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2DIY vs. Contractor

How to Decide the Best Path

After the scope of your project has been determined, the next most pressing question is whether to renovate yourself or hire a contractor.

How do you decide if this is a DIY remodel or a professional project?

The answer is to look at all the costs. You’ll need to compare the cost of working with a professional versus the possible cost of the work being done incorrectly.

This greatly depends on your knowledge and abilities in bathroom remodeling.

If you’re new to renovations, the chance is higher that something will go wrong and you’ll need a professional to fix it down the road ultimately costing you more.

However, if it’s a smaller project or you’re more experienced, DIY can save you money and may be the right fit for you!

Go Back to Main 2. DIY vs. Contractor 3. Common Bathroom Remodel Mistakes to Avoid

You should consider 3 things when deciding whether
to do your bathroom remodel yourself.

Let’s take a look at each one...

1. Installer Expertise

You’ve decided to remodel your bathroom. This means you want an updated, clean, and safe bathroom that will be a personal paradise.

Can I do this myself?

How much do I know about materials?

What’s my skill level?

What’s my plan if something goes wrong?

How long will the project take?
How long until my work will need to be replaced?

Take an honest inventory of your project’s scope along side your abilities and knowledge.

In a DIY project, your expertise will affect he look and function of your bathroom.

How long the project will take, and how long your work will hold up before it needs to be fixed or replaced.

Your contractor’s expertise will also be key in the final project if you decide to hire someone.

Whether you DIY or hire a contractor, choosing someone with skill and experience is the key to getting the best results.

2. Project Time Frame

Time is a big factor when choosing between a DIY project and a contractor. If you’re considering a DIY approach, you’ll need to examine your schedule:

How much free time do you have?

Do you have time to learn the process and allow for mistakes?

How long can you go without a functioning bathroom?

What’s my plan if something goes wrong?

Your schedule and expertise will make all the difference. A DIY project could range from a few days to months at a time depending on what you know and when you’re available.

Additionally, the bathroom’s downtime can be a deterring factor. If the water needs to be shut off or appliances pulled out, the bathroom may not be available for use.

This can be problematic, especially for those who only have one bathroom to begin with.

While a professional team may be able to get through the remodel faster, it’s vital that you discuss these concerns with a contractor as well.

We’ve all heard the horror stories about contractors who start a project and then don’t show up for weeks at a time!

Should you choose to go with a contractor, it’s important to know their timeline so you can plan ahead.

First places that come to mind when considering a DIY project.

3. Quality of Products

As we’ve discussed, choosing quality materials & products is one of the biggest factors in the final outcome of a renovation.

Three Stages of Buying Cheap Materials

Excitement

Vinyl flooring, ceramic tile and grout reduce material costs!

Frustration

Warping floors and cracked grout start becoming eyesores.

Regret

The job has to be redone at a higher cost in end.

Go with low-quality materials like tile & grout and it might already be too late. That’s why it’s important to select quality materials from the very beginnning.

There are other, less obvious options, though. At Five Star Bath Solutions, we use exclusive products that aren’t available at stores like that.

The key is to explore the range of materials available, looking for high-value products.

Quality products ultimately save you time and money, so you need to make sure they’re installed correctly--whether by you or a contractor.

Ultimately, the decision to go with a DIY project or hire a contractor comes down to weighing the variables of expertise, time, and products.

Your decision from here can make the difference between your dream bathroom and a huge renovation headache.

Go Back to Main 2. DIY vs. Contractor 3. Common Bathroom Remodel Mistakes to Avoid