One of the top things people look for when shopping for homes is updated kitchens and bathrooms. These two areas of the home are some of the most prominently used. Therefore, they must feel comfortable, if not luxurious.
While you may not be planning to sell your home anytime soon, it doesn’t mean you’re not entitled to the same standard of kitchen or bathroom. If you’re home’s more than 10 years old, it may be time for an update.
However, before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s take a look at some DIY bathroom renovation disasters you should avoid!
1. Rerouting Plumbing
When embarking on a bathroom remodeling project, the extensivity of the remodel is completely up to your and your budget. If you’re planning on making any big changes such as adding in another shower head, plumbing in a tub, or moving the sink, you’ll need to reroute some plumbing.
However, this is the type of job that’s best left to professionals. Any error on your part could lead to water leaking behind closed walls which could result in expensive water damage and excessive mold.
2. Skipping the Exhaust Fan
When doing a DIY bathroom renovation, it’s easy to get fixated on the big picture items such as a new shower, tile floors, etc. However, one thing you can’t afford to overlook is the exhaust fan. An exhaust fan will keep the humidity levels down, which over time could lead to mold build-up.
The exhaust fan is vital to clearing the bathroom of humidity. While an open window can serve wonderfully, it’s not ideal during the cold winter months. Additionally, not all bathrooms have exterior windows.
Make sure the exhaust fan vents outside, rather than in the attic (which some older homes and DIY exhaust fans do).
3. Doing Your Own Electrical Work
Another important job you must leave to the professionals is anything dealing with electricity. Not only is DIY electrical work incredibly dangerous, but you could also be in violation of city coding laws if you do it yourself. It’s also important that electrical work is completed at the highest standard to prevent electrical fires and accidental electrocutions.
4. Demolition
While demolition work may sound fun, this part of your DIY bathroom renovation might be better handled by a professional contractor. DIY demolition can often lead to damaging plumbing and electrical hidden behind walls. You also want to avoid doing any damage to the structural support of the walls.
5. Inadequate Water Sealing
Finally, when doing a DIY bathroom renovation, remember that water damage and mold is no joke. Over time, these two factors can absolutely destroy a house, costing the homeowner thousands upon thousands of dollars.
Make sure you’ve properly sealed every aspect of the bathroom. This includes:
- Floor tiles
- Corners where the walls and floor meet
- Around the tub, shower, and toilet
- Where the sink sits in the vanity
- Around the walls where the shower is installed
Your water sealing will greatly depend on how your bathroom is designed. Just make sure you triple-check to prevent a nightmare in the future.
Want More Tips on DIY Bathroom Renovation?
If you’re looking for more great DIY tips, check out the rest of our articles. Additionally, our site is dedicated to helping people find the professionals they need to help them in all aspects of life. Feel free to use our site to search for plumbers, contractors, or electricians.
Good luck with your DIY bathroom renovation!