint Colors For An Enduring Look In Your Home

Trends come and go. If you paint your walls the "provocative and thoughtful purple shade" of Ultra Violet, as Pantone, itself, calls it, you're probably gearing up to repaint them in whatever the color authority deems the "it" shade next year. If you'd rather pick a paint chip or two and keep your space the same for the long haul, you'll love these colors that endure.

See More Articles