DIY Bathroom Remodeling Pros & Cons
By ProMatcher Staff
Is a Do-it-Yourself Bathroom Remodel Right for You?
The goal of many DIY projects is to save money. This is no different when it comes to bathroom remodeling. Many homeowners feel that they can cut down on remodeling costs by doing the work themselves.
The total cost of your remodeling project will depend heavily on the size of your bathroom, the quality of materials that you choose, and the scope of the renovation. Does your powder room need a facelift? Or, do you want to completely re-do your master bathroom from the ground up?
Before you begin your DIY remodel, you may want to consult with an experienced bathroom designer. He or she can help you finalize the floor plan and overall design of your new bathroom.
Find a Local Bathroom Designer »
Creating a Wish List
What are looking for in a new bathroom?
Before you begin, make a list of everything you dislike about your current bathroom and everything you would like to see in your new one. Some common wish list items include “additional storage space”, “more natural light”, and “heated floors”. Your dream bathroom may have a fireplace, a vanity with double sinks, and 50-inch flat screen TV.
If you can dream it, you can do it; however, these premium upgrades come at a cost. There is a significant cost difference between standard, builder-grade materials and many of these high-end finishes. If you are working with a tight budget, you may need to scale back your wishlist just a little bit.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Before beginning any do-it-yourself project, it’s important to set realistic expectations. Certain projects will take longer than you anticipate. For instance, wallpaper removal can be very tedious, time-consuming work. Tile work can be very labor-intensive. Although it may seem easy in an online video tutorial, looks can be deceiving. You should always expect the unexpected.
Unfortunately, these unexpected problems can have a serious impact on the cost of your project. By leaving a little extra room in your budget, you will be better prepared to deal with these unanticipated issues.
Your DIY Experience Level
If you are not careful, simple DIY projects can become very dangerous. There is no shame in asking for help. If you don't feel comfortable working with the electrical in your home, hire a electrician! Don't bite off more than you can chew.
Does bathroom just need a fresh coat of paint? A simple DIY bathroom remodel like this may only take a few days. An outdated bathroom can be completed updated with a few trips to the local home improvement store. A small-scale renovation may include painting, installing new light fixtures, hanging shelves, re-lining your existing bathtub, hanging new curtains, and switching out faucets and shower heads. Homeowners with limited DIY experience can tackle most of these projects without much difficulty.
An experienced DIYer may have the ability to take on a more difficult renovation. This may include laying new tile, installing underfloor heating, replacing countertops, or refinishing wood cabinets. These projects typically require more advanced skills or specialized equipment.
Some do-it-yourselfers with considerable construction and plumbing experience may have the ability to tackle a full remodel. This may include moving a toilet to a new location, re-framing walls to add additional square footage, hanging drywall, installing a new bathtub, or pouring custom concrete counters.
Keep in mind that everything will need to be compliant with local codes. Even if you plan to do all of the work yourself, you are still responsible for securing the necessary permits.
Hiring a Professional
For a full remodel, many homeowners opt to hire professional help. There is a lot that goes into gutting and completely rebuilding a bathroom. Hiring a licensed bathroom contractor for your remodeling project can be a great option! The contractor will oversee every detail of your remodel from start to finish. He or she will coordinate with the necessary subcontractors and apply for permits on your behalf. You will not have to worry about finding an electrician, a plumber, a carpenter, and a tile contractor on your own.
Worried about the cost of hiring a pro? Many contractors will work with you to stay in your budget. Take the time to find the right contractor for your project. Request estimates from several local companies before deciding which one to hire. The estimate should include an itemized list of the time and materials required to complete the work.
Related: ProMatcher’s Bathroom Remodeling Cost Report
Still worried about the money? You can also save money by doing some of the work yourself. If you feel comfortable painting and laying tile, maybe you only need to hire a contractor to handle the plumbing repairs and the electrical wiring.
Looking for a local contractor?
Request a free quote today»
Related Articles:
» Remodeling Bathrooms for Seniors
» Pros & Cons of Reglazing a Tub
» Bathtub Liner Installation Costs
About the Author
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| ProMatcher Staff, ProMatcher
Orlando, FL 32803
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