DIY Bathroom Remodeling
Bathrooms are an important part of any home and there comes a time when you must remodel because you want a change or you need to remodel because that bathroom is passed its’ used by date. However bathrooms are one of the most expensive rooms in the house to remodel and so doing it yourself makes sense. There are some parts of a bathroom that are best left to the professionals by law and for the sake of quality and safety. DIY bathroom Remodeling
Bathroom Remodeling In Progress
Five Golden Rules of DIY Bathroom Remodeling
- Have a clear idea of what you want – look at bathroom magazines, bathroom displays.
- Set a budget – Most bathrooms start at $5000.00 and can go as high as $25,000 for a builder to remodel.
- Knowledge – Ask questions, at the tile shop, bathroom supplies shop, and hardware. Also read all you can.
- Know your limitations – Know what you can do and what you will have to get a professional to do – for example: electrical, plumbing, tiling, etc.
- Always buy the best quality materials your budget will allow – never buy second grade materials – they will let you down.
Tiling the Bathroom
Bathroom Materials Vs Labour
Depending on the type of materials and fittings you choose a bathroom is about 50% materials cost and 50% labour costs. However this can change it you want solid gold taps and a toilet that lights up and play a tune when you sit on it. This is why it is so important to set a budget and track your spending because it is easy for it to get out of control. The same can be said for labour costs, if you want a non standard floor that lights up or a non standard shape to your bath hath or surround, then you will simply pay more.
Knowing what you want
Before remodeling a bathroom yourself, knowing what you want your new bathroom to look like is half the battle. Also changing your mind half way through can cost you a lot of money and time. So get a clear understanding by looking through tiles shops and bathroom displays and then plan your bathroom around your choices.
Plan your bathroom
Planning your bathroom remodel or renovation out on paper with measurements is the best way to go as you can check to see what size vanity or basin will fit in the room you have. Also your can see if you can fit in the bath you want etc. When you have all of your measurements checked and you have selected the tiles and fittings the best way to be organised is to purchase all of the materials. Buy all of the tiles you need, vanity, toilet, fittings and store them in a dry area ready for use before you start.
Newly Remodeled Bathroom
Bathroom Remodeling must be done in sequence
- Removal of the old bathroom – pull out everything except water pipes and electrical wiring. (DIY)
- Run new plumbing and drainage pipes if required and rough in any new electrical wiring (if you are not a plumber or an electrician – get a professional to do these steps so they are correct and safe).
- Re-line the walls with cement backer board or cement sheeting and nail into place taking care to bring the new plumbing and electrical wiring through as you do. (DIY)
- Tiling – set the floor and tile, plus tile the walls. Tiling can be done if you are confident and have read all you can – (DIY & Professional).
- Install the fittings – towel holders the toilet, shower screen etc. – (DIY and Professional)
There are many more parts to remodeling a bathroom than a have written here and it is always best to find out as much as you can – not just the basic outline. So if you want to find out How to Tile, or more on bathroom remodeling / renovation have a look at our bathroom renovation pages.
