Find out how we helped these homeowners improve the look of their dated bathroom for less than $1,000.
Removing Old Wallpaper
We started by removing the old wallpaper in the bathroom, and then painting the walls give the room a more contemporary look.
When removing wallpaper a scoring tool is used to punch tiny holes in the existing wallpaper. Next, add a 22-ounce bottle of concentrated wallpaper remover and 1/4 cup of liquid fabric softener to three gallons of hot water.
Fill a garden sprayer with the mixture, and wet the walls down with the solution. Let the remover soak overnight before peeling off the wallpaper.
When the wallpaper had been removed, use a plastic scouring pad to smooth any rough spots on the drywall.
Finally, apply joint compound to the wall to repair any damage. Allow the compound to dry, then sand with medium grit sandpaper.
NOTE: Always wear an approved dust mask or respirator when sanding drywall, and seal close the door to contain any dust.
Watch How to Strip Wallpaper to find out more.
Replacing Bathroom Vent Fan
The old bath vent fan was replaced with a new NuTone (model XN110L) fan and light combination.
The fan housing was attached to the ceiling joists and a vent pipe run through the roof. Next, the wiring was connected, the fan unit installed in the housing, and the cover attached.
Watch How to Replace a Bathroom Exhaust Fan to find out more.
Installing Crown Molding and Mirror Frame
After crown molding had been installed around the ceiling, the joints were sealed using Titebond painter’s caulk. Watch How to Install Crown Molding to find out more.
The walls in the bathroom were painted with Sherwin Williams HGTV paint (SW6204) in a sea salt color.
To add pizzazz on a budget to the plain Jane mirror over the bathroom vanity, a frame from MirrorMate (Acadia, Dove White) was custom ordered online and installed around the mirror.
The peel-and-stick adhesive on the frame was used to adhere the mitered molding to the glass.
Watch How to Add a Frame to a Mirror to find out more.
To finish out the new look, a light fixture from Hampton Bay (4-light brushed nickel, model 05382) was installed on the wall above the mirror.
Staining Grout Lines
To improve the look of the discolored grout in the tile floor, Antique White Polyblend Grout Renew (available at The Home Depot) was applied using a HDX Grout Sealer Applicator Brush Bottle and an old toothbrush.
Hybrid Hot Water Heater
Tankless hot water heaters are great, since they offer an endless supply of hot water, but installation in an existing home often require expensive changes to the plumbing and a bigger gas line.
The Rinnai RH180 hybrid hot water heater combines a tank and tankless water heater in one to provide more than twice the capacity of a standard 50-gallon tank water heater without the extra installation expense of a tankless water heater.
Read our article on How to Choose a Hot Water Heater to find out more.
Other Tips from This Episode
Simple Solutions with Joe Truini:
Sanding Round Surfaces
Strips of sandpaper are often used to sand round parts, such as the rungs on a chair leg, but the paper backing on standard sandpaper can tear easily. To prevent this from happening, attach cloth duct tape to the back of the sandpaper to reinforce it before cutting the sandpaper into strips. (Watch Video)
Best New Products with Jodi Marks:
Husky Total Socket Wrench
The Husky Total Socket Wrench adjusts from 3/16″ to over 1″ to fit any nut or bolt in that range. The low profile allows it to fit into tight spaces, and it’s constructed of high carbon steel for strength and durability. The Husky Total Socket Wrench is available at The Home Depot. (Watch Video)
Ask Danny Lipford:
How to Vent Bath Exhaust Fans
When installing a bathroom exhaust fan, be sure to vent it outside, rather than in the attic, to prevent mold and mildew from forming. The vent pipe can be routed through a soffit or gable vent, but the best way is to run the vent pipe through the roof using smooth metal pipe to reduce air resistance. (Watch Video)
