The cramped space behind the toilet is a difficult portion of the bathroom to maintain, posing a challenge when it comes time to dust and an even larger one when repainting. A toilet tank situated not quite flush against the wall leaves very little room to operate a brush or paint roller but just enough that it would be noticeable to leave the color unchanged while the rest of the room gets a refresh. Fortunately, DIY-inclined homeowners and renters have two easy options for how to paint behind a toilet, neither of which require moving the bulky ceramic out of the way.

• Option 1: Cover your toilet with a trash bag and line the floor with drop cloths so that you can work without fear of mess. This option is ideal when you are repainting your entire bathroom or the full wall where your toilet sits.
• Option 2: Enlist a specialty tool called the Paint Behind to slide into the narrow space behind a toilet and pad on paint. Use it together with Option 1 to ensure a complete and flawless paint job or alone as a “quick fix” to correct discoloration on the patch of wall directly behind the toilet.

Before you begin, make sure to select the right primer and paint. Bathrooms, of course, are exposed to a lot of moisture and humidity, so your paint choice should be designed to withstand the combination. Consider a paint with anti-microbial additives, like Benjamin Moore’s Aura Bath and Spa collection, or an interior paint with semi- or high-gloss finish—this sheen repels moistures better than matte paints. And don’t forget to start with a top-quality, moisture-resistant paint primer. The right primer will prevent peeling and water damage for years.

OPTION 1: Cover the toilet with a trash bag, then brush freely.

When painting the entire bathroom, prep the toilet with a drop cloth before you start but save the actual painting of the tight space behind your toilet for last—it requires the most detailed attention.

Step 1: Ventilate the bathroom.

Bathrooms are often small, enclosed spaces with poor air circulation. Materials like shower curtains and towels that retain moisture also keep them consistently humid. To boost bathroom ventilation and minimize paint drying time, remove the shower curtain, floor rug, bath, and hand towels. If your bathroom has windows, make sure they are open. Run the ventilation fan or plug in a small circulating fan.

To prevent paint fumes inhalation, you may also wish you wear a painter’s mask.

Step 2: Clean and prepare the area behind the toilet.

Clean the walls, floor, wall, and toilet surfaces with a cellulose sponge dipped in a mixture of dish soap and water. This will help remove dust and dust and hair build-up. Dry the area thoroughly with terry cloths.

Next, cover the floor around the toilet with a tarp or plastic sheet secured with painter’s tape.

Then, cover the toilet with an extra-large plastic garbage bag. (Tip: You’ll find contractor clean-up bags at your local home improvement store in sizes of up to 50 gallons, and these resist accidental tearing.) Tape the bag in place around the toilet’s base. Take care to wrap any piping or trim that might be exposed with painter’s tape.

Tried-and-True Advice

“There’s no way to paint behind a toilet with it being a bit awkward. Removing the toilet is an option, but that adds a series of steps to the process that are difficult and best avoided unless you have plumbing skills. I find that removing the lid and covering the toilet with a trash bag is efficient, and it allows for full paint coverage when using narrow, spongy brushes. Look for long handle options to make the process easier.”

—Zach Lazzari, Contributing Writer

Step 3: Prime and paint the wall.

Start with one to two coats of primer to ensure the best paint adhesion. To reach behind the toilet and around pipes, you’ll want to do the following:

• Use a narrow paint roller to apply paint primer around the shape of the toilet, cutting in as best you can. Roll with the metal frame on the outside in order to get as close to the covered toilet tank as possible.
• Switch to a 3-inch-wide foam brush to paint behind the toilet. Carefully load one side of the foam brush with paint primer and, when you reach behind the toilet, keep the paint-covered side in direct contact with the wall. Apply in small strokes.
• Use a 1-inch-wide angled brush for detail work around the pipes.

Let the primer dry thoroughly before applying paint. (The paint’s drying time will depend on the temperature and humidity level in your bathroom, as well as the paint primer you choose; refer to the can for an estimated dry time between coats and before paint.)

