If you have the time and determination, remodeling your own bathroom can be a fun, cost-effective and rewarding experience. Even if you’re not a general contractor or an employee at a commercial construction company, you’re bound to enjoy the end-result (and maybe even the process) of remodeling your own bathroom. Of course, any remodeling project is not for the faint of heart, however a new tile and paint job in a bathroom could make all the difference. This summer, roll up your sleeves and spruce up your space with some (admittedly brief) tips to any bathroom remodel.
Be Realistic
First and foremost, be realistic with yourself about how much you can accomplish. Tiling is very tedious and it’s best for DIY-ers who are detail oriented and patient. If you plan on doing any plumbing or demolition work, it’s best to consult with a professional beforehand. Disturbing plumbing pipes and electrical wires can end up causing homeowners more stress.
Start With a Timeline
It’s also important to come up with a rough timeline of your projects and a budget. This will help you stay on track and stay prepared for the unexpected. Oftentimes, homeowners find hidden water damage and plumbing issues when remodeling. To play it safe, put an extra 15% in your budget. You may find yourself struggling with one aspect of your bathroom, so having the option of hiring a general contractor can be reassuring. If you don’t run into any unexpected costs, it’s a nice fallback for new bathroom accessories to match your hard work.
Choices, Choices
Arguably, the most important aspect of a bathroom remodel is choosing the right surfaces and stones. Porcelain is a popular choice for most floor tiling. It is durable and you will have plenty of different options at any tiling store. For flooring, many DIY-ers prefer to choose larger tiles because they can be easier to install and maintain. Though porcelain used to be a popular surface for sinks and fixtures, many have opted for stainless steel. Porcelain can easily chip, and stainless steel looks sleek and is cost effective.
Bathtubs and Shower Considerations
Some remodelers opt to get rid of huge, heavy bathtubs, and instead use the space to create unique, more customized and spacious showers. These showers can create a whole new feel for your bathroom. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even install multiple showerheads or a steam generator.
Efficiency Matters
If you’re replacing appliances, look into investing in water efficient models. Not only do they save thousands of gallons of water, but they can drastically cut your utility bill as well.
Painting
For those looking to make minor changes, try painting the walls of your bathroom and sprucing up your color scheme. A new paintjob, redone lighting and updated wall décor can make you feel like you’re in a whole new bathroom. Another fun idea to try is installing shadow boxes on your wall. You can fill them with beach memorabilia or fun objects like vintage rubber duckies. Installing wall lighting or better vanity lighting can also transform your bathroom. Although you should be wary of buying any appliances online without seeing them in person, shopping for shower curtains online can be fun. You can find almost any shower curtain you could imagine online.
Don’t Rush
The idea of having a new bathroom can be exciting, but be sure not to rush the process. If you find yourself struggling with a project, you can always hire a general contractor or a commercial construction company just for a portion of the work, which can end up saving a lot of time and money in the long run if you were to make a mistake. Also, when purchasing appliances and tile, the cheapest option may not be the best. Try to shop around and find appliances with warranties and tile that is consistent in both appearance and quality. By buying for both appearance and durability, these investments practically pay for themselves because of their ability to last a long time. The last thing you’ll want to do after renovating your bathroom is experience it falling apart and have to replace the cheap, previously purchased materials.
Depending on your level of expertise, a bathroom renovation can be a fun summer project. Though it’s undoubtedly time consuming and takes patience, a new bathroom built with your own hands can be very rewarding in the end.
Written by Kent Murdock, owner of Randy Adams Construction in Columbia, MO. Randy Adams Construction is one of the premiere general contractors Columbia MO has to offer.
