Bathroom Renovation Vol.15: Wall Base Preparation

u270fufe0f Originally published: 2016-12-07 / ud83dudd04 Updated: May 8, 2026

2026 Update from DIY Dad: Under-Floor Storage & Ceiling Work in the Bathroom/Laundry Room

The renovation is now in the second half. Installing new under-floor storage and a ceiling access hatch may seem unglamorous, but they’re critically important. More than ten years on as a landlord, DIY Dad is still glad these were done.

Why Install Under-Floor Storage?

Without under-floor access, the only option when floor inspection is needed is to pull up the flooring. In wet areas especially, the speed of response to plumbing problems (leaks, clogs) is completely different when you have a hatch.

Benefits DIY Dad Has Experienced

• Annual visual inspection of pipes (early detection of termites and corrosion)
• Direct visual check of drain pipe joints (early leak detection)
• Ability to inspect the condition of moisture-barrier sheeting
• Doubles as usable storage space (preserved food, emergency supplies, etc.)

Under-Floor Storage Installation u2014 Step by Step

1. Decide on placement (confirm it fits between existing floor joists).
2. Cut the plywood and cushion floor to the opening size.
3. Partially cut the floor joists and add reinforcement pieces.
4. Drop the unit body in and secure it.
5. Finish the lid by applying cushion floor material to it.

The critical step is reinforcing where the joists are cut. Cutting a joist reduces floor rigidity, so support pieces (same-size lumber) must be added at each cut end and screwed in. Skip this and the floor will flex.

About the Ceiling Access Hatch

The ceiling access hatch follows the same philosophy u2014 quick access when needed. The ceiling cavity contains wiring for the ventilation fan and bathroom heater/dryer, so having a hatch makes future maintenance far easier.

Installation steps are nearly identical to under-floor storage: cut an opening between ceiling furring strips, drop in the unit, and secure it. Cutting gypsum board ceiling material produces a huge amount of dust u2014 masking and a respirator mask are essential.

Wall Surface Prep (Patching) Is Just as Important

Once the under-floor and ceiling work is done, prepare for wallpaper replacement. Bathroom/laundry room walls are prone to patching compound peeling because of high moisture.

• Remove old wallpaper carefully (avoid damaging the gypsum board surface).
• If the substrate is damp, wait for it to dry completely (fan and dehumidifier).
• Use mold-resistant patching compound (essential in wet areas).
• Once dry, sand smooth.

DIY Dad’s biggest watchpoint here is moisture management. Applying wallpaper before the compound is fully dry leads to mold later. Slow and steady wins the race.

From a Landlord’s Perspective u2014 It’s the Unseen Work That Counts

Tenants never see the under-floor space, the ceiling cavity, or the wall substrate. But doing this work carefully makes a huge difference in maintenance costs ten years down the road.

ud83dudebf For Anyone Considering a Vanity or Wet-Area Renovation

Replacing a vanity unit is doable as a DIY project, but mistakes with shutoff valve operation or drain pipe connections can lead to leaks immediately. DIY Dad has lived the experience of “the drain pipe shape was completely wrong” u2014 it was a moment of panic. Confirm measurements and pipe types before starting.

Wall Base Preparation u2014 Patching & Leveling

Hi, this is DIY Dad! Continuing the first-floor bathroom/laundry room renovation series.

Next up: filling wall irregularities with patching compound to create a flat surface. Tools and materials used: patching compound, sandpaper, nail punch, and hammer.

Any raised spots or protruding nail heads are first driven in flush using the nail punch and hammer. Dips and recesses are then filled with patching compound. Once dry, any raised areas are sanded back to a smooth, level surface.

u2191 A good photo from the bathroom/laundry room wasn’t available, so here’s a shot of a patched and leveled surface from another location in the project.

The wall substrate is ready! That’s all for today u2014 see you next time!

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