A DIY Bathroom Makeover Versus a Professional Remodeling Contractor
According to Remodeling Magazine, the average American household’s average remodeling project costs is over six thousand dollars. As such, it seems that any potential homeowner would be wise to invest in improving their homes before they spend all the money required for a complete remodeling job. According to the magazine, a full renovation of a typical bathroom is worth an estimated eight hundred thousand dollars. In other words, a simple remodeling job can turn an outdated bathroom into a valuable piece of real estate. However, the magazine notes that this investment will almost certainly increase the sale value of your property by an average of fourteen thousand dollars.
But in the great outdoors, where homes are exposed to all kinds of weather, a full remodeling job may not always translate into big bucks. And where there is less money to spend, there is also less risk. While demolition and extensive remodeling require more materials and a higher initial cost, these options often yield better results and lower costs. For instance, if a homeowner opts for simple caulk and drywall repairs to replace shower and bathtub walls, a bathroom fixtures kit may be the way to go.
In fact, most do-it-yourself (DIY) bathroom projects are rather inexpensive. A simple plumbing repair, for example, can cost as little as ten dollars. However, such do-it-yourself projects require a bit more time and effort. If a homeowner does not feel confident about tackling a bathroom remodel on his own, a do-it-yourself handyman can sometimes handle the work in a fraction of the time and save both time and money. This is especially true if the bathroom fixtures and accessories are simple, such as a toilet that has a dual or triple pull-cord release.
Another option for modest remodeling is a simple paint job. Although a tile tub is considered a “women’s bathroom remodeling” item, men can also enjoy this kind of makeover. Just like with a tile tub, a simple paint job will add instant sex appeal to a bathroom. This option is less costly than other bathroom remodeling projects. However, it requires the same amount of skill as other more complicated jobs, such as a bathroom remodeling job that involves tearing out and replacing flooring or installing a new shower stall. If this does not sound like a big deal to you, a do-it-yourself project may be just what you need.
Most homeowners know how to remove wallpaper, have knowledge of how to install cabinetry and use tools like a jigsaw. Yet a bathroom remodeling process is much different than a typical paint job or wallpaper installation. Bathroom remodeling projects can be complex because the bathroom is used by many people, often multiple persons at a time. A bathroom remodeling process may include replacing fixtures, changing showerheads, installing new flooring, adding new toilets, installing a new tub or replacement showerhead, installing new countertops, new flooring, installing new tile flooring, adding new mirrors, etc. Thus, a bathroom remodeling process can be very time-consuming.
A DIY bathroom makeover, on the other hand, would only take a few hours and may include several of the previously mentioned tasks. For instance, replacing a toilet could be done using a plumbing kit, but doing a tile job or installing cabinetry in the bathroom could require a plumber. Replacing a toilet and all the fixtures in the bathroom may be done using only a hardware store screwdriver set while doing a tile job or installing a new tub and showerhead using a tile kit.
Furthermore, a bathroom remodeling project can include demolition of an existing bathroom vanity, installation of a new vanity, installation of new plumbing and new tub and shower head, or installation of new flooring, etc. In addition, demolition may also be required in order to bring a bathroom to a current state of disarray. For instance, if a vanity cabinet fell down, a contractor may need to tear it down, remove the contents and relocate them elsewhere in the house.
In order to save money on demolition and plumbing expenses, most homeowners hire a contractor who is experienced in remodeling works. A qualified contractor will have a list of companies he deals with on a regular basis. When you contact such a contractor, he will discuss your current situation and see if he can free up some of your time to perform remodeling work. If you are interested in having some of your old, outdated fixtures replaced with newer ones, a contractor can suggest an array of choices. Moreover, if you want to have some electrical work done in your bathroom, an experienced contractor will have everything he needs in order to do the electrical work himself.
