A bathroom remodel can completely transform a tired, outdated space into your dream oasis. But should you take on the renovation yourself or hire a professional contractor? Both DIY and professional bathroom remodels have their pros and cons. This comprehensive guide examines the key factors to consider when deciding between a DIY or professional bathroom remodel.
Introduction
Remodeling a bathroom can be an exciting project that adds value and enjoyment to your home. But it also requires significant time, effort, skill and money to be successful. The decision between a DIY or professional remodel depends on your goals, budget, abilities and resources.
Hiring a contractor provides expertise, efficiency and quality workmanship, but at a higher cost. DIY bathroom remodels allow you to save money and customize the space as you desire, if you have the time and skills to take it on. Evaluating your specific situation is crucial before embarking on a bathroom overhaul.
Carefully weighing the DIY vs professional decision involves looking at:
- Costs – Professional labor is expensive. DIY saves significantly on labor costs.
- Time – Professionals work quickly. DIY projects take more time and effort.
- Skills – Contractors have experience. DIY requires ability to self-teach specialized skills.
- Quality – Contractors provide expert work. DIY quality depends on your abilities.
- Scope – Professionals can handle extensive renovations. Major overhauls may overwhelm DIYers.
This guide examines these key considerations in-depth. We’ll provide tips to save money on a professional remodel or execute a DIY bathroom redo successfully. With the right information, you can decide whether to DIY or hire a pro for your ideal bathroom transformation.
DIY Bathroom Remodel Considerations
Taking on a DIY bathroom remodel lets you customize the space while saving significantly on labor costs. But before getting started, assess your abilities, time and goals carefully.
Cost Savings
The most compelling argument for a DIY bathroom remodel is the cost savings. Paying professional contractors for their labor, expertise and tools is expensive. According to HomeAdvisor, the average bathroom remodel cost $10,438 in 2020, with labor accounting for over 50% of the total price at approximately $5,600.
By doing the demolition, installations, tiling, painting and finishing work yourself, you can complete a bathroom remodel for half the cost or less compared to hiring contractors. Even if you aren’t highly skilled in the various trades required, educating yourself and putting in extra time and effort results in major savings.
However, specialized work like plumbing and electrical should still be left to the professionals unless you have experience. Saving money upfront by cutting corners on foundational systems and structure can lead to costly problems down the road.
Customization
Another advantage of DIY bathroom remodels is the ability to fully customize the space. When you’re investing your own time and energy into the project, you can include special features and finishes that reflect your personal style, needs and preferences rather than just making basic cosmetic changes.
Doing the work yourself allows you to incorporate custom storage solutions, decorative touches, unique tile patterns, salvaged items, smart technology and more. You may even have the ability to make structural changes like moving plumbing fixtures or walls, which contractors typically won’t accommodate.
A DIY remodel gives you creative license over elements like:
- Cabinetry design and finishes
- Custom shelving and storage built-ins
- Accent tile layouts
- Paint colors and textures
- Lighting choices
- Furniture and decorative items
- Bathroom layout and functionality
Learning Experience
Another possible benefit of a DIY bathroom remodel is the opportunity to learn useful skills. With a willingness to put in the effort to teach yourself, you can gain experience with:
- Demolition and prep work
- Tiling
- Drywall hanging, mudding and finishing
- Painting techniques
- Basic plumbing like installing fixtures and sinks
- Electrical including installing lighting, fans and outlets
- Cabinetry installation
- Flooring including tile, vinyl or laminate
The learning curve is steep. Attempting specialty trades without training increases the likelihood of mistakes. But the hands-on experience can build DIY confidence and skills to apply to future renovations or repairs around your home.
Primary Downsides of DIY Bathroom Remodels
While cost savings, customization and skill-building may make a DIY remodel tempting, be realistic about the downsides before committing.
Time Commitment
Be prepared to invest a massive amount of time into a DIY bathroom overhaul. Even if you have some experience with minor home projects, a full bathroom remodel is far more complex, time-consuming and demanding.
