How to Do Cosmetic Bathroom Renovation: 7 Essential Tips

Often we hesitate to do bathroom renovation because we believe that plumbing work should be done by professionals. On one hand, this is true: labor-intensive finishing and equipment installation really should be left to specialists. On the other hand, a cosmetic bathroom renovation with quality results can easily be done by yourself, knowing some nuances of the process. We've gathered 7 essential tips on how to fix defects in the finish, skillfully change the lighting scenario, and give old plumbing a second chance.

1. Update the Ceiling

If cracks appear on a plastered ceiling, fill them with spackle. Does the surface require a serious approach? Consider using paints with high thixotropy: they don't drip from the brush and spread evenly over the ceiling.

Before painting the ceiling, remove old whitewash: moisten a small section of the surface with warm water and use a spatula or brush with metal bristles, then repeat the process on adjacent sections until the ceiling is clean of old coating.

2. Replace the Lighting

It's no secret that several small light fixtures create a more comfortable lighting scenario than one large one. To vary the bathroom lighting, use track lighting systems: they can be mounted to existing wiring in the center of the ceiling and routed along any path, even from the ceiling to the wall.

3. Fix Wall Defects

If tiles have peeled off in the bathroom, liquid nails will come in handy: just clean the attachment area of old glue and secure the new element. Cracked tiles can be removed with a chisel and hammer, after first cleaning the joints with a spatula. Sometimes it's the grout lines between tiles that spoil the look of the bathroom. If active cleaning doesn't help, cover them with a thin layer of new grout spackle.

4. Tidy Up the Tub

Even heavily soiled tubs can be cleaned with simple products. A technical solution of hydrochloric acid will remove yellow stains from enamel. A mixture of wine vinegar and table salt helps get rid of rust.

Don't forget to tidy up the tub's exterior. The easiest way is to hide it behind a plastic screen or a wide textile curtain.

5. Hide Furniture Flaws

Even old plumbing can be given a second chance: it's easier and more budget-friendly to hide its flaws than replace the entire bathroom suite. For example, an unattractive sink leg can be covered with wooden panels and textile on a rail. The structure will look like a neat cabinet with built-in sink.

6. Study the Pipe Layout

If you do need to replace plumbing, it's not necessary to redo the pipe layout – suitable equipment can be selected based on existing connection parameters. Before installing a toilet, check the direction of the outlet: into the wall or floor. To connect a mixer, confirm the spout size and length of flexible supply lines. When replacing a tub, consider the position of drain holes.

7. Think About Details

Details make a big difference, including the look of the bathroom. The level of comfort can even be improved by relocating towel hooks. To avoid making new holes in tile, secure hooks with strong double-sided tape. Cover old holes with clear caulk or polymer-based putty.