A New Loo in Just a Day or Two

Is your bathroom looking a little outdated? Do you have a free weekend? If you answered yes to these two questions, you’re in luck. Two days is just the right amount of time to transform your bathroom from “so-so” to “sensational.”

Renovating the bath is one of the most popular home improvement projects around, according to renowned home improvement expert Danny Lipford. And, if budget is an issue, consider this — the average bathroom remodel returns an average of 93 percent of the investment.

So even with a limited budget, the following projects will add value and visual appeal to your loo in just a day or two.

VANITY SANITY

Think of how much time you spend at the sink — applying makeup, fixing your hair and brushing your teeth. So why not update this bathroom focal point in just a weekend with a new vanity and fashionable faucet? Many pre-finished vanities with built-in sinks are available for under $100 and have surface options including cultured marble and granite to match any decor, according to Lipford.

The next step is selecting a faucet to complete the look of your new vanity. To start, determine whether your sink or countertop requires a centerset (one-piece) or widespread (handles and spout are separate) faucet. Once you know the type of faucet you need, manufacturers such as Moen offer a wide selection of style and finish options to meet your design desires. The new Telford two-handle bathroom faucet features a traditional style with lever handles and a high-arc spout. This WaterSense-labeled faucet not only reduces water usage by up to 32 percent, but also is available in Moen’s Spot Resist Brushed Nickel finish. This innovative finish does just what it says — resists fingerprints and water spots.

To install your faucet, be sure you have the proper tools, including new supply lines, adjustable wrenches, a basin wrench and Phillips screwdriver. Then, just follow the manufacturer’s directions to remove the old faucet and install the new one. Or for extra help, websites such as moen.com also offer step-by-step videos to walk you through the simple process.

Add a final touch to the vanity area by installing new accessories, such as towel rings or towel bars, also available at The Home Depot (homedepot.com).

TILE TRANSFORMATION

Adding or replacing tile is a great way to continue your bathroom transformation. The most cost-effective and popular type of tile to install is ceramic. Porcelain is another type of ceramic tile that is more stain-resistant, but not as easy to install, so the cost and labor involved is often higher. Stone tile, such as marble, granite and slate, is another option that helps to create a unique and upscale look in the bath, but often has a heftier price tag.

Once you select your tile, don’t let the installation be intimidating as it’s a rather simple process — and tiles can even be laid directly on top of an existing tile floor. One quick design tip from Lipford is to lay the tile diagonally to help maximize the feeling of space and make your bathroom appear larger. Using light colors (both in paint and tile selections) throughout the room, and even adding an oversized mirror, also helps to create the illusion of space.

Still prefer extra guidance before tackling this particular project? Be sure to check for weekly workshop classes at your local Home Depot or home improvement retailer.

BEAUTY AND THE BATH

Lack of space is a key concern in most bathrooms. Luckily, you can create seven additional inches of elbow room in the shower and add visual appeal with a curved shower rod. For approximately $60, it’s an affordable, stylish and easy-to-install solution. To help complete your updated shower, add an invigorating rainshower, such as Moen’s Telford rainshower in Spot Resist finish that features InvigoRain, a unique technology that provides three times more spray power than most rainshower heads.

To finalize your weekend bathroom transformation, try adding beautiful, personalized accents throughout. Companies such as Sticviews (www.sticviews.com) allow you to create budget-friendly, customized decor. Submit your own photos or choose from hundreds of patterns and images to use as wall clings for your glass shower door or windows. Tile decals also are available to add style for a drop-in tub or in the shower.

“Don’t let bathroom renovation projects be intimidating,” says Lipford. “With a little time and determination, you’ll see how easy they can be to tackle, and you will be happy with the end result.”