Professionals typically complete a standard 5×7 bathroom remodel in one to two weeks. That same project can take DIYers several weeks to months in most cases. Most household tasks and responsibilities will need to be put on hold during the renovation.
From demolition to prep work to installing finishes and fixtures, each step will go slower without professional tools and skills. Problem-solving inevitable issues that arise also eats up time. The ability to commit ample time is essential for a DIY remodel to be successful.
Learning Curve
Attempting specialty trade work with no prior training or experience has a steep learning curve. Tiling, electrical, plumbing and other complex tasks require specialized knowledge and mastery of tools and techniques.
While tutorials and YouTube videos can teach DIYers the basics, executing high-quality work takes time to perfect. Poor technique can lead to functional and cosmetic flaws. Errors made due to inexperience may need to be redone, costing additional time and money.
Be prepared to invest significant energy educating yourself before taking on unfamiliar DIY remodel tasks. Repetitive practice and gradually progressing in complexity is key. Recognize that frustration and imperfection are part of the process.
Overwhelm
Even DIYers with a fair amount of experience can become overwhelmed when taking on a full bathroom remodel independently. The volume of work involved, problem-solving inevitable issues, living in a construction zone and meeting your own high standards over an extended time can lead to burnout.
Many DIY bathroom remodels stretch on for months, or even over a year, leaving homeowners exhausted and the space unfinished. Starting strong but being unable to push through to complete all finished details is common. Underestimating the workload and tasks involved leads to frustration.
Pace yourself, tackle one step completely before moving onto the next phase, and be realistic about your abilities to avoid the risks of exhaustion and overload on a DIY remodel.
Quality and Functionality Issues
Lack of professional skill, tools and oversight can compromise the quality and functionality of the finished bathroom when tackling a DIY remodel. Cosmetic flaws from poor workmanship or understanding of materials can have an impact.
But more importantly, inexperienced mistakes when dealing with plumbing, electrical, floor pitch, waterproofing, ventilation and installation of fixtures/features can lead to functional problems, water damage or safety issues.
Many seemingly simple but critical guidelines are easy for DIYers to overlook. Shortcuts or flawed techniques, even if not immediately visible, can lead to problems immediately or years down the road. Unless you’re highly skilled, some aspects are worth leaving to professionals.
Resale Value
DIY renovations generally do not boost resale value substantially. In fact, visible flaws and weaknesses in a DIY bathroom remodel may even decrease home value slightly in some cases. Homebuyers are wary of problems caused by inexperienced work.
Quality professional renovations using high-end finishes and materials add significant value. But extensive DIY bathroom remodels are unlikely to increase asking price. Curb appeal matters, so if your custom touches wouldn’t appeal to the mass market, a return on investment is improbable.
If you plan to sell in the near future, carefully consider how much enjoyment and function a DIY remodel will provide given the time and money invested. Talk to real estate agents to determine what improvements would be worthwhile.
Keys to a Successful DIY Bathroom Remodel
If the pros still outweigh the cons for your situation, a DIY bathroom remodel can be executed well. Follow these best practices to increase your chances of success:
Set Realistic Goals
Be honest about your abilities and time constraints when setting DIY remodel goals. Prioritize changes that will make the biggest impact for your available time and skill level. Cosmetic refreshes like paint, lighting, faucets and cabinet hardware give bathrooms a new look with less work.
For more extensive changes, break up the project into phases over time instead of overreaching. Focus on getting one space fully functional before moving to another zone. Attainable scopes and timelines prevent frustration.
Budget Accurately
Create an accurate budget upfront accounting for all materials, tools, specialty labor and a cushion for unexpected costs. Avoid underestimating expenses and overspending, which leads many DIYers to burnout and unfinished spaces. Remember you won’t recoup investments fully.
Research material and rental tool costs thoroughly before finalizing budgets. Plan to rent specialty equipment like demolition hammers and wet saws to make the work easier. Outsource complex plumbing, electrical, framing or structural work to prevent costly problems.
