Before and after: a DIY bathroom transformation in the Pink House

When we first saw Liv’s remarkable bathroom makeover, we were excited to share her husband’s craftsmanship. Below is Liv’s note about the project and the photos she sent.

I love your site — truly. My husband and I are remodeling our Pink House in Utah, and the process has been slow and challenging. My husband has taught himself nearly everything involved in home renovation, and I had to show off his work. He studied plumbing from a great book, and then replaced every single pipe in the house. These pipes were original to the house (1924) and were rusted, leaky, and clogged. He learned about PEX plumbing, drainage angles, and other details I barely understand, then crawled into tiny spaces and worked tirelessly to build a beautiful bathroom for me.

The bathroom isn’t completely finished yet, but it’s practically fully functional. There’s a small leak at the sink, so it’s not fully operational, but the progress is incredible. I’m amazed at how well he did everything. Living in a construction zone can be frustrating at times, but I’m grateful for the steady transformation in our little Pink House.

Thank you for featuring these projects and the projects of others. Seeing other people’s progress reminds me to be patient — eventually my remodel will be finished too. I always need inspiration and motivation, and your site provides both. — Liv

Here’s the “before” shot, which shows how much work was needed:

And here are the after photos showing the fresh, functional result. The room looks brighter, cleaner, and much more modern while still feeling cozy and personal.

What made this project stand out

This remodel stands out because of the extensive plumbing work. Replacing century-old piping is a major undertaking that requires research, planning, and careful execution. Liv’s husband learned modern plumbing methods, chose appropriate materials like PEX where needed, and addressed drainage and venting considerations. Those behind-the-scenes updates are often the most important part of a successful bathroom renovation, even if they’re not the most visible.

Beyond the plumbing, the visual improvements are noticeable. The updated fixtures, fresh finishes, and thoughtful layout changes give the space a renewed sense of style and usability. The photos demonstrate how a well-executed renovation can transform a cramped, dated bathroom into an inviting, functional room that complements the rest of the home.

Tips inspired by this remodel

• Document the condition before you start. Photos of the original plumbing and layout help track progress and plan repairs.
• Learn the basics before tackling systems work. Liv’s husband read a good plumbing book and used that knowledge to make safe, effective choices.
• Prioritize infrastructure upgrades. Replacing old pipes and fixing drainage issues reduces future problems and adds long-term value.
• Expect the project to take time. Remodeling an older home often reveals surprises. Patience and persistence pay off.

We’re impressed by the skill and dedication that went into this renovation. Liv and her husband turned a challenging project into a beautiful outcome, and their progress is a great example for anyone renovating an older home. If you have a before-and-after to share, we love seeing other people’s transformations—those stories fuel our inspiration every day.