ud83dudcda Bathroom Renovation Series u2014 3 of 25
u2190 Bathroom Renovation Vol.2: Switch & Light Removal u00b7 Series Index u00b7 Bathroom Renovation Vol.4: Floor Demolition Pt.1 u2192
u270fufe0f Originally published: 2016-11-25 / ud83dudd04 Rewritten: May 7, 2026
2026 Update from DIY Dad: How to Tackle a Bathroom Renovation
ud83duded2 RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Mold-Resistant Bathroom Caulk
Re-caulk every 3u20135 years. Black mold on caulk is the #1 tenant complaint in Japan.
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
ud83duded2 RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Bathroom Vanity & Mirror Cabinets
Mirror cabinets add storage and light u2014 tenants notice immediately.
Here’s everything DIY Dad tackled in this 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 trickiest part is the bath dryer control panel removal and reinstallation u2014 it’s wired into the unit bath system.
Removing the Bath Dryer Control Panel
- Turn off the circuit breaker
- Remove screws and ease the panel away from the wall
- Photograph the wiring extensively before touching it
- Label each wire with tape and a marker before disconnecting
- Reconnect in reverse order after the wallpaper is done
Choosing and Replacing a Vanity Unit
Dimensions are everything u2014 depth, width, and height must fit the existing opening. Check make and model or measure carefully. Confirm water supply and drain connection types as well.
What Matters Most (Landlord’s Perspective)
- Vanity with mirrored medicine cabinet for better storage
- Waterproof floor tiles last longer than cushion flooring
- Test the ventilation fan u2014 essential for mold prevention
- Caulk all joints thoroughly
For Anyone Considering a Bathroom Renovation
ud83duded2 RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Grout Cleaners & Tile Restoration
Clean grout transforms a dated bathroom without any demolition.
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 step: removing the vanity unit. Since it’s being replaced with a brand new one, I went at it pretty aggressively u2014 I’m not trying to preserve it.
Tools and materials: impact driver, water pump pliers, screwdrivers, masking tape.
The vanity is fastened to the wall with screws. For the upper mirror section, remove the screw covers first, then back out the screws u2014 watch out, the panel can tilt toward you. The lower cabinet section: open the doors and remove the screws from inside.
Close the shut-off valve at the supply line connection, then disconnect the water supply and drain plumbing. Wrap the supply lines with a towel as you work u2014 water will drip. Once the vanity is out, cap the drain pipe with tape to keep debris out.
The removed vanity unit. It’s old enough that the plastic parts crumbled just from handling u2014 brittle with age.
The crumbling vanity. Hard to believe it fell apart after only about 13 years.
Next: removing the baseboard. Tool: hammer. Demolition is honestly the fun part u2014 I used the hammer like a pry bar and levered the baseboard off one piece at a time. I got a little carried away and cracked the drywall behind it. I’ll figure out the repair later.
Then: stripping all the wall and ceiling wallpaper. Tool: putty knife. The wallpaper in the bathroom/laundry room is soft and fuzzy u2014 different from the other rooms. It didn’t peel off in big strips; it came off in small scattered pieces. DIY Dad struggled with this more than expected. Different rooms apparently use different wallpaper types u2014 lesson learned.
That’s it for today u2014 see you next time!
ud83dudcda Bathroom Renovation Series u2014 3 of 25
u2190 Bathroom Renovation Vol.2: Switch & Light Removal u00b7 Series Index u00b7 Bathroom Renovation Vol.4: Floor Demolition Pt.1 u2192
DIY Renovation Quote Review Manual
How to read, compare, and negotiate contractor quotes. This manual saved me u00a5800,000 on a single renovation project.
ud83cudfe0 More from DIY Father
15 years of landlord experience u00b7 3 apartment buildings u00b7 DIY renovations that saved millions of yen. Browse all articles at diytosan.com
