DIY Tips vs. Hiring Professionals
Bathroom renovations are tricky. Even skilled DIYers get nervous about tackling them. And there’s a good reason for that.
Remodeling a bathroom involves specialized skills, like plumbing, tiling, and electrical work. These tasks need to be done right and safely, which takes experience.
But what about unexpected problems? Like finding rotten flooring or rusty hardware? Or discovering cracks when removing fixtures? These issues can pop up unexpectedly, and you might not know what to do first.
And don’t forget about time constraints. If you only have one bathroom in your house, you can’t keep it closed for too long. Imagine the inconvenience if the renovation takes longer than expected!
When deadlines stress you out, it’s often best to hire a professional contractor. They’ll handle the whole job while you relax.
Furthermore, bathroom renovations and additions are some of the best investments you can make for your home. When people are house hunting, they pay close attention to the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, not so much kitchens or laundry rooms.
However, the costs of remodeling a bathroom can pile up fast. You have to think about new plumbing, a new bathtub, toilet, flooring, paint, sink, and more. Even though you know you’ll get this money back when you sell, it’s tempting to want to do the work yourself.
But sometimes, a mix of DIY and professional work is smart. Do what you can yourself, and hire a pro for the rest. Don’t bite off more than you can chew—it could end up costing you more in the long run.
Below, we compare DIY and professional bathroom remodeling for different factors involved.
How Much Do You Value Your Time?
It’s pretty clear: if you do it yourself, it might take you months to finish the remodel. Pros, though, can wrap it up in just a few weeks. DIY saves money, but it costs you a lot of time. You know what they say—time is money!
Let’s think practical. If you only have one bathroom, blocking it for months is a big hassle. How would you manage without it? But if you have a spare bathroom, go ahead with your DIY project. If not, it’s best to handle some parts yourself and let the pros take care of the rest.
Remember, your time is precious. Spending your free time on this project might mean less time with your family. If you have answered this question correctly then, we can move forward to the next which is cost/
Cost Of Renovation
Let’s be real: Doing home improvements yourself usually costs less than hiring pros.
For example, redoing your bathroom might run $3,000 to $30,000 if you hire someone. But if you do it yourself, it could be $1,500 to $10,000, or $70 to $100 per square foot. That’s up to 50% savings sometimes! But you might still need pros for tricky plumbing or electrical stuff.
Pros do the job faster and better, though. And you can just relax and enjoy the results. But if it’s a simple remodel, DIY might work with the right tools.
Framing The Bathroom
Doing basic carpentry work, such as fixing shower enclosures, installing insulation, and repairing cabinets, can be enjoyable. DIY enthusiasts often like doing these tasks themselves. But it’s important to be precise because each fixture has specific instructions that must be followed carefully. Only attempt this yourself if you have experience
Wiring and Plumbing work
You don’t need to be a genius to do plumbing during bathroom remodeling. But experienced plumbers have better knowledge.
Experts finish the work on time and can handle unexpected issues.
In our opinion, it’s best to hire professional electricians, plumbers, and HVAC contractors for plumbing and wiring.
Bathroom renovation must follow building regulations, which professionals know well. It might be hard for you to know all of it.
So, hiring a professional will save you from future headaches.
Remove the Tiles
If you’re changing the floor, see if your contractor is okay with you removing the old floor to save some cash. Professionals usually agree because it saves them time and lets them take on more work.
But make sure to ask your contractor first. Your project might have specific needs, and the professional you hire might want to make sure you’ll do a good job as part of their project.
Laying the floor
Many people find installing flooring easy, especially with certain types like vinyl planks. You can save money by doing it yourself, and it’s enjoyable too. Once you get the hang of it, you can finish laying the floor in just a couple of days
Installing Cabinet and Countertops
If your bathroom isn’t large, don’t worry. You can still handle cabinets and countertops easily, especially with the help of DIY kits. Professionals can do it faster, but it’s not difficult to understand.
You can find small vanity countertops that DIYers can install themselves. These come in various styles, so you can choose what you like. You only need professional help if you’ve never done DIY before.
Install a New Toilet
If you can install your own toilet, you can save between $210 and $520 compared to hiring a professional. Usually, you only need a bit of experience. But if you’re putting the toilet in a spot that needs new plumbing, it’s best to get expert help.
