How to Remodel a 1/2 Bath
One way to increase the value of your home is to remodel a dated 1/2 bath. Simple details such as a new toilet, paint, cabinet hardware and fixtures will breathe new life into the bathroom without breaking the bank. Home improvement stores have a wide variety of options, and most offer weekend seminars to show even the most tool-challenged customer that it is possible to make simple home improvements.
- Envision how you want your bathroom to look when completed. Decide on a paint color or two as well as the color of cabinet hardware, toilet and sink fixtures that would complement it.
- Measure the current toilet, and make a note of the size. Sometimes toilets come in more than one size, and even though they look similar, they are different enough to cause compatibility problems.
- Visit your local home improvement store, and go to the paint department. For the average-sized 1/2 bath, you will need a gallon of paint, a trim brush, painter's edging tape, a roller and a roller pan. (If you have determined that you don't need to paint, simply skip this step.)
- Go to the cabinet hardware section for drawer and cabinet pulls. Stop by the plumbing department to pick out your sink fixtures, toilet seal and toilet.
- Turn off the water supply to the sink and toilet. Flush the toilet to drain the water. Spread down a plastic tarp, painter's drop cloth or old sheet to protect the floor while you remove the existing toilet.
- Loosen the bolts that secure the toilet to the floor and gently lift upwards. The toilet will now be free from the floor so that you can remove it from the bathroom.
- Replace the old toilet seal with the new one, and install the new toilet, making sure it is bolted down securely and the water supply is connected correctly.
- Remove all old cabinet hardware and the old sink fixtures once you have gathered your supplies. Dispose of these or place them aside if you will be reselling or donating them. If you are painting, now is the time to tape off the corners and the trim with the painter's tape.
- Paint the bathroom, and allow the paint to dry for 12-24 hours to avoid smudges and unnecessary touch-ups. Remove the painter's tape and use the trim brush to paint any areas that you may have missed.
- Install the new sink fixtures, the new cabinet and the drawer pulls. You might also want to add a hand towel to the towel rack and a small arrangement of fresh or artificial flowers.