PhotoAccording to Forbes, the average bathroom remodel job costs approximately $10,000. However, a high-end bathroom could cost up to $30,000. If you are considering changing your bathroom, you may be tempted by a DIY project to keep costs low. Unfortunately, more often than not, homeowners end up spending a lot more than expected on their DIY bathroom projects. Lack of knowledge, lack of specialist tools, and uninformed decisions can see your expenses skyrocket.
Are you ready to tackle a bathroom project by yourself? Below, we explain some of the most common mishaps during a remodel project and how to avoid them.
A new shower/bathtub in an old home
Upgrading your wetroom with a walk-in shower may modernize the look and feel of the bathroom. But it doesn’t change the age of your plumbing system. Ultimately, old pipes are unlikely to work well with modern appliances, leading to leaking risks. Therefore, experts strongly recommend working with a trusted plumber to restore your old plumbing system before introducing modern bathroom structures. Hidden leaks or cracks in the pipes as a result of added pressure when you change appliances can have dramatic consequences for your property:
- Increased water costs
- Potential damage to the new bathroom
- Increased humidity levels and risks of mold spread
- Foundation and structure at risk of rotting or collapsing
No planning your bathroom decor ahead
What kind of decor would suit your bathroom? From a rustic interior to a tropical bathroom style, the decor sets the mood. However, you can’t leave the choice of decor as a second thought. Your decor will influence your choices in terms of bathroom appliances, paint, tiles, fixtures, faucets, materials, etc. As every decision you take as part of the remodel project will bring your bathroom to life, you need to make sure you know exactly what you want things to look like in the end. Failure to plan your decor ahead is likely to increase costs as you try to create a harmonious interior through swapping elements in the bathroom or re-doing previous work.
Choosing the best light fixture without bathroom knowledge
Your light fixture must be bathroom-proof if it is in the vicinity of the shower or the bathtub. Indeed, bathrooms have a high humidity level. The last thing you want is the moisture to affect your light. Indeed, if water droplets get inside your light fixture, they could cause severe damage such as:
- A power cut in your home
- Light bulbs or electric cable exposure to moisture
- Risk of electrocution
- Potential sparkles inside the system, leading to fire hazards
You may incur repair costs if the light develops a fault. The costs can extend to partial replacement of your electrical system and new bathroom remodel.
More importantly, these expenses are unlikely to be covered by your home insurer, as electrical work typically requires to be done by a professional.
Final Thoughts
Is a DIY approach the best solution when it comes to your bathroom? The answer depends entirely on your expertise and knowledge. If you are experienced with renovation tasks, you know when to call in an expert for specific jobs. Sometimes, paying an expert to tackle plumbing, electrical and other structural challenges at home can save you money and worries in the long term. Additionally, experienced DIYers also tend to plan ahead, so they know what to expect and how to prepare for it, from interior style to plumbing needs.
