I’ve remodeled a lot of bathrooms over the years, from ones with dated pink tile to historic homes still sporting the original claw-foot cast iron tub. When planning a bathroom renovation for your home, start by considering whether you can get by with sprucing up what you have, or if you need to start over from scratch.

Often all that’s needed to give your bathroom a new look is a simple cosmetic upgrade. You might be surprised at the difference a fresh coat of paint, new cabinet hardware, updated accessories, and a designer faucet can make.

If your bathroom is too far gone for a quick fix, it’s time for some serious demolition. Before breaking out the sledgehammer and pry bar, be sure to don protective clothing, an approved respirator, safety glasses or goggles, and work gloves.

Start by turning off the water supply to the toilet and flush it, holding down the lever until all the water has drained out of the tank. Remove the bolts holding the tank to the bowl, and carry the tank outside.

After sponging any remaining water out of the bowl, loosen the nuts securing the toilet to the floor. Work the toilet loose from the wax seal, and drain any water out of the trap before taking it outside.

The next step is tackling the sink and vanity. Begin by turning off and disconnecting the water supply lines, followed by the drainpipe. Then detach the sink or vanity from the wall, which may require some friendly persuasion, and carry it outside.

Reuse and recycle as many of the materials from your old bathroom as you can, then pick up the Bagster® Dumpster in a Bag® at your local home improvement store to properly dispose of the rest.

Unfold the Bagster bag in your yard near the curb, and fill it with up to three cubic yards (3,300 pounds) of debris including tubs, toilets, sinks, cabinets, tile, plaster, and drywall. Once the Bagster bag is full, call or go online to schedule and pay for pickup from Waste Management.

Now that your bathroom has been stripped bare, it’s time to install the new fixtures, tile, cabinets, and accessories. Be sure to choose water-saving toilets, faucets, and showerheads that carry the EPA WaterSense label; and install a quality bathroom fan that’s vented to the outside to reduce mold and mildew.

Once your bathroom renovation is complete; fill up the tub, light a few candles, and relax. You deserve it!

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Danny Lipford

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Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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