Bathroom remodeling projects require careful planning, a detailed budget and plenty of patience. Gutting a bathroom tends to be the first step and some homeowners plan to tackle this part of the renovation, saving a bit of money and having some fun. But demolition can be tricky and doing it right is essential to the success of your bathroom renovation.
Are you thinking about gutting a bathroom? Do you wonder where to start, what tools to use and how to handle the plumbing fixtures? Consider these top five tips and get to work ripping out your existing bathroom.
Turn Electrical and Plumbing Off
You'll need to turn off the power and water before tearing out the tub, shower, toilet or sink. Locate your electrical panel and identify the breakers associated with your bathroom. Double-check the light switches and outlets for a proper disconnection before removing any fixture or section of the wall. It still helps to be careful during the tear down process; avoid cutting through, ripping out or damaging wires and electrical boxes.
Plumbing presents more of a challenge. Some fixtures offer an individual shut-off valve, often hidden behind the wall and difficult to access prior to demolition. If you cannot locate the shut-off valve, simply turn off the water at the main valve. Be sure to cap the lines once you've completed the tear down and consider installing an individual shut-off valve in a convenient location, should you need access in the future.
Take Down the Tub Tiles Slowly
A majority of the tiled shower or tub tear out can be done with a pry bar and hammer. In some cases a reciprocating saw helps to speed up the process, but wise DIY fans take this task slow.
Start with the back or rear wall (opposite the open wall). Begin at about chest height and knock out a piece of the wall around 12 to 16 inches square. This allows you to visually inspect the area behind the tiled wall, making a note of the electrical, plumbing and mechanical elements found in that space.
If you find the area clear, continue with the demolition in a horizontal line. Work on removing the entire back wall before moving on to the other two.
Once the rear wall is completely removed, exposing the studs and insulation, start on the wall opposite the faucet or showerhead. Use the same process—beginning with a small hole at chest height and moving on as per your inspection.
When you do come across wiring, plumbing or other elements behind the wall, proceed with caution. You need to rip that portion of the wall out, but do so with care and avoid cutting, pulling or damaging any plumbing, electrical or mechanical elements.
The last wall to attack holds the faucet and/or showerhead. Experts agree that starting from one side of the plumbing fixture and moving slowly toward it allows for extra care and less potential damage. Use hand tools (hammer and pry bar) here and keep your eyes open before each move.
Tarp Fixtures for Protection
Some bathroom remodeling projects call for new fixtures, while others make use of quality fixtures by reusing them in a new or upgraded setting. Invest in a pack of heavy duty grade tarps if you plan to reuse your tub, shower, toilet or sink.
Tape down a layer of kraft paper on the fixtures and then cover them with tarp to protect against scratches, gouges and other superficial damage that can easily occur during your renovation. Some people go so far as to put down an old quilt as well, either between the drop cloth and fixture or above the drop cloth. This helps to avoid excessive friction as well.
Inspect Insulation and Replace When Necessary
Removing the walls, tile and flooring opens up your bathroom, revealing the insulation and studs behind the wall. Most types of insulation deteriorate over time, and many homeowners with older houses find a mess back there. Old or deteriorated insulation does not perform properly and could lead to further problems. Replacement is your best option.
Some consumers opt for spray in or foam insulation, while others stick with popular fiberglass batten insulation for ease of install and economics. Whichever type you use, be sure to include a poly layer to protect products from moisture. Check out the recommended R-value for your climate and consider sealing gaps and holes with expanding foam for a tightly finished room.
Expect to Add Upgrades to Your Renovation Plans
As discussed with insulation above, gutting a bathroom often reveals deterioration. Years of moisture and decay take a toll on any building materials and aged methods and specs must be replaced for safety and resale. Go into your bathroom remodeling project expecting to upgrade and you're less likely to be shocked when the walls come down.
You may discover old galvanized plumbing behind your walls, or aged wiring throughout the room. Changing these materials out now while the walls are down saves a significant amount of money. It may also delay your project and increase the initial budget, but ignoring the deterioration to continue with your renovation is an unwise plan.
Be sure to inspect the condition of the following areas during and just after you've gutted the bathroom:
- Plumbing, including valves, pipes and other components
- Wiring and electrical
- Insulation
- Studs and footers
- Door and window frames
- Mechanical elements, such as exhaust fans and heating vents
With the right tools and a good plan, gutting a bathroom can be fun. Take the time to think it through, turn off the electrical and water before you begin and proceed slowly with a tub or shower surround. Use a tarp to protect fixtures and save a major mess. You may find deteriorated insulation, wiring, plumbing and studs behind that tile, ceiling or flooring, so be prepared to upgrade and replace rotted building materials in order to provide a solid frame for your bathroom remodeling project.
Posted by: dianaSuggested Reading For You
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