Painting your bathroom
Many people like to paint their own bathrooms. Doing it yourself can save you around $380 to $800. It’s a popular choice for first-time DIYers.
Additionally, you can save money, around $380 to $800, by painting your bathroom yourself. Even if you’re not great at painting, you can learn with practice. Just make sure to talk to your contractor about when it’s best to paint in the project timeline.
Install Your Own Mirror
You can save money, about $150 to $460, by hanging the mirror yourself instead of paying for installation. You’ll need some hardware, usually under $50. Only hire a professional if the mirror is too heavy or too big for you to handle.
Keep Existing Footprint
Moving fixtures like toilets, sinks, or bathtubs can be costly because it involves changing water and waste lines, electrical outlets, and sometimes even the structure of the room. This is when a decorator or interior designer can be very useful.
Refinish Your Bathtub
You can save money by refinishing your bathtub yourself with a kit, which costs about $60 to $100. Professional refinishing can cost between $330 and $600. It’s quite straightforward with the right kit, but make sure to wear safety gear and protect other surfaces in the room.
Buy Your Own Fixtures
If you’re not using standard fixtures in your bathroom, check with your contractor if you can buy them yourself. Contractors usually add 10% to the retail price for their time to find and get the fixtures. You can save this extra cost by purchasing them on your own.
You might not agree with your contractor on the specific fixtures you want. Buying them yourself ensures you get exactly what you want. You can also try looking in several stores near you for fixtures (just make sure faucets have all the parts). Second-hand bathtubs, for instance, can be very affordable but not recommended if you’re a new DIYer.
Installing a Shower Tub
Tiling can be tricky because it requires precise cutting and leveling, along with skilled finishing touches. Professionals are better at handling unexpected issues like leaks or structural damage. It’s best to leave this job to experts who can do it better than most of us.
Furthermore, having a shower installed by a professional can cost between $1,200 and $5,800. If you do it yourself, you can save thousands because you only pay for materials. However, this project is quite complex, so you’ll need experience in plumbing, contracting, and possibly tiling to save money.
Installing a Faucet or a Sink
Connecting the faucet to the sink is simple if the pipes are already set up. You don’t need to spend money on a plumber for this part. But if you’re moving the pipes to a new spot, it’s best to get help from an expert.
Additionally, installing a new faucet usually costs between $150 and $340. But if you’re doing a full bathroom remodel, many professionals include this in their service, sometimes charging less or nothing at all. Check with your contractor to know the cost before deciding whether to do it yourself.
A professional sink installation can cost between $200 and $550. If you know how to connect pipes and fit the sink into the vanity, you can handle this project on your own.
Install a New Tub
Hiring a professional to install a new bathtub can cost between $1,000 and $5,200. If you do it yourself, you’ll only need to pay $200 to $2,000 for the tub itself, plus less than $150 for piping and other plumbing materials. Most bathroom remodelers recommend changing the shower valve too, which could add another $50 to $150 to your budget.
Installing a bathtub is complicated and needs plumbing and contracting skills to fit it properly. Only attempt it yourself if you’re comfortable with this kind of work.
Living With the Remodel
If you’ve done DIY projects before, you probably notice the mistakes you made. This can bother a lot of people. If you can’t stand imperfections or don’t want to see those mistakes every day, think about hiring a contractor.
Laying Bathroom Tiling
If you’re replacing the floor, you can save money by removing the tiles yourself before the contractor starts. Doing the flooring on your own can save you even more money. If you’re up for it, you can find ways to cut costs here.
Professional tiling with porcelain can cost between $860 and $2,600. For natural stone tiles, budget around $900 to $2,800.
Even if you’re doing a complete bathroom remodel with a contractor, you can talk about doing the tiling yourself to save money. Tiling can be challenging, but you can practice on an old table first to get the hang of it. Just remember to factor in the cost of buying or renting a tile saw and the tools for mixing and applying materials like mastic, mortar, and grout.
For professional bathroom remodeling services in Boynton, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and nearby areas, contact SFL Builders Group today!
