DIY Bathroom Remodeling
12/19/2011 08:14 AM Filed in: Remodeling
The bathroom is not only a place to take your daily shower, but it is also a place to rejuvenate, relax and enjoy. And what’s more rewarding than having an inviting bathroom.
Many people embark in remodeling their bathrooms. This can, however get pretty costly for those people who are working on a very tight budget. The good news is, you may actually be able to do it yourself. Here is some basic DIY bathroom remodeling tips to get you started in your journey to having a bathroom paradise.
Planning
In bathroom remodeling, it is very important to determine the level of remodeling you are planning to take on. It can be as simple as changing out a few fixtures or as complicated as a total makeover. Another thing to consider is the number of people who will be using the bathroom and if they have any special requirements such as accessible showers and tubs, grab bars, etc. If planned well, you can expect great results.
The availability of inexpensive software programs nowadays can make planning much easier. Having a proper layout, you can make changes to your bathroom’s color scheme, cabinets, fixtures and finishes.
The duration of the remodeling must also be included in the plan. Usually a DIY bathroom remodeling project will take a week to a month to finish depending on the amount of work needed as well as the availability of your time.
Your plan must also touch legal and health safety issues related to bathroom remodeling. Keep in mind that major changes to electrical and plumbing systems by homeowners may be prohibited by the law. You can ask your local building department regarding the necessary permits required when remodeling a bathroom.
Cost
The cost of bathroom remodeling will depend ultimately on the amount of work that needs to be done. The "Fixtures and Finishes" can have a dramatic affect on the overall cost so choose your products wisely and be cost conscious. To get a rough estimate, you may consult a professional renovator and ask them about the cost. Visit a local home improvement store and get a quote for all the materials you will need on the project. Subtract the costs of the materials from the quote from the professional renovator and you will get a clearer picture if whether or not to hire a professional or just proceed with your DIY plan. Be sure to factor in a "what if" cushion in your budget. Chances are you will find something unexpected or decide to change something along the way that could potentially drive up the cost.
Keep in mind that remodeling projects general take more time and effort than you may initially think. Professionals look for pitfalls such as structural issues, potential hidden damage, unforeseen items, etc. that the average homeowner may not think of. Determine the value of your time and see if DIY is the right fit for you.
This blog post was in collaboration with Fred Sexton at NC Design Online
Many people embark in remodeling their bathrooms. This can, however get pretty costly for those people who are working on a very tight budget. The good news is, you may actually be able to do it yourself. Here is some basic DIY bathroom remodeling tips to get you started in your journey to having a bathroom paradise.
Planning
In bathroom remodeling, it is very important to determine the level of remodeling you are planning to take on. It can be as simple as changing out a few fixtures or as complicated as a total makeover. Another thing to consider is the number of people who will be using the bathroom and if they have any special requirements such as accessible showers and tubs, grab bars, etc. If planned well, you can expect great results.
The availability of inexpensive software programs nowadays can make planning much easier. Having a proper layout, you can make changes to your bathroom’s color scheme, cabinets, fixtures and finishes.
The duration of the remodeling must also be included in the plan. Usually a DIY bathroom remodeling project will take a week to a month to finish depending on the amount of work needed as well as the availability of your time.
Your plan must also touch legal and health safety issues related to bathroom remodeling. Keep in mind that major changes to electrical and plumbing systems by homeowners may be prohibited by the law. You can ask your local building department regarding the necessary permits required when remodeling a bathroom.
Cost
The cost of bathroom remodeling will depend ultimately on the amount of work that needs to be done. The "Fixtures and Finishes" can have a dramatic affect on the overall cost so choose your products wisely and be cost conscious. To get a rough estimate, you may consult a professional renovator and ask them about the cost. Visit a local home improvement store and get a quote for all the materials you will need on the project. Subtract the costs of the materials from the quote from the professional renovator and you will get a clearer picture if whether or not to hire a professional or just proceed with your DIY plan. Be sure to factor in a "what if" cushion in your budget. Chances are you will find something unexpected or decide to change something along the way that could potentially drive up the cost.
Keep in mind that remodeling projects general take more time and effort than you may initially think. Professionals look for pitfalls such as structural issues, potential hidden damage, unforeseen items, etc. that the average homeowner may not think of. Determine the value of your time and see if DIY is the right fit for you.
This blog post was in collaboration with Fred Sexton at NC Design Online