Why You Shouldn't DIY Your Bathroom
As a homeowner, it can be tempting to tackle your own home improvement projects – but, your bathroom should not be one of them. There are many reasons:
Plumbing
Plumbing work is very precise. All joints must be completed properly for the materials used. If not correctly relocated or installed, your DIY plumbing job can cause leaking. If a leak goes unnoticed for any length of time, it can lead to rot and structural problems, as well as mold and health problems.
Electrical
Handling your own electrical comes with its own risks. Not only do you need to make sure that everything is brought up to current electrical codes, but all electrical work needs to have permits and be inspected. If installed incorrectly you can end up causing faults, hurting yourself, or causing a home fire.
Bathroom Fan
Installing a bathroom fan seems like a simple task – and it can be, if you are replacing an existing fan. If you are installing a fan in a new location you need to run new ductwork, which includes cutting a hole in your roof. Not only does this become a dangerous task, but you run the risk of having water, wind and snow coming in that very same opening.
Tiling
Do you know why it is expensive to hire a tile professional? BECAUSE IT’S HARD. To make sure you have all the tile level, plumb, aligned, and properly sloped is no joke. Consider all the experience an installer has so that they can plan the layout to avoid strange tiny pieces, or that one corner of a tile that sticks up and you catch your sock on it. Every. Single. Time.
Shower Glass
Installing glass in your shower is going to come with its own set of challenges. Glass is not very forgiving, so you’ve got one shot to get it snug and water-tight. Also, don’t forget that the panels are very large, extremely heavy and fragile. It only takes one slip up and your bathroom floor is covered in broken glass.
There is a time and place for a DIY project, but it’s not in your bathroom. It’s not worth risking your investment in this project (and your home) to save a few hundred dollars. Avoid making any of these mistakes by hiring a professional the first time around.