Removing your old vanity is not that hard; you just need to take your time and be prepared. The tools you will need are a bucket, adjustable wrench, channel lock pliers, screwdriver or variable speed drill to remove the screws, utility knife, level, stud finder,silicone, shims from the hardware store, possibly a hammer and pry bar, and a buddy to help you carry it out.

First you will place the bucket under the valves to catch the water then turn off the water supply valves if they start to leak you will need to locate the main valve for the property and shut it off– keep in mind you will have no water until you fix the valve. WHAT,NO VALVES UNDER THE SINK!!!  no problem, just shut off the main valve as stated above; however, you will need to install new valves for your new vanity. Disconnect the drain pipes as needed to remove the old vanity.

Countertop removal

It’s time to break out the utility knife and score the caulk at the wall a couple of times good and deep being careful not to dig into the wall too much.  if you dig into the wall, don’t worry, you will probably have to repair the walls anyway but keep the damage minimal for less work.  The counter top may be screwed on from underneath or it may be caulked on depending on the method of installation previously used. That’s it, lift it up and off, put that buddy to work and get him to help you carry it out.

Cabinet Removal

OK so with the counter top removed you can now see how they fastened the cabinet. Is it screwed or nailed in? Remove the fasteners as needed, oh, and you may have fillers on the sides of the cabinet that fill into the side wall. Check the inside of the door at the hinge for more screws (they may be behind the hinges too) to remove the fillers if needed.

Repair the walls and floors as needed before getting ready to install you new decorative vanity.

Cabinet Installation

Well its time to bring in that new piece and set it in place. Make sure that the plumbing is in the right location for the cabinet as some of the drawers (in some products) may be in the way if the plumbing hits a drawer or side. You may need to have the plumbing moved inside the wall to accommodate that new vanity… that’s remodeling.  With everything fitting in its place, push your vanity in place and place the level on top of it in the back from side to side. Add shims as needed to level, then take the level and place it from back to front on the right and shim as needed. Once again take the level across the front and level and shim. Repeat all locations until it all levels out no matter where you place the level. Now you can find the studs in the wall with a stud finder, or you can knock on the wall and listen for a solid thump that would be the stud. Drill a small hole at the top in the back of the vanity at that stud location and then drive in a drywall screw or screw of your choice as needed at all stud locations within the vanity back.

Counter top installation

It would be wise at this point to install the vanity faucet, be sure to use a sealant recommended by the manufacturer for this if needed. You may want to use a clear silicone type sealant to install the counter top so place a good size bead of silicone on the top edge of vanity and place the top carefully on making sure it is in the proper place;wipe away all excess silicone. Now you can install the new supply lines to your faucet and new drain pipes as needed to complete the installation. You may need to look at the vanity and adjust the doors with a simple loosening of the screw in the hinge and adjust the doors for alignment as needed.

Clean everything up give it a test drive and check for leaks there you have it your new decorative vanity… enjoy!