Four Quick, Easy and Affordable DIY Bathroom Upgrades

If you don’t have a big budget or if you rent, you can still give your less-than-ideal bathroom a design boost. Learn about four quick, easy and affordable DIY bathroom upgrades in this video by EngineerYourSpace:

Replace the Showerhead:

If your showerhead is dated and want a new look, you will find there are lots of models to choose from, including handheld options. NOTE: If you rent, you should check with your landlord or property manager before making any changes.

Twist off the existing showerhead and remove all of the old Teflon tape. Your new showerhead should come with Teflon (PTFE) tape, but if it does not, you can purchase it at a hardware store for just a few dollars.

Wrap the PTFE tape around the threaded end of the pipe 4-5 times in a clockwise direction, making sure that it’s nice and tight all the way around, then smooth out the end of the tape over the threads. Once done, twist on the new showerhead. You’ll want to turn the water on to test it. If water comes out of the joint, you’ll need to tighten it some more. Wrap a thick cloth around the pipe to protect it, then use one wrench to hold the pipe while using another one to tighten the joint.

Change Out the Vanity Knobs:

You can buy new knobs (this can be expensive) or make your own with cap nuts and bolts. You can get creative and use just about anything to make the knobs.

To make knobs from stones, sand down the flat surface of the stones and clean them. Mix epoxy glue and dip the cap nut in the glue, then center the cap nut on the flat surface of the stone. Placing the knobs on a bed of pebble or sand allows them to dry flat. Once dry, attach the knobs using bolts that poke out about a 1/4 inch from the drawer face and that also match the size and thread count of the nut caps.

Upgrade the Light Fixtures:

Give the light fixtures a new look by changing the shades and putting in LED light bulbs which consume less energy and save you money in the long run. You can find many models of replacement shades at home improvement stores, or you can make your own. The DIY shades featured in the video were made from embroidery hoops and a flexible chopping mat. If you have a very dated fixture, you can remove the shade and make a cover to hide the fixture.

Add Storage with an Over-the-Toilet Cabinet:

There are many different styles available, or you can build your own with some wood, a drill and some hand tools and paint or stain it to match your decor. Whichever you choose, make sure that there is enough room to access the tank.