Four fast, fashionable and fabulous bathroom fixes

(NC)—When it comes to home improvement, you don’t have to be a professional to get professional-looking results.  There are many simple bathroom projects that can dramatically update your home:

If your current vanity features chipped paint or a dated colour – it’s time for an update.  Rather than buying new, you can easily make your current vanity look clean and fresh with a coat of paint.

Simply remove the doors and drawers, tape off any areas that you don’t want painted and wipe down everything with soap and water.  Spray a primer over the cabinet surface and then apply several light coats of an indoor/outdoor spray paint in your favourite colour.  Once everything is dry, install the doors and drawers for a brand new look.

Time: 2-3 hours

Updating your current faucet is a fairly simple project that can dramatically update the look of your newly updated vanity.  To start, determine whether your sink or countertop requires a centreset (one-piece) or widespread (handles and spout are separate) faucet.

Once you know the type of faucet you need, manufacturers, such as Moen Canada, offer a wide selection of style and finish options to meet your design desires.  The Banbury Collection offers a traditional design in both low- or high-arc versions and in stylish finishes, such as Chrome, Brushed Nickel and Mediterranean Bronze.

To install your faucet, be sure you have the proper tools.  Then, just follow the manufacturer’s directions to remove the old faucet and install the new.

Time: 1.5 hours

Once you’ve mastered swapping out the faucet, changing your showerhead will be a breeze.  In fact, the most difficult part may be choosing your new showerhead since you’ll find a variety of luxurious, yet inexpensive, options. Moen’s Inspire line features ten new options for any showering preference, including wallmount showerheads and hand held showerheads.

Once you’ve chosen the showerhead to meet your needs, simply use a wrench to loosen the current showerhead, remove and attach the new showerhead.

Time: 30 minutes

One of the easiest ways to add a decorative touch and functionality to the bath is with accessories, such as towel bars, towel rings, robe hooks, tank levers, shelves, soap and toothbrush holders, and even curved shower rods.  These accessories are simple to install and there are many lines available to perfectly match or complement your new faucet style and finish.

The key to proper installation is ensuring a secure grip to the wall.  This is achieved by attaching the accessory’s mounting plate with at least one mounting screw into a stud – and support the other by using a hollow-wall fastener, such as a molly bolt.  Once you have the mounting plates in place, simply attach the accessory and tighten the set screws.

Time:  ½ -2 hours (depending on number of accessories installed)

By doing these four fast fixes yourself, not only will you save money, you’ll gain a sense of pride that will encourage you to accomplish other projects around your home.