It can be intimidating, even to a seasoned handyman or woman. But tackling a bathroom renovation yourself is possible with the right materials, some know how and a lot of planning.
Start by looking at the scope of the project. Are you building a bathroom from scratch or possibly working from a builder's rough in? Often new home construction will include a basement rough in that serves as an excellent base for a DIY bathroom project later on.
Or maybe you're updating an existing bathroom. You might be switching to low flow toilets or installing a new vanity. Adding a corner shower and a soaker tub is an impressive way to redo your bathroom, if you have the space available. Depending on the style and state of your current bathroom, any of these could become an extensive and complicated job.
Plumbing Can Be a Problem
If you're building from a rough in, the plumbing will be fairly straightforward. Pick up a copy of the local building code and don't forget to apply for a permit. Drawing everything out ahead of time can be a real time saver later on and also gives you a reference and handy shopping list to take with you to the home improvement store.
Invest in quality plumbing materials that will stand the test of time. Some professionals prefer copper plumbing as opposed to galvanized or CPVC. Copper may be more difficult to install, since it requires soldering and takes some work to cut. There are fittings designed to easily adapt an existing copper system with CPVC, should you choose to go that route.
If the plumbing needs to be changed or ripped out, it might be best to call in a professional for this part of the job. Once they're done, you can move on to the rest with confidence.
Go With a Decorating Theme
It's important to think about your decorating theme ahead of time, even in a bathroom. Fixtures, cabinetry, flooring and trim can all play a part and look put together when the theme is laid out beforehand.
Try not to go with something that will look dated in a few years. Although a DIY bathroom reno project is possible, it's not something you're going to want to tackle again in five years. Choose classic styles or stick with trends that you know your family can live with for awhile.
Think Solutions
When you're renovating an existing bathroom, try to pinpoint the problem areas of your current set up. Could you use more storage? A larger vanity or a built in linen closet would be a good plan.
Maybe it's too dark in the room and you need to let some light in. Is there room for a skylight or another window? Can you use mirrors or glass doors to break up those shadowy spots? Work with the structure you have and try to include small changes that will have a big impact.
Go Green Where You Can
Water conservation is a big part of being environmentally friendly. Choose taps, faucets and toilets that will deliver the most efficiency and water savings. There are even shower heads available that will filter out the chlorine in your tap water for a more chemical free wash.
Low flow toilets are a great idea and there are more and more dual flush models becoming available. Aerated shower heads add air to the water droplets as you shower, meaning you'll use less water for the same length of time in there.
A bathroom reno requires a great deal of planning and more than a few afternoons of hard work. But in the end your family will have an up to date, gorgeous and green bathroom that will add value to your house, not to mention your day to day living.
Use our contractor search feature or post your project to find local bathroom improvement contractors for your upcoming bathroom project.
Posted by: TrustedPros
