If you’re like many homeowners, you might try to tackle home improvement projects on your own, including bathroom remodels and updates. Online videos and the ability to rent power tools from home improvement stores enables more and more homeowners to manage needed improvements around the home, but should you manage every project yourself? This is a vital question, especially when it comes to small bathroom remodel DIY projects versus hiring a professional.
Hidden Challenges With Small Bathroom Remodels
One reason a homeowner might assume a small bathroom remodels is a DIY job is that smaller bathrooms mean less tiling work and potentially fewer overall changes to the layout of the bathroom. While the small space might make it seem as if you can manage a bathroom remodel on your own, you might note some hidden challenges when tackling a bathroom renovation no matter its size:
Rotted subflooring often comes apart when you
remove bathroom floor tiles, necessitating the installation of new subflooring.
This job is often difficult and needs to be completed according to local
building codes or you might face fines from your city or county inspection
office!
Bathroom walls require waterproof or
water-resistant paint and other such coatings. The wrong paint can increase the
risk of water damage to walls as well as resultant mold growth.
Homeowners often fail to realize the difference
between wall and floor tiles for a bathroom space! Floor tiles are often
heavier than wall tiles and include a design that adds traction, for less risk
of slipping on the floor. Using wall tiles on the floor can be hazardous while
floor tiles might pull away from walls due to their heavier weight.
Installing caulk below and between bathroom
floor tiles requires skill and precision, to ensure tiles adhere properly and a
bathroom floor is protected from moisture and water damage.
Measuring for a new sink might be more
complicated than a homeowner realizes! Improper measurements allow a sink to
fall through a vanity cutout or might require added, unsightly caulking so that
the basin stays in place.
Improper or poor-quality plumbing installations
might result in water damage and mold growth, and might not pass inspection!
Your homeowner’s insurance might also refuse to pay a future claim for water
damage in the home if it’s discovered that you handled certain renovations and
upgrades yourself versus hiring a licensed bathroom renovation contractor.
A homeowner might not realize all the details
necessary for a bathroom renovation to pass local inspections, such as using
ground fault circuits in the bath or adding a moisture barrier around the
shower. These requirements often vary from location to location, which is why
it’s good to rely on the expertise of a local bathroom remodeling contractor to
get the job done properly!
Added Benefits of Hiring a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor
Along with the assurance that your bathroom renovation will pass inspection and be safe for you and your family, you might note some added benefits of hiring a bathroom remodeling contractor for a small bathroom model, versus trying to DIY:
A bathroom remodeling contractor might know of
choices for countertops, flooring, and other materials that better suit your
tastes and your budget! For example, laminate flooring and concrete countertops
offer stunning finishes for a fraction of the cost of ceramic tile and granite.
Experienced bathroom renovation contractors near
you can often find ways to add accessible storage, something many homeowners
need in their small bathroom remodel! He or she might suggest oversized
cabinetry, custom cabinets, cubbyholes built into the walls, and other ideas a
homeowner might not consider themselves.
Bathroom remodeling companies may know of unexpected
problems that might arise during a small bathroom remodel, such as outdated and
leaking plumbing that needs replacing, the need for stronger ventilation, or
old wiring that won’t support the electrical demands of updated bathroom
fixtures and features. A bathroom renovation contractor can help you budget for
these unexpected problems accordingly, ensuring your renovation is as
stress-free as possible.
It’s also vital to remember that many bathroom remodeling
companies are able to acquire factory-direct, manufacturer’s certified
materials for a renovation project. Factory-direct are typically designed and
manufactured for quality and durability, so you’ll face fewer repair and
replacement costs down the road. A bathroom remodel contractor might also note
the best way to clean and maintain your new flooring, countertops, and other
such materials, so that these stay in good condition over the years and always
look their best!
Keep these points in mind when you’re facing a renovation project in your home. Trying to manage such projects on your own might seem like a good idea, but even a small bathroom remodel DIY can mean bigger headaches and expenses than if you hired a reputable bathroom renovation company near you!
