Bathroom Anywhere Blog

The single most important thing you should do doesn’t actually take place in the bathroom itself, but instead your pocketbook. Before you even begin to buy supplies, tools, etc. you should make sure you write out a budget for your project. This way, you know exactly how much you have to spend, making planning that much easier.

Know (and stick to) your budget

The single most important thing you should do doesn’t actually take place in the bathroom itself, but instead your pocketbook. Before you even begin to buy supplies, tools, etc. you should make sure you write out a budget for your project. This way, you know exactly how much you have to spend, making planning that much easier.

Don’t move your plumbing

The costs of remodeling really skyrocket when plumbing is moved. Unless your bathroom is completely dysfunctional in its current layout, don’t move your plumbing. Therefore, if you’re only replacing your tub or toilet, you don’t need to tear up the floor too. This makes for a cleaner, easier remodeling experience. If you do decide that you’d like your toilet “here” instead of “there,” we recommend using a professional plumber.

Keep what you can

Many people have a tendency to “go all out” when they decide to renovate their bathroom. This isn’t always necessary, though. Before you begin construction, we recommend making a list of everything in your bathroom that can be saved. Once you complete your list, set those parts—be them hardware, drawer pulls or tiles—aside and clean them. It’s surprising how much of a difference a simple cleaning can make on old hardware!

Let the air flow

Another thing some DIY remodelers forget about is keeping their newly refinished bathroom ventilated. If you don’t install proper ventilation, mold and mildew will have a field day in the fresh paint, drywall or plaster. The days of old, boxy air vents are gone, so installing one doesn’t have to contrast with your bathroom’s new aesthetic. Just make sure you install it properly.

Know your limits

Our last tip is one of the most important ones. As a do-it-yourself bathroom remodeler, it’s absolutely crucial that you know your personal limits. Some people are great painters or plumbers, but not the other. If you don’t have the skills to properly finish a job, then we recommend finding someone (an experienced friend or contractor) who has the necessary skill-set that you’re looking for. There’s nothing more frustrating than finding out you installed something wrong and have to redo all that work again. Do what you do best and leave the rest to the professionals.

Do you have other tips or suggestions for those who are remodeling their own bathroom? Tell us in the comments section below!