Think You Can Handle A DIY Bathroom Renovation?
Everyone has seen or heard about renovation projects that a homeowner started but are left unfinished because it is outside their skill level. Bathrooms are small and look like an easy project, but they are not. Tile work, bathtub installation, and extensive plumbing require a skill level that many homeowners do not possess.
Bathroom Renovation
What does it take to have a successful bathroom remodeling? Doing a bathroom renovation is not an easy feat. It requires proper planning, and because you don’t want to create any damage, you’ll need guidance on what to do and what not to. Hiring a contractor to handle at least the more difficult tasks may be the best decision. Whether you want to DIY a shower conversion, bathtub replacement, or a general remodel, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Contractors
A contractor that you enlist to handle your bathroom installments should have a minimum of 5-years of experience with bathroom remodeling projects. Plumbing is crucial in bathrooms. Water leaks inside walls are expensive to repair and can create environments for molds and mildews to grow. Getting this aspect of the renovations is crucial to get right, so hire a contractor with excellent plumbing credentials.
Demolition
Sure, taking a sledgehammer to a wall looks like fun on those home renovation TV shows, but blindly doing that can damage vents, electrical, and plumbing for other rooms in your house. Can you see why you need some guidance before tearing up tiles and dismantling faucets? A contractor will be more cautious and calculated about demolition.
Budget Considerations
DIYs may seem like an easy way to save money, but if you count the cost of materials, time, and the expense of correcting errors, you might want to rethink the project. Here are areas to consider.
Time. Do you have a realistic timeline? Depending on what you seek to achieve with your bathroom renovation, remember that doing it yourself will take time. Provided that you have all the materials ready, most experts say a full bathroom makeover will take one person 20-30 days to complete.
Tools. Do you have all the tools required to complete the job? Here is the list of tools and materials for tiling a shower: 4′ level, tile spacers, drop cloth, square-notched trowel, sponge, tape measure, drill, wet saw, grout float, safety glasses, buckets, paddle mixer, marker, tile adhesive, thin-set adhesive, grout sealant, painter’s tape, tile, mesh tape, and grout mix. As you can see, that’s quite a list for one project. Will you ever use a wet saw again? Weigh the expense of purchasing all these items against hiring someone who already has them.
Risk of Structural Damage. You stand the chance of structural damage if the bathroom is not adequately waterproofed. If you do not know about waterproofing, you’ll have a tough time with your remodeling project results. Damp wood and drywall can lead to structural damage. This human error can add to your utility bill, cause mildew and mold to grow, and depreciate the value of your bathroom.
Health Risks. This risk is a significant consideration in older homes. What happens when you see signs of asbestos when remodeling your bathroom? Asbestos is harmful to your health and that of your loved ones. If you’re not wearing proper protective gear, you could inhale some. Other health risks you may encounter in older homes when removing walls – mold and lead paint. There are specific procedures for handling, removing, and disposing of these materials. It may be best to let an expert handle this.
Carolina Home Remodeling
Knowing what is involved in doing a bathroom renovation is half the battle. The other half is having the knowledge, time, and tools to do the work. If you still think you’re up to the task, then great. If not, contact Carolina Home Remodeling. Our professional experts can handle any bathroom renovation or bathtub installation to your satisfaction. Call us at 704-714-5744 and see what we can do for you.
