Considering a DIY installation for remodeling your bathroom? At first glance, DIY might seem like the better option. Professional bathroom remodeling seems more expensive initially. However, DIY projects normally include unknown factors and costs that render the process more difficult than expected. So, which option is right for you? Let’s break down the two options:
Costs
Before planning your project, think about your priorities. What’s more important to you? Saving money or a smooth installation process? At first, professional installation definitely seems more expensive. On the contrary, you don’t have to pay any hidden fees when you choose a professional installation. With warranties, professional expertise, and less manual labor, professional installation includes a few benefits that are worth the cost.
If you choose the DIY route, you could save money initially. This is a great reason to DIY. However, people normally overlook a few factors in DIY bathroom projects that increase the cost:
Hiring a Professional
If you start a project and later realize you aren’t able to complete it, then you might need to call a professional to finish the job. This increases the overall cost of the project.
Debris Disposal
With DIY projects, you’ll have a lot of leftover debris. If you need to rent any equipment to dispose of the debris, then you incur extra costs.
Water Damage
Especially for bathroom projects, you want to ensure that you have experience with fixing water pumps and potential drainage problems. Otherwise, you might find water damage that you need to fix later. Fixing water damage is normally costly.
Pest Control
You’ll find it difficult to identify termites or other pests in the bathroom. If you unexpectedly find those, then pest control can significantly delay your home renovation project. Also, this increases the cost.
Timing
According to The Spruce, the average professional bathroom remodel timeframe is about 23 days. This time estimate increases or decreases depending on the size of your bathroom and the extent of the remodel. Sometimes, the unexpected happens. You may find an issue that delays your project.
Despite potential delays, the professional remodel route normally is faster than the DIY route. The Spruce also estimates that DIY remodels can take up to a year. If you’re working a full-time or part-time job, the last thing you’ll want to do after work is remodel your bathroom. People often reserve those projects for weekends which stretches out the time to complete the project.
Framing
Most bathroom remodel projects require building new walls. Whether you’re installing a shower or a bathtub, you need to build a wall frame. This requires a little bit of carpentry. Better Homes and Gardens estimates an hour to build an 8 x 8 wall. You can then use the wall to frame a tub, shower, or other space in your bathroom. This process is extremely difficult if you don’t have experience building walls. Consider your experience to determine if you can DIY or if you need to hire a professional.
Plumbing and Wiring Rough-In
Even if you plan to DIY for plumbing, Better Homes and Gardens recommends talking to a plumbing professional before starting. You need to identify the necessary dimensions for your local plumbing code. Also, you should draw a layout sketch or plan before you start hammering away. Afterward, you can start the process by preparing the site, running copper supply lines, and connecting a tub or shower to the faucet.
The Spruce writes that the rough-in is the most difficult part of the plumbing process. The rough-in requires connecting the sink, toilet, and tub. If you choose the DIY route, then you must research generally accepted rough-in measurements. Also, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with terms such as centerline, base floor height, and supply line.
Wall Surfaces
To complete a bathroom remodel, you might need to replace your drywall. Note that you cannot use the same type of drywall that you use in other areas of your house. If your bathroom drywall isn’t moisture-resistant, then you might experience water damage in the future. Again, that’s an expensive repair. Once you’ve completed the drywall, you can start painting. You want to paint before any other installations. Otherwise, you might spill paint on your new bathroom floor.
The last part of the process is the finishing touch: tiling. According to The Spruce, the most difficult part of tiling is fixing a mistake. If your bathroom floor contains any uneven surfaces, then the tile output is likely uneven. However, if you don’t mind a few visible mistakes, then the DIY route might save you some money. Otherwise, you should hire a professional.
Cabinets and Countertops
This is one of the easier steps in the bathroom remodel process. If you already have a cabinet built, then this step could only take around two hours. Of course, professional installation is normally worry-free. On the other hand, if you want to DIY and need some inspiration, Better Homes and Gardens created a list of DIY ideas that are easily attainable.
Shower/Tub Installation
You can DIY when installing a shower/tub, but you need at least two people to complete the project. To install a shower/tub, you also need a few tools such as an electric hammer or a circular saw. If you don’t already own those tools, then this increases the cost. The Home Depot estimates that this project requires over one day to complete.
Note that if you have not removed your previous bathroom surround or shower, then you need to do that first. Removing the bathroom surround is extremely difficult. Thus, you might want to consider hiring a professional.
Sink and Faucet Installation
You can definitely DIY when installing a sink and faucet. Wayfair estimates that this installation is relatively easy as long as you use your bathroom’s existing plumbing structure. However, if you wish to change your sink’s location, then you should call a professional.
Toilet Installation
Installing a toilet is another DIY step that you can do without previous experience. The Home Depot estimates that it only takes about two hours. The process requires about nine steps. Depending on the size of your bathroom, you might experience difficulty when trying to maneuver the toilet around the cabinets and sinks. You can hire a professional to avoid this problem.
Conclusion
Which is the better option for you? This answer is different for everyone. If you choose a professional shower remodel, look no further than KOHLER LuxStone. We install your shower in as little as one day. We guarantee the installation parts and labor with a Lifetime Limited Warranty that lasts as long as the original consumer owns their home. We also provide a price promise. You can breathe easy knowing that there are no surprise fees or hidden costs during the shower remodel. Shop KOHLER LuxStone today and get the shower of your dreams.
