DIY Bathroom Demolition Basics

A bathroom demolition is a messy undertaking. With so many water supplies in the room, there's a potential for serious damage and danger if it is not done correctly. Yet, by performing the demolition yourself, you can save several hundred dollars on the cost of your bathroom remodel. Here, we'll show you how to complete a DIY bathroom demolition safely, in as little as one weekend.

As with any home improvement, safety is key. This is especially true in the bathroom where water, electricity, and slick surfaces all come together. Therefore, be sure to follow the order of tasks we've listed exactly as shown.

Before you begin a bathroom demolition -

- Take everything out of the cabinets
- Remove toiletries, decorations, and wall art
- Shut off the water supply
- Lay down a non-slip tarp
- Have several towels on hand

Tools needed for a bathroom demolition

- Basin wrench (a.k.a sink wrench)
- Bucket
- Retractable blade
- Cordless drill
- Keyhole saw
- Rubber mallet
- Screwdrivers
- Pry bar
- Goggles
- Dust mask
- Gloves
- Dropcloths

What you can expect

A bathroom demolition will be messy; there's no getting around that fact. You and the surfaces around you will be exposed to dust, water, and sharp objects. Nails and screws will be on the ground, and you will need to lift heavy objects. Your DIY bathroom demolition will be much easier if you have a helper to help carry cabinets and countertops, lift out the sink, and remove the bathtub. You will also need to protect yourself with goggles, gloves, and a face mask.

How to perform a bathroom demolition

STEP 1 - Place a bucket under the sink plumbing and use a basin wrench to remove the supply lines from the bottom of the faucet. If there are additional clips in place, remove them as well. Note - Dual faucets will have more than one shutoff valve and supply line. Be sure to disconnect them all.

STEP 2 - Beneath the sink is the sink's waste line connection. This is the pipe that carries water away from the sink drain. This pipe curves. You will need to use the basin wrench to remove the connection. When it is disconnected and removed, water will be let loose. This is perfectly normal. The bucket will help to catch the water caught in the trap.

STEP 3 - Looking at the countertop, cut the caulk seal that is located around the sink with a retractable blade. This will allow you to lift away the top. If there are any additional screws holding the countertop in place, remove them. When the countertop is loose, lift it away and remove it.

STEP 4 - Now you will need to remove the base cabinets. These are the cabinets that sit on the floor. To do so, cut a hole around the water lines beneath the cabinets using a keyhole saw. Then, unscrew the cabinets from the wall. If the cabinets have been caulked-in from above, break the seal with a retractable blade before moving them.

STEP 5 - If you have a wall cabinet above the toilet, you will need to have your helper hold it in place while you back out the screws. Have you assistant support the weight of the cabinet to prevent it from falling, while you unscrew any connections and lift the cabinet away.

STEP 6 - If there has been any damage to exposed walls, patch them with joint compound and sand smooth. If, however, the new cabinetry will be placed on top of the damage, there is no need to do so.

Bathtub removal - If part of your new bathroom remodel includes a new bathtub, the old one will need to be removed during the demolition process. The easiest way to do so is to remove the unit in one piece. Depending on the material the bathtub is made of, it may be extremely heavy. You will need at least one assistant to move it out of the room. Start by breaking the caulk seal. Then, use a pry bar and rubber mallet to firmly force it away from the wall. Tip the tub on end and have someone assist you in moving it out of the room.

Once everything is out of the room, you can clean up and proceed with the bathroom remodel. By completing the bathroom demolition yourself, you will not have access to professional debris removal. To solve this dilemma, rent a construction dumpster beforehand for easy clean up.

More from Jennifer Wagner:

Simple Ways to Makeover Your Bathroom

Helpful Guide to Hiring a Contractor

A Simple Guide to Sponge Painting

SOURCE:

Personal knowledge

Jennifer Wagner - Yahoo! Contributor Network