Houzz has a great article listing 15 things to think about before embarking on a bathroom remodeling project. Reading through them is a sure fire way to come face to face with how much you don’t know about bathrooms.
Bathroom renovation is one of the most popular remodeling projects undertaken today. Second only in popularity behind the kitchen remodel. But remodeling a bathroom, especially if you’re doing it yourself, is not as easy as buying some nice tiles, a tub and a vanity and setting aside a weekend to put it together. Bathroom remodels are tricky and not to be attempted by those with no remodeling experience or, for that matter, by the impatient. As Houzz puts it:
If you’re tackling a bathroom remodel project, having a working knowledge of what to expect and what to consider can make the difference between a months-long waking nightmare ending in a bathroom that you settle for or a near-pleasant experience resulting in the room of your dreams.
Told you it wasn’t going to be easy. But just what is it about bathroom remodeling that’s so difficult? Well, according to licensed contractor Jeff Devin on DIY master Bob Vila’s website it starts with planning. Or to be more precise; lack of planning.
Sometimes people think they can figure out what needs to be done as they go along,” says Devlin. “But you need a plan in place before you start any demolition… Planning is everything,” he emphasizes.
Okay. So now we know. Have a realistic, workable plan in place before you start tearing things apart. It’ll save you a lot of aggravation in the long run. Great. But that still doesn’t tell us why bathroom renovation is so difficult. Only that it is. So let’s keep looking around to see if we can get an answer.
How about this from bathexpress.com:
Many people think that a bathroom has three or four components (cabinet, toilet, tub…) but that’s not at all true. The typical bathroom has more than fifty components that need to be researched, matched, ordered, sized and brought to the home…
Fifty different components? Who knew? But it seems we’re finally getting somewhere. More research unearths the reason all those components need to be so rigorously vetted before finding a place in your bathroom: water. In fact an article on finehomebuilding.com indicates that inadequate waterproofing and trying to save money by using non-waterproof materials is the number 1 mistake people make when conducting a bathroom remodel.
Bathroom Renovation and DIY Plumbing: The Mistake That Keeps on Giving
Water of course brings us to plumbing. And plumbing brings us to plumbers. Who needs them anyway? Well, if you’re about to embark on a bathroom remodel that requires altering the existing plumbing in any way, you do. Trying to tackle plumbing issues yourself or letting your brother-in-law do it because he watched some plumbers and it’s no big deal is asking for long term headaches that won’t respond to aspirin.
Any changes to plumbing must conform to building codes or you risk damaging the value of your home. Also, DIY plumbing has been known to lead to mysterious drips that come out of nowhere and defy rectification for years. Is it really worth it? Of course not. Either plan your bathroom renovation to use the existing plumbing or call in a licensed plumber to make changes. Still thinking of doing it yourself? Take this into account from homeimprovementpages.com.au and make careful note of the last word:
Don’t even consider taking on a DIY plumbing project that involves your hot water system or poses even the slightest risk of mixing water with electricity. There are far too many things that can go wrong and the slightest mistake can be fatal.
For Bathroom Renovation That Works Contact Karen Homes
When done properly a renovated bathroom can boost the value of your property both in a bottom line and aesthetic sense. And when done poorly it can have exactly the opposite effect. So if a bathroom renovation is in your plans call the professionals at Karen Homes. We’re the leading home renovation specialists in the GTA and can turn your old bathroom into an oasis of rejuvenation that will be the envy of friends and neighbors alike. Give us a call today on 416-661-6006 to find out more.