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Are you thinking about renovating your bathroom, but you’re not sure if you should take on the job yourself or hire a professional? It’s a common question, and there are good points to consider for both options. In this article, we’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of each choice to help you make an informed decision. We’ll also provide helpful tips to assist you in creating your ideal bathroom without overspending.
Pros And Cons Of DIY Bathroom Remodels
DIY bathroom remodels can appear to offer cost-savings and customization options, but they are also very time-consuming and may require certain skills that homeowners lack. It’s important to note that some homeowners encounter problems that end up costing more and could have been avoided by hiring a professional company. Hiring a company may be a wise decision to ensure the job is done well and within your budget.
Potential Cost Savings
Undertaking a DIY bathroom remodel can be a cost-effective way to improve the look and functionality of your bathroom without breaking the bank. One of the primary reasons why people choose to go the DIY route is cost savings.
Here are some of the things people consider to be a perk of DIY remodeling:
No labor costs: When you hire a contractor to remodel your bathroom, you’re not just paying for materials – you’re also paying for their time and expertise. Doing it yourself eliminates the need to pay for labor costs, which can save you a significant amount of money. Do you have extra time for trips to the store for supplies and implementing the remodeling changes with your job and family time?
Reduced material costs: Contractors often mark up the cost of materials they use, so doing it yourself can help you save money on the actual materials needed for the remodel. You can shop around for the best deals on materials, or even reuse items from other parts of your home to save money. Markup is a common myth. Often, professional companies have cost saving relationships with manufacturers.
No need for permits: Depending on the scope of your bathroom remodel, you may need to obtain permits from your local government. Permit costs can add up quickly, but doing it yourself can eliminate the need for permits altogether. Skipping out on proper permits is a huge mistake that DIY remodelers make. This can kill the potential of gaining additional home value when it comes time for inspection.
Flexibility in scheduling: When you hire a contractor, you’re often at the mercy of their schedule. Doing it yourself allows you to work on your own timeline, which can save you money by allowing you to complete the project more quickly. City Wide Remodelers is known for our flexibility and working well with our client’s schedules. We work hard to ensure we disrupt your regular schedule at home as much as possible. In most cases, working with a pro can be more convenient than your DIY timing.
Ability to learn new skills: Undertaking a DIY bathroom remodel can also be a learning experience. By doing the work yourself, you can learn new skills that can be applied to other home improvement projects in the future. We absolutely support and encourage learning new skills, but caution the choice to do so with your biggest asset. Having to take time to learn and remodel with trial and error can crush your cost savings quickly.
Customization Options
When deciding between a DIY and professional bathroom remodel, customization options are something to consider. With a DIY renovation, you have the freedom to create your own unique design using materials available at the local big box store like Home Depot. The disadvantage is the quality and options that are in stock.
This means that you can customize your bathroom to fit any budget and get exactly what you want out of it. On the other hand, a professional contractor may not be able to provide as much room for customizing within their project plans or budget restrictions, but they do offer access to quality materials and specialized tools that could result in superior results than those achieved with DIY projects.
Sense Of Accomplishment
One of the greatest advantages of a DIY bathroom remodel is the sense of accomplishment that comes with finishing a project. Seeing your hard work pay off in new fixtures, tiles and other additions to your bathroom can give you immense satisfaction and joy. It also teaches valuable skills along the way, giving you knowledge that can be used on future bathroom or other home improvement projects.
It is a myth that DIYers are able to customize their projects to suit their tastes more easily than when working with professionals who may not have time for extra customization requests. A professional remodeling company will have a design team and software on hand to help homeowners customize almost every feature imaginable in their bathroom. DIY projects are often limited to what materials can be found at local home improvement stores and can lead to frustration.
Time-Consuming
DIY bathroom remodels may provide considerable cost savings, but don’t underestimate the amount of time involved. It can take weeks or even months to complete a DIY bathroom remodel and that could cut significantly into free time.
Tasks such as replacing tile flooring, painting walls, installing fixtures, electrical work and plumbing setup require patience and persistent attention to detail if you are completing them yourself. Hiring a professional could save time while still providing desired results with expert workmanship.
Lack Of Expertise
One of the major cons to a DIY bathroom remodel is the lack of expertise and skill. This means that homeowners who attempt to take on their own project may not have what it takes to complete it properly. Without proper knowledge, mistakes could be made that can lead to costly repairs in order to fix them. Taking on a large project like this without professional assistance can also mean utilizing materials or tools improperly which could result in even more unexpected costs or hazards down the road.
If local building codes are violated due to an improper installation, permits might need to be obtained and fees paid before any further work can occur – both major headaches people trying out DIY projects often don’t anticipate when they start out. With all these risks involved with tackling a bathroom remodel alone, most people find that hiring professionals for at least part of their job is well worth the effort and money saved in long run.
Potentially Unsafe
When it comes to DIY bathroom remodels, potential safety issues can arise. Even something as simple as installing a new faucet could end up causing serious damage or injury if done incorrectly.
Professionals who have the skills and experience necessary to perform them safely should handle tasks such as plumbing and electrical work. Licensed contractors must also complete any projects that require a permit with the proper insurance in order to protect yourself from liability.
