So no matter how intrepid you are, we suggest leaving these five projects to the pros
“A bathroom remodel is the most nerve-wracking of any renovation, especially if it is the only bathroom in your home” . This is why we suggest leaving most of the work to the professionals.
DO NOT Install a bath fan
A bath fan is your best defense against humidity from the bath and shower. But in many cases, installing a fan is way too ambitious for the average weekend warrior.
Although the exhaust from bath fans is sometimes routed to the attic, pros suggest venting the fan vent outside to get that humidity out of your house. This requires cutting a hole in your roof and installing an exhaust hood—not advisable for the average homeowner.
AVOID Plumbing and electrical work
Just like in the kitchen (or anywhere else in your house), plumbing and electrical work should always be left to the pros.
“With electricity in close proximity to plumbing, there are lots of moving parts that could be disastrous”. Professional plumbers and electricians are “absolutely worth paying the extra expense.”
A pro will also ensure that your bathroom meets code requirements in your municipality (which is especially important for resale, when home inspectors will be looking closely to make sure your bathroom passes muster).
DO NOT Put in a glass shower
Dreaming of a gorgeous new glass shower for your renovation project? Even though you can order a precut-glass shower door at one of the big-box home improvement stores, installing it on your own isn’t such a good idea. The glass can weigh hundreds of pounds, requiring extreme care and precision to handle and install. A botched installation doesn’t just mean water on the floor—you could also find yourself walkin’ on broken glass—and seriously injured.
AVOID Any kind of structural changes
If your bathroom remodel is more ambitious than a simple swap and replace of common features, that’s a sign you should call in the pros.
Moving a shower? Taking down a wall? Changing up the layout of the bathroom? A pro contractor can walk you through important considerations, like whether your bathroom is equipped to handle a double vanity or how tall your new shower should be. Ultimately, paying a little more at the start of your project will likely save you money and hassle in the long run.
AVOID Tiling
When it comes to tile, the raw materials might not cost a lot, but the labor for installation can be pricey, Fowler says. As a result, he’s seen a lot of homeowners attempt to moonlight as tile layers, which is “almost always a very big mistake.” If you do a sloppy “Do it Yourself” job, your morning showers will go from relaxing to remorseful.
