Are you tired of your old bathroom? Are you ready for a change? Do you want to DYI your bathroom, likely the busiest place in your home, or would you rather not fool with the hassle of trying to do it right? Maybe you are not sure what the work entails? Well, here is a summary of the task at hand.
Getting Started
A bathroom remodel involves significant planning and a better than “passing” DIY knowledge and determination. Step one is to plan and budget. This should be a lengthy process in learning how to remodel. You will be required to decide on design, décor, tile, fixtures and bathroom paint colors.
You will also be required to budget for the materials needed. Although it is easy enough to figure costs for a new toilet, tub and sink, you may not be prepared for those unplanned expenses that often come up in a remodel. It is often difficult to budget your time as well towards such an undertaking.
Out with the Old
Step two is the demolition phase. Remove the old tile, flooring and fixtures once your budget is set and your design inspiration is behind you. As tempting as swinging a sledgehammer might be, you will get better results from a controlled and methodic approach to demolition. Special care will be necessary not to damage plumbing or electrical work during this phase.
You will also need to remove all fixtures like the bathtub, toilet and sink. Then plug your pipes to keep dirt and debris out and to avoid waste gases from the sewer system entering your home. Additionally, you will need to remove linoleum, tile, accessories and lighting, if it is included in your remodel plans.
In with the New
Step three is your plumbing rough in. In this phase, you will affix plumbing lines for the accessories and appliances. Then you will need to install the sink, tub, shower heads and controls. Finally, you will deal with any other plumbing modifications that are needed in your remodel plans.
Stage four is the electric rough-in. Now that your walls are opened you can rework the existing electric wiring to match your modifications. You may want to consider replacing your 15-amp circuits with 20-amp circuits to accommodate other small appliances such as hairdryers and curling irons. You will also need to relocate or install other outlets according to your design plans, including GFCI receptacles for those outlets located near water for safety purposes.
Finishing Up
Now that you have the big (and sometimes boring) jobs done, it’s time to finish up with the fun stuff, which also means bringing your new bathroom to life.
- Add blocking for grab-bars if desired
- Close your walls
- Paint the walls
- Install tile
- Install shower door
- Install lights and exhaust fan
- Install vanity and toilet
- Add any accessories like cabinets, shelves, towel racks
A bathroom remodel is quite an undertaking. It requires a lot of time, DIY know-how, expense for materials, fixtures and appliances. An easier alternative is to call the experts at Renovation Pros. They have a 30-year track record of great service, and they are fully licensed and bonded contractors with the knowledge and expertise to update your bathroom exactly the way you want it.
