Remodeling a bathroom is not just a beautifying project — it’s one that can add major value to your home. Experts estimate you’ll recoup 57% of your bathroom renovation costs when you sell your home.
The bathroom renovation you envision will be a hands-on job, though. That means you’ll save on labor costs while still reaping the benefits of a new bathroom for your bottom line. It’s a great idea, but you should be sure you know what you’re doing before you dive in.
The first step is investing in the best tools for your bathroom remodeling jobs. Here’s what you should have in your arsenal before you start planning the demolition and remodeling of your space.
- Planning Software
Investing in this software may seem like an unnecessary cost, but it’s worth your while. Renovation planning software has a slew of benefits, including reducing errors in measurements and the amount of supplies you need. It can also help you figure out a reasonable timeline for your project and help you see how everything will look once it’s in place.
Of course, if you don’t have or want to pay for planning software, you can lay out your space on graph paper. Be sure to scale everything to size so you can see just how it will all fit.
- Planning Tools
On that note, you will need a few tools to start planning your bathroom remodel. A measuring tape and a compass will help you accurately measure the space. A level and an architect’s scale will help you accurately draw out your space on graph or tracing paper, as described above.
As you go on in your project, many of these items will continue to come in handy. You will find that multiple tasks will require a tape measure, so investing in one ASAP will prepare you for many small jobs down the line.
- Demolition Tools
When it’s time to start your bathroom remodeling project, you might need to perform demolition. (Superficial remodels, such as paint and hardware updates, won’t require this step.)
However, if you want to upgrade the flooring, tiling, or vanity, you will start your project by removing what’s already there. The top tool you’ll want here is a flat pry bar, which you can use to pop tiles off of the walls and floors.
You should also make sure you have an oscillating multi-tool or reciprocating saw. Both can cut through the majority of bathroom materials, making it easy to slice and remove what you no longer want.
- Flooring Tools
Start your flooring renovation with some scribing paper, which will help you with laying out your flooring pattern and making cuts of specially shaped tiles to complete the job.
On that note, if you choose tiles to cover your bathroom floor, you’ll have to buy some tile adhesive to stick them in place. A scraper will come in handy too, just in case you put too much adhesive on a square or subway tile. You will apply the adhesive with a roller, brush, or a trowel.
Chances are, your tiles won’t fit perfectly from wall to wall. You will likely have to cut a few of them so that you can complete the design — this is where scribing felt will come in handy, too. Rent a wet saw or tile cutter to slice through your tiles without cracking them.
It’s a bit cheaper and easier to install vinyl flooring. You will remove the backing to reveal the tile’s adhesive side, which will stick onto your floor. To cut vinyl tiles to fit, you will just need a very sharp razor or utility knife — you may already have one in-house that you can use.
- Painting and Re-Finishing Tools
The tools required to paint your bathroom are quite similar to what you’d need to paint any other room. You will want to have a paint tray and rollers, as well as tape to outline the room — and protect molding and other stationary features.
If you want to add new tiles to your shower or backsplash, you’ll need grout to stick the tiles together. Pick up some caulk and a caulk gun as well. This will seal the space between your tiles and the tub’s edge or bathroom vanity counter.
Some bathroom remodels will require you to refinish your tub or shower. A full replacement is recommended if these features are severely damaged or rusty. If not, though, you should pick up a palm sander, primer, EP-Acrylic paint, and a spray gun that applies paint at low pressure and high volume.
You can use similar tools if you want to refinish the vanity. To remove and replace bathroom hardware, such as cabinet pulls and handles, you will need a screwdriver — that’s the easiest job of all to helm.
6. Electrical Updates
Finally, you may want to update the light switch and electrical outlets to go with your renovated bathroom. You can pick up new plates at your local hardware store, and you can easily install them with a screwdriver. Be sure to turn off the room’s electrical for the time to avoid a shock.
Get the Right Tools for Your Remodeling Jobs
The tools you need change for all of your remodeling jobs and the tasks you wish to DIY. Even with the above list in mind, you may find yourself needing an additional resource to get the job done. Your best bet is to ask the experts at your local hardware store or hire a contractor to help you plan your project properly.
In the end, you’ll have your dream bathroom, and it’ll be down to your hard work. All it takes is your investment in the best tools for the job — and the determination to helm a remodeling project all on your own.
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