One easy and affordable way to update the design of any space and to increase the value of your home is to install new fixtures.
Hiring a professional to install new fixtures is a good idea if you don’t have experience. But if you want something new in your kitchen or bathroom, you might be surprised to learn that installing fixtures is simpler than you think.
Here’s what you need to know about choosing and installing new fixtures in your home.
How to select new fixtures
Measure your space
There’s nothing more frustrating than finding a fixture you love, only to realize it’s too large or too small for the space. Measure your current fixtures — whether that’s your showerhead, faucet, or light fixture — to understand the size and scale needed for the space. Then, make sure you buy new fixtures to fit those specifications.
Create a budget
You can purchase affordable fixtures from many different stores online, but there are also high-end stores that sell a single fixture for thousands of dollars. Creating a budget and estimating the cost ahead of time is a good idea. That way, you won’t accidentally fall in love with a light fixture or an upscale showerhead that’s out of your budget.
Choose a style
From vintage to modern, there are many different styles of fixtures. It’s important to look at several different designs in rooms that are styled similarly to yours. You don’t want to buy a fixture that looks appealing online, only to realize it’s not the right fit for your home once it’s installed.
Some owners decorate their entire home in a cohesive style, while others want to design each room individually. Typically, matching your fixtures with the same metals and styles in a room helps create a cohesive design.
Check the return policy and warranty
Even with appropriate measuring, budgeting, and researching, it’s still possible to purchase a fixture that you dislike once it’s installed in your home. That’s why it’s essential to look for a return policy or warranty before making a purchase. Make sure that whatever you buy, you can return if it’s not what you want.
How to install fixtures
Prioritize safety
Whether you’re installing a new toilet, showerhead, faucet, or light fixture, your safety is the top priority. Depending on the fixture, you might be working with plumbing or electricity, so there are serious risks if you don’t follow instructions.
Before you start, consult with a professional. You can also ask a knowledgeable friend or family member with renovation or construction experience to help you.
Keep in mind that large renovations in your bathroom or kitchen might require a permit. If your home requires extensive repairs you cannot afford, it might be best to sell as-is to a company that buys houses for cash, rather than try to update it.
Although installing some fixtures can be a straightforward DIY task, it’s not something you should force if you don’t know how to get started. Sometimes, taking on a project you’re not qualified for can lead to bigger problems. For example, if you forget to turn off the water or electricity before doing a project, you could get hurt or cause damage.
Have the right tools
Installing any fixture will be easier if you have the right tools ahead of time. Read the directions to determine what tools you might need. Common tools such as pliers, screwdrivers, electric drills, a level, and a measuring tape are helpful.
Sometimes, installing new fixtures requires other renovations, such as tiling the shower. Those projects might require more specialized tools, which you can often rent from a local hardware store.
Follow instructions
Read the instructions ahead of time. If you need help understanding them, call the manufacturer. It’s important not to skip any steps and to complete them in order. If you follow the instructions properly, you should finish the job with your fixtures properly secured and safely attached.
Test
Once you’ve installed your fixture, test it. If you installed a light fixture, turn the electricity back on and flip the light switch to see if your light fixture works. If you installed a toilet, shower, or faucet, turn the water back on to see if it’s connected properly, including the hot and cold functions.
Clean up and enjoy
Once your new fixture is working, clean your workspace and enjoy the finished job. Put away all tools and pick up any nails, screws, or broken tiles off surfaces or the ground. Wipe everything down and dust. All that’s left is to enjoy the new fixture you spent time researching, purchasing, and installing for your home.
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