Bathroom Renovation Vol.4: Floor Demolition Pt.1

u270fufe0f Originally published: 2016-11-26 / ud83dudd04 Rewritten: May 7, 2026

2026 Update from DIY Dad: How to Tackle a Bathroom Renovation

Bathroom and laundry rooms are trickier than other DIY projects because of the plumbing involved u2014 but if you know the key points, you can absolutely do it yourself.

The Full Scope of the Bathroom Renovation

Here’s everything DIY Dad tackled in this bathroom/laundry room project:

• Remove switch and outlet cover plates
• Remove light fixtures and bath dryer control panel
• Remove and replace the vanity unit
• Replace wall wallpaper
• Replace floor cushion flooring
• Reinstall the bath dryer control panel

The thing that really raises the difficulty is removing and reinstalling the bath dryer control panel u2014 get the wiring wrong and you’re in real trouble.

Removing the Bath Dryer Control Panel

• Turn off the circuit breaker
• Remove the panel screws and ease it away from the wall
• Take multiple close-up photos of the wiring with your phone
• Disconnect the wires u2014 label each one with tape and a marker
• After the wallpaper work, reconnect in reverse order

Choosing and Replacing a Vanity Unit

Dimensions are everything u2014 depth, width, and height must match the existing opening. Triple-check every measurement before ordering. Also confirm water supply and drain connection types.

What Matters Most (Landlord’s Perspective)

• Vanity with mirrored medicine cabinet for more storage
• Waterproof floor tiles outlast cushion flooring
• Test the ventilation fan u2014 essential for mold prevention
• Caulk all joints thoroughly, especially around the vanity

For Anyone Considering a Bathroom Renovation

Always confirm sizing and pipe types before starting u2014 a bad connection means an immediate leak.

Hey there u2014 DIY Dad here.

Continuing the first-floor bathroom and laundry room renovation series.

Next up is the highlight of the repair work u2014 actually, it’s DIY Dad’s favorite part: demolishing the rotted floor under the old washing machine spot.

Tools and materials: impact driver, jigsaw, angle grinder, leather gloves, safety goggles, dust mask.

Just how far has the rot spread? I started by grinding away the surface decay with the angle grinder.

The angle grinder in action.

The dust was absolutely insane u2014 I couldn’t keep my eyes open, let alone breathe. Had to retreat and come back with goggles and a dust mask.

After grinding.

No matter how much I ground away, the rot went deeper and dust kept billowing everywhere. The decay was too widespread u2014 if I kept going like this, the whole house would be covered in dust. Using an angle grinder indoors in a regular home is probably not the brightest idea to begin with.

I pressed on the floor panel with my hand u2014 my finger sank straight in. It was that soft. DIY Dad made the call: cut the whole thing out with the jigsaw.

But before cutting, I needed to check what was underneath. My first time crawling under the floor u2014 and honestly, a little scary. You never know what you’ll find.

I belly-crawled my way to the bathroom area. My expectations were pretty much met.

The underfloor condition.

The fiberglass insulation batt had drooped and was hanging loose. Old age, maybe u2014 or moisture damage. Either way, it needs to be replaced. DIY Dad crawled back out. That’s it for today u2014 see you next time!

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