After priming, clean your paint pan before pouring fresh paint into it. To apply your paint, follow the same tips. After the first coat, wait the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer (longer, if your bathroom is not well ventilated) so that the wall is completely dry before applying a top coat.

OPTION 2: Purchase a special painting tool to access the area behind a toilet tank.

Painting the wall behind the toilet tank can be less of a pain when you use a tool designed to fit the narrow gap between the toilet tank and wall. Sure, it may be that you only have a paint job like this once every five to 10 years (maybe more, if you are a renter who appreciates a fresh coat of paint when you move in and then often needs to repaint before you move out). There’s an innovative painting tool you can buy online to access hard-to-reach areas called the Paint Behind. It’s a flat, extendable-to-12-inches paint brush that can reach behind toilets, pipes, radiators, and other tight spots.

Step 1: Ventilate the bathroom, then prep for painting.

Proceed in establishing good bathroom ventilation and a clean slate for best adhesion, just as you would in Steps 1 and 2 of Option 1.

Clean the wall behind the toilet with a cellulose sponge dipped in a mixture of dish soap and water (you might also try dipping a microfiber cloth in the cleaning solution and wrapping it around the Paint Behind, and extending the tool to clean behind the tank). While the wall air dries, clean the stick and let it dry completely before painting.

Cover the bathroom floor with a drop cloth held in place with painter’s tape, but skip bagging the toilet. Keep a damp paper towel nearby to wipe up any marks.

Step 2: Dip the tool into primer, and glide it across the wall. Repeat the process with coats of paint.

Dip the Paint Behind’s applicator pad into the paint tray to get primer on pad. Then, glide the paint wand the wall behind the toilet, pressing firmly to make sure the entire paint-saturated surface meets the wall.

Apply two coats of primer this way, leaving time between them as recommended by the paint manufacturer. Then, clean the Paint Behind with water and let it dry. Repeat the process with two coats of paint using the Paint Behind.

The post How to Paint Behind a Toilet appeared first on Bob Vila.

A new year brings a fresh start, which might include the desire for home improvements. But how do you know where to focus your efforts to get the most bang for the buck? 

“Your home is not only a sanctuary and safe place, but it is first and foremost a potential investment in your future,” says Phyllis Harbinger, FASID, NCIDQ, CID, a professional interior designer, strategy coach, author, and owner of Design Concepts/Interiors, LLC (DCI Studio) in Greenwich, Connecticut. “When deciding on a home improvement, I suggest researching which enhancements will actually give you the highest return on investment (ROI).”  

We spoke to Harbinger and several other experts, including interior designers, home contractors, and real estate agents, to find out which high-ROI renovations they anticipate for 2025 to help boost your home’s value and comfort. 

1. Kitchen Remodel

The kitchen is the heart of the home where friends and family love to gather. So a kitchen facelift is a must-have, says Suzy Minken, licensed real estate salesperson at Compass in Short Hills, New Jersey. More people are prioritizing modern, functional kitchens. “Depending on your budget and timing, there are relatively inexpensive improvements that can transform a dated kitchen to one that is fresh and modern,” says Minken.  

Kitchen upgrades to focus on include adding stainless steel appliances; painting or replacing dark cabinets with white ones; swapping out older light fixtures with more modern options; and installing new countertops with a light, bright material like white quartz. Harbinger also suggests adding a kitchen island, if possible, since it is “a welcome addition to the hub of the home to gather, serve, eat, and do homework while adding incredible value,” says Harbinger.

2. Bathroom Renovation

Renovating bathrooms throughout the house is another smart investment to boost a home’s value and leave a lasting impression. Homeowners and home buyers are increasingly prioritizing features that combine functionality and lifestyle, with many willing to invest more to meet these needs, says Steve Gold, luxury real estate agent at Corcoran in New York City. 

