Install a bathroom vanity

A bathroom vanity used to be a mere base cabinet with drawers and a sink, but today it has morphed into a stylish piece of furniture that defines the room decor. Its original intent was practical, but today’s bathroom vanity goes well beyond function. Since it’s furniture in the bathroom, replacing it takes you walking down the aisles of a bathroom showroom or home center, where a staggering variety of vanity styles with a sink, countertop and faucet exist. In some cases you can pick and choose the individual elements or buy one that is fully assembled and ready to install.

To remove an old vanity and replace it with a good-quality 36-inch-wide unit, which includes the cabinet, sink, countertop, faucet and the labor to install it, a contractor will charge $937. You can buy the unit for $530, install it yourself and save 43 percent. That’s assuming you have carpentry and plumbing skills and tools to do the job.

But most bathroom remodels are not straightforward and usually involve redecorating the walls and floors, so it can be complicated and cost more.

If it’s a flat-out replacement of old to new cabinet, carefully remove the old cabinet so you don’t damage the walls and floor and remove the faucet lines. Then install new faucet and lines, fasten the cabinet to the wall, and secure the countertop and sink to the cabinet and wall. Last thing is to hook up the faucet.

To find more DIY and contractor project costs, videos and calculators, visit www.diyornot.com on a laptop, tablet or smartphone.

Pro Cost -- DIY Cost -- Pro time -- DIY Time -- DIY Savings -- Percent Saved

$937 -- $530 -- 8.6 -- 11.5 -- $407 -- 43 Percent

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