Thinking of DIYing your bathroom remodel? Think again.
Remodeling can be a fun and rewarding project, but when it comes to certain areas of your home — like the bathroom — you may want to consider calling in the professionals.
Let’s take a look at why you should think twice before tackling this task.
THE PROS AND CONS OF DIY BATHROOM REMODELING
While home improvement projects can be a great way to spruce up your living space, when it comes to remodeling a bathroom, is it better to do it yourself or hire a professional? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of DIY bathroom remodeling.
Pros of DIY Remodeling
The most obvious benefit of doing your own bathroom remodel is possible cost savings. When you opt to tackle the project yourself, you can potentially avoid paying labor costs that can quickly add up with professional contractors. (However, without experience, it’s possible you’ll actually pay more by DIYing your remodel.)
Additionally, if you’re an experienced DIYer with access to all the right tools, there’s a sense of accomplishment with a job well done.
Cons of DIY Remodeling
It’s important to remember that there are also some potential drawbacks when it comes to handling your own bathroom remodel.
One downside is that mistakes and errors can be costly; for instance, if something goes wrong during demolition or installation, you could end up having to pay for repairs or replacements.
Additionally, depending on the complexity of the job, it may require more knowledge than what you have as someone who isn’t a professional contractor — which means that hiring an expert may be necessary after all.
Let’s break these cons down a little further.
WHAT’S THE SKILL LEVEL REQUIRED FOR DIY BATHROOM REMODELS?
While it’s true that a DIY bathroom remodel can save you money and give you the satisfaction of completing a project yourself, it may require more skill than many other types of home improvement projects.
To remodel a bathroom, you’ll need to know how to:
- Lay tile and grout
- Install fixtures
- Work with plumbing systems
- Work with electrical systems
All of these tasks require more specialized knowledge and training than the typical homeowner may have. The stakes are high with any kind of remodel, but they’re especially high when it comes to bathrooms due to more intricate plumbing and electrical systems.
Hiring an experienced contractor means that any problems that arise during the remodel will be solved quickly and professionally instead of creating additional headaches for yourself.
WHAT’S THE TIME COMMITMENT & COST OF DIY BATHROOM REMODELING?
Remodeling a bathroom can also be very time-consuming — it can take weeks or even months depending on the scope of your project. And if you don’t have professional experience in this kind of work, it will likely take much longer than if you hired an experienced contractor who knows the ins and outs of bathroom remodeling.
In addition, DIY projects tend to go over budget more often than not due to unexpected costs like materials or labor. Plus, if you’re replacing existing fixtures that require more than simply unscrewing them from the wall or floor, then you may need to purchase additional tools, such as saws and drills, for installation.
If something does arise during your remodel that requires help from a professional contractor, you may end up paying significantly more than you would have if you had just hired them in the first place!
DO YOU NEED A PERMIT FOR DIY BATHROOM REMODELS?
In most cases, yes, you’ll need a permit for a DIY bathroom remodel. Depending on the scope of your project and the local laws in your area, you’ll likely need to obtain permits for electrical work and plumbing work that you do yourself. (A contractor or anyone else you hire for the job would need the same permit.)
It’s important that your work meets building code requirements so that your home is safe — and having the proper permits will help ensure this is the case.
3 TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL DIY BATHROOM REMODEL
If you’re convinced that DIYing your bathroom remodel is right for you, follow these helpful tips along the way:
1. Do Your Research
Before beginning any home improvement project — especially one as complex as remodeling a bathroom — it’s essential to do thorough research on what needs to be done and how best to go about doing it.
This may include reading books on the subject matter or watching tutorials online. The more informed you are going into your DY bathroom project, the better prepared you’ll be for any unexpected issues that may arise during construction.
2. Have A Plan
Once you know what needs to be done in order to complete your bathroom remodel successfully, it’s vital to create an actionable plan before beginning any construction work.
This includes having clear timelines for each task as well as budgets for material purchases and labor (if you do plan to hire additional help). Having an organized plan will help ensure everything gets done in an efficient manner with minimal stress involved!
3. Follow Safety Guidelines
Be sure to follow all safety guidelines when working on any home improvement projects — especially when dealing with electricity or plumbing!
This means wearing protective gear, such as goggles, when using power tools and ensuring all wiring is up-to-date with local codes before starting any electrical work. Following these safety guidelines will help keep everyone safe while still allowing for the best result.
DIY projects can be extremely rewarding, but when it comes to complicated tasks like remodeling a bathroom, it pays off in spades to hire an experienced professional who knows exactly what they’re doing.
While the cost may seem more upfront, hiring an expert will save time (and money!) down the line by ensuring that everything is done correctly from start to finish. Don’t let yourself get bogged down by trying to tackle something out of your wheelhouse — leave complex tasks like bathroom remodels up to the experts!
If you’re ready for an update to your San Diego bathroom with a custom remodel, American Bathroom Remodelers is here to help. Contact us today for a free quote!