Not a day goes that you don’t use your home’s bathroom. If you have an outdated or old-fashioned bathroom, you’ve probably considered sprucing things up by remodeling your bathroom.
Moving old plumbing for a bathroom remodel can be a huge investment that pays off down the road. For example, in the Washington, D.C. real estate market, homes with remodeled bathrooms saw triple-figure returns on the initial investment sellers made.
Of course, the value of your home will only increase if your remodel is functional and attractive: too many well-intentioned remodels are thwarted by over-ambitious DIYers or ruined by shoddy contractors.
Do’s and Don’ts of Remodeling Your Bathroom
Here are some do’s and don’ts to consider when you remodel your bathroom:
Don’t: Choose vinyl tile, linoleum tile, or porous stone tiles.
Due to their water resistance, many homeowners choose vinyl or linoleum for their bathroom floors. However, both materials contain seams between each tile that can be nearly impossible to seal properly. You’ll also want to avoid porous stone tiles, like limestone, that can become discolored from water over time.
Do: Choose a non-slip floor tile that’s easy to maintain.
Glazed or porcelain tiles are some of the longest-lasting tiles available, and they’re among the easiest to care for properly. If you want to ensure your new bathroom floor isn’t slippery, choose a tile with a matte finish or texture or a sandy glaze.
Don’t: Forget about ventilation.
A poor ventilation system guarantees that your bathroom will eventually grow mold, which can be hazardous to your health.
Do: Upgrade your ventilation system.
If the bathroom you’re updating already has a ventilation system, take advantage of your remodel to upgrade. Add a ceiling-mounted vent fan — or, if you’re really ambitious, consider adding a window.
Don’t: Focus on a trendy aesthetic.
Along with kitchens, bathrooms are quick to go out of style. This is especially true if you choose trendy or inexpensive fixtures, tiling, or cabinetry. You don’t want to remodel only to have to do so again in five years!
Do: Choose a timeless style that will look great for years to come.
When remodeling your bathroom, consider if you can see yourself using it — or a buyer purchasing it — for at least 10 to 20 years; this is especially important if you plan to stay in your home long-term. To ensure the longevity of your bathroom, choose neutral colors and simple fixtures with clean lines.
Don’t: Waterproof your bathroom yourself.
One of the biggest issues that homeowners encounter when DIY remodeling bathrooms is that of waterproofing. Some see waterproofing materials in the hardware store and, despite their limited knowledge of waterproofing procedures, try to do it themselves anyway. However, leaks can arise if you don’t correctly waterproof your bathroom the first time, and these can be expensive and difficult to repair. Furthermore, you might encounter home insurance fines if an appliance is poorly or incorrectly installed and a leak occurs.
Do: Hire a plumber to properly waterproof your bathroom.
Only a certified plumber should complete the waterproofing in your bathroom. Even if your waterproofing seems to function in the short-term, only a plumber will be able to ensure the job is done properly.
Don’t: Work with electrical wiring yourself.
One of the most dangerous and complicated aspects of bathroom remodels is electrical wiring. Don’t try to do this yourself — mixing water and electricity isn’t a risk you want to take.
Do: Hire a certified electrician to rewire your bathroom as necessary.
Older bathrooms may need completely new wiring, especially pre-war homes, which need to be upgraded from 15-amp to wiring to 20-amp wiring. Additionally, you may need to replace regular outlets with those designed to function safely near water.
Don’t: Try to handle moving plumbing during a bathroom remodel yourself.
Make sure to work with a certified team that understands what moving plumbing in a bathroom remodel entails. Rearranging plumbing in your bathroom will in some cases double the cost of your bathroom remodel. Toilets, sinks, and showers connect to vent, water, and drain lines — so moving them around might require the subfloor to be pulled up. The farther away you move these fixtures from those lines, the more complicated your DIY remodel will take. Invest in a professional team so you can have peace of mind and avoid leaking pipes in the future that result from unskilled craftsmanship.
Do: Hire a full-service bathroom remodeler to handle the many complicated procedures
Bathroom remodels can be arduous procedures. Enlisting an experienced bathroom remodeler can help you avoid the common remodel may take longer than you expect or be improperly completed.
How Much Does A DIY Bathroom Remodel Cost?
At the end of the day, a bathroom remodel will cost however much you are willing to invest. The national average for a mid-range bathroom remodel is $20,420, according to the 2019 Cost vs. Value Report.
If you are planning on remodeling a bathroom in your home, there are many different aspects that you will have to keep in mind. You should be honest with yourself about your own skill level when it comes to a major DIY project, especially one that involves a room that has so much plumbing running through it.
Trust Your Bathroom Remodel To John C. Flood
John C. Flood provides peace of mind during the bathroom remodeling process. Our team of tiling and finishing technicians, electrical technicians, and plumbers will complete your remodel within your timeline and to your exact specifications. We’re open seven days a week and never charge more for weekend services, so we’ll better be able to tackle your project efficiently without breaking the bank.
The bathroom is an important area of any household, so you want to make sure that you are having the remodel done as smoothly and efficiently as possible. A wrong move could end up costing you big time. If you are in the market for plumbing services, be sure to schedule an appointment as soon as possible with John C. Flood.
Call us at 703-214-5611 or schedule bathroom remodeling service online.