Pros And Cons Of Professional Bathroom Remodels
Hiring a professional for your bathroom remodel comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, from expert workmanship to cost. Learn more about the pros and cons of hiring a pro by reading on.
Expert Workmanship
When it comes to quality bathroom remodels, hiring a professional is the best way to get guaranteed expert workmanship. Pros have years of industry experience that allow them to complete projects quickly and efficiently while providing the highest standard of workmanship possible. Look for reviews on Google and for any endorsements from local figures or celebrities to help decide if the company is legitimate.
Professional contractors are also typically licensed, bonded, and insured so you can rest assured that your project will be completed with safety precautions in mind. They often have access to materials and tools that aren’t readily available at traditional stores or even online resources which allows them to give their clients unique results they wouldn’t be able to achieve on their own.
Quality Materials
Quality materials are essential for any bathroom remodel, DIY or professional. Professional remodelers use top-quality products from reputable manufacturers designed to last longer and be more durable. Professionals that are using high quality materials like The Onyx Collection should be at the top of your list for consideration.
A DIY remodel may result in the use of inferior products that may not withstand the daily wear and tear of a bathroom. Professionals also have access to special order materials that the average homeowner wouldn’t be able to secure themselves. In addition, professionals can advise customers on cost-effective materials that fit their budget while still providing a great end product.
True Cost Savings
Cost is one of the most important factors for both DIY and professional bathroom remodels. For DIY projects, you’ll want to make sure that you are financially prepared for any unexpected costs that may arise, as well as purchasing all the necessary tools and materials on your own.
Professional remodeling comes with a more reliable cost estimation and all-inclusive services, including labor, monitoring of quality standards, and safety regulations. The upfront cost for hiring a contractor can be higher than doing it yourself, but the money spent will likely result in a better-quality finished product. Perhaps the best thing about a cost estimate is that you know what to expect your budget to be. With DIY, it is hard to plan for lost time, trips to the stores, and additional materials for mistakes.
When to Hire a Pro
Knowing when to hire a professional for your bathroom remodel is essential for the success of your project – especially if it involves extensive overhauls, major plumbing and electrical work, materials that are unfamiliar to you, or access to specialized tools and materials.
Extensive Overhauls
A full bathroom overhaul takes a great deal of skill and planning. In many cases, it is best to consult with a professional who can provide expertise throughout the various stages of the remodel. Consulting with an experienced contractor ensures that any unforeseen obstacles or issues will be handled in an efficient manner and with quality materials and craftsmanship.
On the other hand, attempting to do this large DIY project yourself can require lots of time as well as patience due to having no prior experience to lean on. If you have very limited knowledge about plumbing, electrical systems, tile work, or general construction, then hiring a licensed contractor is recommended for your safety and peace of mind. Bare in mind that big projects may also need permits from local building authorities, which again could be difficult to obtain without help from professionals.
Major Plumbing And Electrical Work
When remodeling a bathroom, it’s important to consider both plumbing and electrical work. Electrical wiring must meet local building codes and should therefore be done by a licensed professional electrician.
Likewise, plumbing work such as installing new pipes or fixtures, must also be completed by a certified plumber familiar with local codes. DIY enthusiasts may think they can do this type of work on their own, but the consequences of improper installation could be serious–not to mention expensive if an inspector requires that it all be redone after the fact.
Working With Unfamiliar Materials
One challenge of completing a DIY bathroom remodel is that you may be unfamiliar with certain materials. Not only does this mean choosing the wrong type, but it also means trying to install them without knowing how to do so properly. This can lead to damaged goods or even faulty connections. Professional contractors are well versed in not just what types of materials work best for various projects, but they can also source them more easily than doing it yourself and usually at better prices since they have access to supplier discounts.
If you’re considering doing a major overhaul, using specialized items such as stone countertops or an intricate tile layout, it would be wise to leave these tasks and any other similarly complex ones in the hands of professionals who are trained with these particular jobs. The expertise of professional contractors when dealing with unfamiliar materials will ensure your bathroom remodel job results in a beautiful space that lasts through time!
Access To Specialized Materials And Tools
One of the biggest advantages to hiring a professional for bathroom remodeling is that they have access to specialized materials and tools. They can source top-of-the-line products and install them with ease, as well as use their own equipment to get the job done faster.
And since many contractors already have relationships with suppliers, they can often get discounts on materials that may not be available to DIYers. Plus, if there’s ever an issue during installation or after completion, a professional will be around to fix it quickly because they understand how to handle these problems best.
Final thoughts
Choosing to hire a professional remodeling company may seem like a larger investment upfront, but it can lead to long-term cost savings and time management. With their expertise and necessary qualifications, professionals can guarantee a high-quality outcome and offer insurance and licensing to back it up. Ultimately, the decision to hire a professional or take on a DIY project depends on the complexity of the task and desired results. However, if you have any reservations about your ability to ensure safety or quality, it’s wise to opt for an experienced contractor, especially when it comes to plumbing and electrical work in your home.
If you have any questions about your remodeling project or would like to schedule a free consultation please visit our contact page for more details. You can also call 816.942.1993 or email admin@citywideremodelers.com to speak with our staff today.