“One highly sought-after feature is a spa-like retreat in the bathroom, reflecting the growing wellness trend,” says Gold. “High-end fixtures like rainfall showers and luxury faucets…are popular choices for creating serene, indulgent environments. Not only do these upgrades elevate daily living, but they also offer significant returns on investment,” he says.

If budget is an issue, Minken recommends focusing on replacing the bathroom vanity and sink, shower doors, floor tile, mirrors, and lighting to update bathrooms effectively for less investment.

3. Outdoor Living Space Enhancements

Experts also agree that outdoor upgrades add value to a home. “Patios, decks, and outdoor kitchens allow for increased surface area and attract buyers looking for places to entertain and de-stress,” says Bubba Peek, a real estate investor and owner of Bubba Land Company based in Jacksonville, Florida. “These areas almost always pay off, making them a favorite in regard to ROI.”  

Adding square footage to a porch or patio can improve your home’s value, says Harbinger. “Retractable screens, sliding and folding walls, an outdoor fireplace, or a wood-burning stove add months of enjoyment and lift our moods, enhancing our well-being,” she says. She is grateful for the new products on the market, such as resilient textiles, furnishings, and floor coverings that provide durable options for outdoor spaces.

4. Smart-Home Features

Technological innovation in homes is another big one, says Peek. “Clients purchasing homes tend to prefer systems that include smart technology, such as surveillance cameras, air conditioning controls, and coordinated lighting systems.” According to Peek, “these upgrades bring added ease of use.” They also boost the house’s worth, which makes them valuable additions.

Harbinger agrees that technology presents an opportunity for renovations with high ROI. “From lighting and music systems to security and temperature control, smart-home technology can be life-changing,” she says. “We install lighting systems that follow daylight and program shades to lower and raise at appropriate times throughout the day. And motion sensors can illuminate a space as you walk through and turn off the lights as you leave,” says Harbinger.

5. Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Finally, upgrading a home with more energy-efficient products like solar panels, insulation,  efficient HVAC equipment, multipanel windows, and window film is another beneficial way to invest in a home’s future. “Buyers are now looking for energy-efficiency features as a way to save money on bills, combined with investing into eco-friendly appliances,” says Peek. These choices can decrease energy expenses dramatically, while raising home appraisal values. 

The post Experts Predict These 5 Home Improvements Will Have the Highest ROI in 2025 appeared first on Bob Vila.

If you are excited about your dream home remodel but feeling stressed about where to start, then you’ve come to the right place. “Much like the strength of a business relies on a strategic plan, a home renovation also requires strategy and planning,” says Kathie Chrisicos, an interior designer and founder of Chrisicos Interiors in Boston, Massachusetts. “The sequence of activities is crucial.” By working on the project in well-thought-out steps based on a priority list, you can save time and money and avoid having to learn hard lessons and redo certain parts of the project.    

We collected home renovation tips from several experts in the field to help guide you during your dream renovation project.

Tackle these projects first:

Always start with any structural renovation projects, as these initiatives can impact the rest of your plans, says Christina Giaquinto, professional organizer for Modular Closets of Lakewood, New Jersey. “These projects include any work related to plumbing, electrical needs, roofing issues, and foundation problems that are imperative for the safety and stability of your home, and must be addressed before anything else,” she says. It’s also a good idea to prioritize functionality over aesthetics and projects that will disrupt your everyday life to ensure that your daily routines and living space return to normal as soon as possible.

Structural Issues

Begin by addressing safety and structural repairs and upgrades involving the foundation, roof, plumbing, and structural reinforcement. “I suggest addressing foundational or structural issues like cracks, uneven floors, or sagging walls. These are critical to the home’s safety and longevity, and neglecting them can cause other renovation efforts to fail,” says Nicole Saunders, interior design specialist and the founder of The Design Build Vault. If you install new cabinets on an uneven floor, for example, they might not sit level and could become a safety hazard. Additionally, a leaky roof can lead to serious issues like water damage that is costly to repair. 