Practice Patience
Understand that a DIY remodel takes much more time than a professional renovation. Build long timelines into your plans, budget and expectations. Rushing leads to exhaustion, frustration, mistakes and poor workmanship. Give yourself ample time for each step.
Remain patient and persistent when problem-solving inevitable issues like hidden rot, plumbing challenges or uneven tile. Walk away temporarily if frustration builds. Pace yourself for a marathon, not a sprint. Your patience will pay off in a bathroom you can be proud of.
Master Skills Methodically
Push yourself to gain new DIY skills, but take an incremental approach to learning specialized trades safely. Seek hands-on training opportunities. Start with small projects to practice techniques before applying them to your remodel.
Watch online tutorials, read DIY books and reach out to experienced friends or mentors for guidance. Invest time practicing skills like tiling, hanging drywall and using tools before tackling your space. Thorough research prevents avoidable mistakes.
Work Safely
Finally, don’t cut corners on safety just to save money on a DIY remodel. Protect yourself from injuries when doing demolition or using power tools. Prevent respiratory issues by wearing proper masks when dealing with hazardous materials.
Follow all manufacturers guidelines and building codes. Use extreme caution when working with electricity and plumbing. Improper electrical and structural work can put your home and family at risk. Seek professional consultations if you have any doubts or concerns about the safety of the work.
Professional Bathroom Remodel Benefits
While DIY bathroom remodels allow you to save money on labor, hiring professional contractors has its own compelling advantages. Evaluate if the benefits below are worth the higher overall cost.
Save Time
The biggest benefit of hiring professionals for your bathroom remodel is getting the job done much faster. Experienced contractors already have the specialized skills, tools, staffing and systems to complete renovations efficiently.
A typical professional remodel takes between one and three weeks from demolition to a fully functional bath ready for finishes. DIYers spend months to even over a year on significant overhauls. Your home is disrupted for less time, which is a major advantage of hiring a contractor.
This time savings applies at each step. Pros demolish in hours or days versus weeks for DIYers. Electrical and plumbing is retrofitted rapidly. New fixtures, finishes and features are installed quickly and correctly by specialists.
Professionals can also work on multiple bathrooms simultaneously. If time constraints are your top priority, hiring help is worth the investment for a bathroom remodel completed in days instead of months.
Save Effort
While cost savings motivates many homeowners to take the DIY route, also account for the huge effort and energy a bathroom remodel requires when you do the work. The volume of physical labor, mental focus, problem solving and emotional investment is draining.
Contractors take on the heavy lifting, specialized skills and dusty mess required so you can enjoy your everyday life uninterrupted. Removing the burden of learning specialized trades like tiling, plumbing and carpentry saves you from frustration, exhaustion and potential burnout.
Professionals also handle time-consuming tasks like demolition, hauling away debris and cleanup. Hiring help leaves you fresh and able to enjoy the finished remodeled bathroom. Evaluate if saving effort is worth the higher investment when choosing between DIY and professional.
Access Specialized Skills
Highly experienced remodelers provide specialized expertise gained from years in the trades that DIYers simply don’t have. Their mastery of specialty skills like plumbing, electrical, tiling, carpentry and finishing sets them apart from amateurs.
Professionals know all the regulations and proper techniques to navigate complex bathroom systems safely with precision workmanship. Licensure for plumbing and electrical work ensures adherence to building codes DIYers may overlook but help prevent costly issues.
Consider if your bathroom project requires extensive electrical, plumbing, framing or structural work. If so, professional expertise can actually save money, time and hassle by preventing amateur mistakes. Their specialized skills lead to quality results.
Enjoy Peace of Mind
Embarking on a DIY remodel means taking on all the stress of problem-solving, setbacks and achieving your vision alone. Professionals experienced with bathroom renovations prevent headaches so you can have peace of mind.
Let the contractors handle challenges like hidden rot, plumbing leaks, or uneven floors. They know how to troubleshoot issues and have resources to quickly remedy problems that perplex and frustrate DIYers. Homeowners can relax knowing the experts have it under control.
