A master bathroom remodel generally yields a high return on investment, and is one of the best projects a homeowner can complete to add long-term value to their home. Home buyers love remodeled bathrooms. If you’re planning on transforming your outdated space into something modern and comfortable, you’re not alone. However, doing this project right takes planning and precision. Small mistakes can really add up to big problems.
In this article, we’ll review some of the top plumbing mistakes homeowners make when kicking off a bathroom remodel and why it’s so important to find the right remodeling contractor to help you with your project.
If you’re looking to learn more about some of the pros and cons of DIY bathroom remodels, be sure to check out this info graphic from ABC Cooling, Heating & Plumbing, a plumber in Hayward, California. It lists other common mistakes homeowners make when remodeling and how you can avoid these pitfalls.
Underestimating your budget
Building a monthly budget is hard. Trying to budget for a master bathroom remodel is even more difficult, since so much of the cost depends on the scope of the project, the people you hire, and the materials you purchase. In a large bathroom, switching from the choice of one floor tile to another at a higher price point could significantly inflate your costs.
The project scope is a good place to start. What exactly are you remodeling? For many homeowners, the answer is the shower, floors, and bathroom vanity. If you’re replacing the tub or toilet, you’ll need to budget for that, too. Any layout changes to the bathroom—such as adding a wall partition for privacy, or expanding it into the master bedroom—will cost more, especially if they involve moving existing plumbing or electrical wiring. If you find yourself having difficulty nailing down the project scope, you should probably speak with a contractor in your area and get some help brainstorming and planning.
Hiring the wrong people
Not every plumber, electrician, or remodeling contractor is cut from the same cloth. When you search online for remodeling services, you’re going to see dozens, if not hundreds, of contractors in your area. However, some of them may not be the right fit for your project. An inexperienced plumber can make crucial mistakes that cause problems years down the road. An untrustworthy contractor might not show up for the job at all, pocketing your deposit. It’s important that you take the time to vet out candidates and find the right people.
So, what should you look for? A good first step is looking at online reviews. Are people generally satisfied with the work this company does? Read through the reviews and look for notes about attention-to-detail, keeping to a timeline, and the quality of the finished project. When you get quotes from multiple companies, be sure to ask about their insurance, licensing, and how much money they require upfront. These three questions can help weed out companies that just aren’t operating the right way.
When you’re down to your final few choices, ask them if they’re willing to get you in touch with some of their previous clients. A good remodeling contractor will have dozens of satisfied former customers to call on—some may even be willing to let you take a look at the work that was completed in-person.
Taking on too much yourself
In many cases, that “wrong” professional you end up hiring is yourself. Today’s homeowners feel empowered by online tutorials and videos that walk them through every step of the project. A do-it-yourself approach to remodeling can cut down on the cost of labor, but it does introduce risk.
First and foremost, if you don’t know what you’re doing, or haven’t done it before, you risk making mistakes that could either lead to an inferior project finish or—worse—major plumbing issues down the road. Even a relatively handy homeowner can quickly find themselves out of their element when sloping a shower floor or fitting pipes together. Errors here can be costly!
Second, DIY bathroom remodeling takes time. If you’re working throughout the week, you probably only have time to work on your bathroom over the nights and weekends. This extends your project deadline out by weeks and means your master bathroom is out of commission for that much longer.
When in doubt, call a professional. There’s just too much invested into and riding on your bathroom remodel for you to take unnecessary risks. That being said, there are elements of your bathroom remodel that you can take on. For example, you can finish the project with a fresh coat of interior paint or lay vinyl flooring.
Get the information you need to kick off your project
Bathroom remodels are complicated, and it’s hard to know where to begin. It’s why so many homeowners put off starting them for months. Our recommendation is that you find a trustworthy, experienced bathroom re modeler in your area and have them help you plan, budget out, and complete your project. When it comes to renovating your bathroom, there’s nothing better than having experienced hands at the wheel.