Electrical

Another major priority early in the renovation process is the electrical system throughout the home, which is becoming more important as smart-home features gain popularity. “Addressing your electrical needs first means you can update or completely rewire without obstacles,” says Bobby Lynn, owner of Livewire Electrical in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Wait until after you’ve put up that new drywall or laid down fresh flooring, and you might find yourself tearing it all out again to fix an electrical issue, cranking up your timeline and costs,” says Lynn. He also emphasizes that fixing old wiring and upgrading to more modern and energy-efficient electrical helps make the home safer overall. 

Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Don’t wait to install insulation, new windows, and efficient HVAC equipment. By taking these steps early on, you’ll improve comfort and reduce energy costs more quickly. “It’s easier and more cost-effective to install insulation before walls and floors are closed up with drywall or finished flooring,” says Saunders. “Addressing these issues before drywall installation makes the process smoother and minimizes potential disruptions later.” 

Kitchens and Bathrooms

As the most essential rooms in the house and the most cost-effective way to boost the value of your home, renovating kitchens and bathrooms should be a high priority during the process. “I always start with kitchens and bathrooms, as these will impact the rest of the home’s interior design plan, and often serve as branching-off points,” says Chrisicos. By starting with these more complex spaces, you will be able to get back to daily living sooner and gauge where your renovation budget stands. 

Flooring

Installing new flooring should be the last step on your list of priorities during a renovation. “It’s tempting to lay down your dream hardwood or tile immediately, but wait until all heavy construction is complete,” warns Josh Qian, COO and co-founder of Best Online Cabinets in California. “Moving materials, ladders, and tools can damage new floors, and installing them too early could mean unnecessary repairs or replacements,” says Qian.

These projects can wait:

Once the most critical repairs and upgrades are finished, then you can turn to those lower on the priority list. These home remodel projects that can wait include more aesthetic tasks like painting, installing new fixtures and hardware, and placing décor and furniture pieces. 

Fixtures and Hardware

Delay installation of light fixtures, faucets, and cabinet handles until late in the process when all cabinets and tiles are installed, and electrical work is completed. This helps prevent accidental damage and ensures that your final choices align with the renovated design and layout, says Saunders. 

Painting and Wallpaper

It’s better to wait for paint and wallpaper to avoid problems related to the mess during construction. “Dust from sanding, debris from demolition, and adjustments to lighting or layout can all affect your perception of the space. Waiting also guarantees you choose colors or patterns that truly fit your finished design,” says Qian.

Built-In Storage Solutions

It’s also a good idea to wait until the end of a renovation project to install any built-in storage solutions, such as custom closets. Evie Graham, interior designer and waste management expert at Waste Direct in the United Kingdom, has noticed how living patterns can change drastically after a renovation. “What seemed like perfect storage placement during planning often becomes impractical once people settle into their new space. I suggest living in the renovated space for at least 3 months, tracking daily cleaning and organization patterns, before committing to permanent storage solutions.” This approach will lead to a more functional, maintainable home.

Furniture and Décor

While it’s hard to wait so long, it’s really important to bring in the furniture and décor items as late as possible to ensure the more invasive projects have wrapped up. “My best tip is to leave furniture and décor until the renovation dust has literally settled,” says Saunders. “This allows you to clean thoroughly and evaluate how the space feels and functions before committing to permanent placements.” Waiting also gives you time to save and invest in quality furniture pieces that complement your new space.

Landscaping

Finally, when asked about home renovation tips, several experts agreed that landscaping should be one of the last steps in a major renovation of your dream home. “Indoor renovations create significant construction waste, and heavy machinery or delivery trucks can damage outdoor areas,” says Qian.

The post Dream Home Remodel: Where to Start and What Can Wait appeared first on Bob Vila.