Terminology Tuesday (Tricks of the Trade) – How to Remove a Bathroom Vanity

(Note: I think it’s important to know the terminology and words used when learning any new business including mobile home investing. I came up with ‘Terminology Tuesday’ as a way to go over the terminology used in the mobile home business. It’s important to know the terminology when talking to people in the business so you’re all on the same page).

**** Tricks of the Trade is a new series I have started that will be included with “Terminology Tuesday” posts. The goal of this series is to share with you the “tricks of the trade” I have learned in the mobile home business.

As a mobile home investor, I’ve paid contractors over the years to remove and reinstall bathroom vanities. Though, I’ve never done it myself.

In an effort to get costs down, I decided to have a go at it for one of my mobile home fix ups. At first, it was scary. But I’m glad I did it. Here are the steps I took to do it:

How to Remove a Bathroom Vanity

• Look at what you’re working with

First, you’ll need to see what you’re working with. Have a plan on how you will remove the vanity. Usually, you’ll have to remove any caulk on the bottom and top around the sink area. Have the sink removed beforehand. For my project, I had my plumber remove the sink and we agreed to keep all the piping in place.

Before sink was removed

After sink was removed

• Check the screws for removal

Next, you’ll need to check on the types of screws you’ll have to remove. Here’s what I was working with:

Unfortunately, I did not check on the screw sizes beforehand. I found out the screws used were not the standard shape and size I was used to. So I had to use a special screw removal tool. Here’s what it looked like:

• Remove screws and all caulk in and around the bathroom vanity

Next you’ll want to remove any caulk around the bathroom vanity using a caulk removal tool and all the screws using a screw removal tool. If nails are used to secure the bathroom vanity to the wall, you’ll need a pry bar. Be careful not to damage the wall!

Here are some pics of what I removed:

Removing screws

Pulling up the wood as the screws are removed

Removing the screws underneath the counter top

Removing the counter top

• Pull the vanity away from the wall and remove

Bathroom vanity and wood in the trash can

Removal of bathroom vanity

Conclusion

So there you have it: How to Remove a Bathroom Vanity. The process was not very hard at all.

Once the bathroom vanity has been removed, then you can see what you have to work with regarding the floor. I’ll save that for another “Terminology Tuesday” post.

Happy investing!