The trend in remodeling continues, reports the recent Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) from Harvard’s Remodeling Futures Program. Any upgrade even replacing a bathroom faucet won’t go unnoticed if you decide to sell your home, so don’t hesitate to make the upgrade and enjoy using it.
It’s not the largest feature in a bathroom, but a faucet can go a long way to update a vanity or sink and make using it more convenient. If you have an old single-handle faucet, you can replace it with a nice array of finishes and designs, so you’ll be able to find one that matches your bathroom accessories.
Replacing a bathroom faucet is easy because you do most of the work above the countertop. You don’t have to lay on your back with your head in a dark cabinet trying to see what you’re doing. Plus, faucet manufacturers have figured out a way to pre-assemble the unit, eliminating the daunting task of making all the parts fit together.
The worst part of the job is emptying the cabinet so you can reach inside to hold the faucet while you secure and tighten it. For tools, the bare minimum is required, just an adjustable wrench and a screwdriver. You need light to illuminate what you’re doing. We use a work light on a cord that can be easily moved and hangs from a hook.
Some faucet manufacturers, like Delta, offer product installation instructions on their website which are very helpful to know what to expect before beginning any job.
A plumber will charge $317 to remove an old single-control faucet and replace it with a top quality new one, which includes labor and material; but you can buy a new one for $125 and install it yourself, saving 61%. The replacement gets more complicated and expensive if the existing faucet is very old or has two handles, which usually requires a different type of faucet.
Tip: Don’t forget to turn off the water supply lines under the sink before you begin this or any faucet project.
To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com.
Pro Cost — DIY Cost — Pro time — DIY Time — DIY Savings — Percent Saved
$317 — $125 — 1.2 — 2.5 — $192 — 61%
©2021 Gene and Katie Hamilton. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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