Benefits of Professional Bathroom Remodeling & Renovating
Bathroom remodelers have connections in the industry and know where to find the best deals on fixtures and materials. Sometimes, as a homeowner, you might end up paying more for materials than the contractor is charging, even with their markup.
Not everyone is good at fixing things. If you don’t do a project correctly, you might not be happy with how it looks or its quality. Getting repairs later can cost a lot less if the work was done well in the first place.
How to Find & Hire a Bathroom Remodel Contractor
To find the best bathroom remodel contractor nearby, follow these steps:
- Read reviews and compare ratings on websites.
- Check if they have guarantees and proper licenses, especially for plumbing or electrical work.
- Get quotes from different contractors to get a more accurate estimate and avoid overpaying.
- Ask them important questions about their experience, training, references, and warranties.
Some Questions You Need to Answer Before Starting Your Bathroom DIY (FAQs)
How Hard Is It to Remodel a Bathroom?
If you do the work yourself, can you make it look professional? We’ve all seen bathrooms with uneven tiles or a crooked toilet. Think about whether you’re okay with a job that doesn’t look professional.
How Much Do You Need the Space?
A professional bathroom remodel usually takes about four to five weeks. If you do it yourself, it could take even longer, possibly several months. Are you okay with having your bathroom as a construction zone for that long? This is especially important if it’s your only bathroom or a second one your family uses often.
Who Remodels Bathrooms?
Bathroom remodelers vary from general contractors to large companies with their own plumbers, electricians, and designers. Usually, you’ll hire a contractor who can organize the project and hire specialists for tasks like plumbing and electrical work.
How to Remodel or Renovate Your Own Bathroom on a Budget
If you’re not doing a complete remodel, or even if you are, there are still ways to save some money on your project. Even with a small budget, you can still get good returns on investment with a bathroom remodel.
Should I Leave Bathroom Remodels to the Pros
A complete remodel is best left to professionals. You can save money by doing smaller renovations yourself, like installing new faucets or painting. But let the experts handle flooring and plumbing.
Even if you save money upfront, a full remodel might not be worth it if it looks amateurish. Time matters too. Some jobs take over a month even with experienced pros working long hours. Doing it yourself could take six months or more.
Bathrooms are important for home value. Quality work from experts can really boost your home’s worth. For money-saving tips, see our budget advice below.
What’s the difference between renovating and remodeling a bathroom?
A remodel changes your whole bathroom, often with new fixtures and appliances. A renovation only focuses on specific parts that are easy to change, like paint or a new floor. Remodels usually cost more and need more expertise than a simple renovation.
Do I need a permit to remodel my bathroom?
Depending on your location and the size of your project, you might need a permit. Most states ask for a permit if you’re making big changes to the structure, plumbing, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), or electrical systems. Your contractor should be able to tell you if you need one. Checking on this is one of the things you should do before starting a bathroom remodel.
Can I renovate my own bathroom?
You can renovate your own bathroom if you have the skills. Simple fixes on the surface are easy DIY projects. But tasks involving plumbing, HVAC, or electrical work are best left to professionals. For a complete remodel, it’s usually better to hire a pro.
Projects like hanging shelves don’t affect your home’s function much, so DIY is fine. Bathroom remodels are important for how your home looks and works. Leave big remodels to the pros. But if it’s okay for some imperfections, doing it yourself can save you money in the long run.
Do I tip a bathroom remodeler?
You don’t have to tip your remodeling professionals. Some homeowners offer food and drinks to say thanks. If you want to give extra money for outstanding work, ask the renovation company first to see if tipping is okay with their policy.
Can you do a bathroom remodel yourself?
With careful planning, a realistic budget, and the right support, you can tackle this project on your own. Do some research on DIY bathroom remodeling. Stick to your budget but stay open to adjustments. Decide on your color scheme, fixtures, and finishes early on.
How much does it cost to renovate a bathroom in Florida?
The Average Bathroom Remodeling Costs in Florida
A complete bathroom remodeling project usually costs around $15,000 or more. For larger master bath remodels, it can sometimes go over $20,000, depending on the size and products chosen.
How do I choose a bathroom renovator?
Referrals and testimonials are important because they show what others think about their experience and how the company handles feedback. This can really influence which bathroom renovator homeowners choose.