A bathroom remodel is one of the most common home improvement projects homeowners take on. However, when planning a bathroom upgrade aesthetics are not the only thing you should take into consideration. While it may seem like you can easily handle replacing your cabinets and shower fixtures, you may quickly find yourself in a sticky situation that will turn your dream project into a nightmare. Here are some things you should know and consider before approaching a bathroom glow-up on your own.
Renovating vs. Remodeling
While “renovating” and “remodeling” are in some ways similar, they’re not quite the same thing. If you’re planning a home improvement project, have a clear idea of what exactly you’d like to accomplish before you talk to a plumbing professional.
Renovating essentially means giving your bathroom an update and restoring what’s already there. A new coat of paint, new flooring, lighting fixture or faucets or fall under bathroom renovation. Renovation also includes structural rebuilding such as replacing the framing or drywall due to issues such as mold.
Remodeling on the other hand changes the functionality of a bathroom. This can mean repositioning walls to expand the size of your bathroom. A remodel could involve swapping your bathtub for a shower or completely relocating your fixtures.
Identifying Plumbing Issues
Whether you’re renovating or remodeling, there is more to it than just the aesthetics. It’s essential to ensure that your bathroom’s plumbing is correctly installed and functioning properly. If you swap your tub for a beautifully tiled shower, but the pipes behind your walls are leaking – chances are all that tile work will have to come off so that the pipes can be accessed again, down the line.
If you’ve lived in your home for a while, or you just moved in, you likely don’t know what state your pipes are in. A bathroom renovation is an ideal time for a thorough inspection. This will leave you with a bathroom that not only looks fresh and updated, but is also well maintained. Something as minor as a tiny leak can invite mold growth that not only disrupts the integrity of your bathroom but puts your entire home and your health in serious risk.
Knowing all the Options
A skilled and experienced plumber is a great resource. Often, homeowners may not know all of the plumbing related products and solutions available on the market, how they play together or perform over time. A plumbing professional will be able to advise on the best options for your specific needs. Some upgrades made to your bathroom may also affect other parts of your home. For example, you may decide to install a brand new tub for those relaxing, bubble baths you’ve been dreaming of. But your current water tank may not be large enough to supply enough hot water. A plumbing professional should be capable of guiding you through all the decisions you make to ensure a desired outcome, without any avoidable surprises down the line.
Paperwork and Permits
Whether or not you’ll need a permit for your project vastly depends on the scope of work. While small upgrades, such us painting walls, repairing plaster, or refinishing floors do not require a permit, any changes done to the plumbing, electrical, or structural components of your bathroom, will require one. Because the exact, permit requirements vary between cities and counties across the country, hiring a plumber that is licensed in the state you reside, will give you piece of mind that all the legal matters are handled appropriately.
Here at VIP Sewer and Drain services, we are licensed, insured and have over 30 years of experience in the plumbing industry! For your next bathroom renovation give us a call at 866.222.1753 for an estimate and rest at ease knowing we’re available 24/7 for your plumbing emergencies.