It doesn’t take much DIY ability to install your own bathroom vanity light if the conditions are right (which we’ll discuss in a bit).  Not only will you save a few hundred bucks from not hiring someone to do it for you, you’ll get the pride of a job well done.  Every time you flip the light switch on you’ll know you were the one that installed that light!  In this post I want to show you how to know if you’re going to be able to install the fixture, as well as how to do it.

Bathroom lights that are attached to the wall (or ceiling) are easy to replace.  It’s just a matter of removing the old one and installing the new one.  There may some other small steps involved, depending on the size difference in the old and new, but nothing tough.  If it’s a job that is as easy as that, do it yourself!  It gets a bit trickier when you’re dealing with vanity lights that are installed into the mirror.  These are tough to change out for a couple of reasons.  One, many people (myself included) break all or part of the mirror when trying to get the old fixture out, and two it may require that the entire mirror has to be replaced (not a fun job!).  Installing fixtures into new areas almost always need a professional, unless you can run wires in the walls as well as repair the drywall.

How do you install vanity lights?  Assuming that we’re dealing with preexisting fixtures that are mounted to the wall, it should only take an hour or so.  You’re going to need a good flashlight if your bathroom doesn’t have a lot of windows.  First, and most importantly, shut off the power to the bathroom and double check that there is no power to the wires with a voltmeter.  Remove the old light fixture, install the new one.  You may have to change the support brackets inside the wall, but that usually only requires that you unscrew the old and screw the new back in.

More money and increased pride in your home are always good things, and you can have both when you install your own bathroom vanity lights!

Tags: , , ,