DIY or Don't: Bathroom Renovations
One blogger, one designer, our verdict—find out which projects you should tackle yourself this weekend and when to call in a pro.
Design: Clean Design Partners
https://www.wayfair.ca/https://www.wayfair.com/shop-the-look/slp/master-bath--photo-id231844
We're all after that spa bathroom look, but what does it take to make it happen and can you do it yourself? We presented six potential DIY projects to a blogger and designer to see whether to DIY or don't.
Meet the Team
Our Designer
Name: Daleet Spector
Firm: Daleet Spector Design
Photo Credit Text
The Project: Changing a Shower Head
Design: Clean Design Partners
https://www.wayfair.ca/https://www.wayfair.com/shop-the-look/slp/basement-bath--photo-id231857
The Verdict: Simple as one, two, three—DIY it!
Amanda says: DIY. With a few twists, you can remove your old shower head and replace with a new one. It's a quick and easy DIY that can have a big impact.
Daleet says: DIY. With a few tools, replacing a shower head can easily be done.
Still not sure you want to try this on your own? See our editors' easy instructions here ››
Design: Clean Design Partners
https://www.wayfair.ca/https://www.wayfair.com/shop-the-look/slp/powder-room--photo-id231845
The Verdict: Don't attempt this finicky finish.
Amanda says: Don't. Get a professional that knows what they're doing. The part that will trip you up is making sure everything is straight and knowing the size of the pattern repeat.
Daleet says: Don't. Leave this one to the professionals. Wallpaper is expensive and there are a lot of steps that need to be taken to ensure it looks good when it's installed—from sanding down walls, to adhering the glue, to matching up repeating patterns—this is one project you do not want to mess around with.
Design: Terracotta Design Build
https://www.wayfair.ca/https://www.wayfair.com/shop-the-look/slp/wilton-home-kids-bathroom--photo-id107013
The Verdict: Leave this one to the pros.
Amanda says: DIY. With a little research on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNJekUe4y0o&list=PLujbcdA6n78zqacyUm5dybEMHm5MVySeJ&index=11 ?">YouTube you can install a sink faucet.
Daleet says: Don't. Installing a sink faucet should be left to a professional plumber. It involves shutting off the water and disconnecting supply lines. Unless you have experience with plumbing, I wouldn’t attempt this on your own.
https://www.wayfair.ca/https://www.wayfair.com/shop-the-look/slp/--photo-id76228
The Verdict: Watch a few tutorials before taking this on.
Amanda says: DIY. This project may look like it should be left for the professionals, but it's fairly easy. Don't forget to remove and add a new wax ring before putting the new toilet in place.
Daleet says: DIY. Toilets are heavy! But if you have a friend (or two) who can help you remove your existing toilet and bring in the new one, replacing a toilet can be a successful DIY project. There are plenty of online tutorials that can walk you through the steps.
Design: Daleet Spector Design
https://www.wayfair.ca/https://www.wayfair.com/shop-the-look/slp/bathroom--photo-id243684
The Verdict: DIY with care.
Amanda says: DIY. This project requires a handful of tools and it's best to watch a few YouTube videos before you start. This process needs to be followed in specific steps and may require extra supplies depending on your current flooring.
Daleet says: DIY. If you aren't installing a complicated pattern, replacing floor tile can be done as a DIY project. Do make sure the floor is level before starting!
The Project: Installing a Sconce
Design: Amy Kartheiser
https://www.wayfair.ca/https://www.wayfair.com/shop-the-look/slp/master-bathroom--photo-id108593
The Verdict: This is best left to an electrician.
Amanda says: Don't. When it comes to electrical, let the pros do their thing. Electrical work can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing.
Daleet says: Potential DIY. If you're trained as an electrician or have previous experience working with live wires, then replacing an existing sconce is a manageable DIY. If you're looking to add a light fixture where there wasn’t one before, then call in the professionals.