Professionals also take responsibility for the quality and functionality of their work. Many contractors offer warranties. You have recourse if mistakes are made. With DIY, you own all liability. Avoid the risk and mental burden.
Get It Done Right
Even diligent DIYers make mistakes on first attempts of complex specialty tasks like tiling and plumbing. Contractors not only have extensive experience, they also have professional equipment and materials that produce quality results.
Your remodel is constructed correctly the first time by experts, preventing functionality problems, safety issues, water damage, quick wear and tear, or need for repairs down the road. Their workmanship meets regulations and follows best practices DIYers may overlook.
While DIY provides satisfaction, hiring professionals trades that expertise and precision for your most critical systems. Get it done right the first time by letting the specialists handle complex installations and finishes.
Increase Resale Value
Quality professional bathroom remodels boost your home’s value and command higher sale prices. Any flaws in DIY workmanship or functionality issues are dealbreakers for discerning buyers. Homeowners listed higher after renovations report recapturing 60-80% or more of their investment.
Using high-end materials, stylish design choices and pro installation shows in open houses. Listing agents confirm homeowners get a much better return from hiring out than saving money but sacrificing quality on DIY projects when it comes time to sell.
If your timeframe for selling is within 5-10 years, the value added from quality professional remodeling work can deliver a return on investment over DIY.
Tips for Affording a Pro Bathroom Remodel
The biggest hurdle for most homeowners considering a professional bathroom remodel is the cost. Labor, materials, permits and specialty work add up quickly. However, some clever strategies can help you get professional quality results on a budget.
Scale Back the Scope
Focus the professionals’ work on foundational and complex aspects while handling cosmetic finishes yourself. Have contractors do demolition, carpentry, new layouts, plumbing, electrical and mechanicals while you paint, decorate, install fixtures, add cabinetry and take on final touches.
Limiting the pros’ scope to the structural work saves big on labor costs but still provides expertise where you need it most. DIY the decorating for big savings with a small compromise on convenience.
Use Cost-Saving Materials Strategically
Talk with contractors about cost-effective material choices that still provide quality and durability. Look at ceramic versus natural stone tile, standard tub/shower combos, acrylic vanities and laminate versus solid surface countertops.
Splurge selectively on statement materials only where impact matters most, like the backsplash, a feature wall or countertop surface. Use more affordable choices for remainder of flooring, walls and cabinetry.
Take on Demolition and Dump Runs
Offer to gut the existing bathroom yourself and haul all debris away. This saves contractors hourly labor costs. Just be sure to plan for safe electrical and plumbing shutoffs before demolition.
If you’re able to take time off work during the project, provide help with demolition, material transport and basic clean up each day while professionals focus on trades work. Give bathrooms a final deep cleaning before finish work begins.
Provide Your Own Fixtures/Materials
Purchase finish materials like tile, vanities, lighting, mirrors and hardware yourself at retail prices, then pay the contractor discounted labor only for installations. Avoid their markup on materials.
Select items that install easily. See if you can find quality secondhand or discounted overstock materials. This takes more time and effort but cuts thousands in material costs.
Take Advantage of Off-Season Savings
Schedule bathroom remodels in fall and winter when contractors are less busy. Many provide 10% off or more on labor during slower seasons. Time it right as an easy way to cut costs.
Avoid booking peak spring and summer seasons when demand is high. You’ll have more leverage negotiating pricing for professional services in their slower months.
Compare Multiple Bids
Never go with the first bid. Interview 3-5 professional contractors and compare itemized quotes on labor, materials and profit margin. Let them know you’re getting multiple bids to find the best value.
Ask what strategies each recommends to work within your budget. Compare expertise and responsiveness. Look for the right mix of fair pricing and experience. Don’t automatically choose the lowest bid.
Key Questions to Ask Contractors for Your Remodel
Doing your due diligence when selecting and meeting with contractors helps ensure you hire the right pro. Ask these key questions:
- How long have you been specializing in bathroom remodels specifically? Look for 5+ years