Michigan Homeowners: DIY Bathroom Renovation Vs. Hiring A Pro

Are you tired of your old bathroom? Now that fall is here, it’s the perfect time of year for Michigan homeowners to plan a bathroom makeover. It's also a great way to add value to your home.

But the cost of remodeling your bathroom can quickly add up depending on what changes you’re making. This is why many homeowners choose to tackle bathroom renos as a DIY project. However, if you’re thinking about doing it yourself, it’s important to know that some jobs are best left to a skilled contractor.

Here’s what you need to know about DIY bathroom remodels:

What’s Involved with a DIY Bathroom Remodel

Before you decide that your bathroom remodel is a DIY project, it helps to know what’s involved with this type of home renovation. Consider these points before starting your own remodel:

Do you have the knowledge and skills to do the work yourself? If you’re looking for a professional finishing touch to your renovation, you need to be confident in your ability to do a DIY bathroom remodel.

Do you have the time needed for a bathroom reno? Doing the work in your free time means that you’ll be spending less time with your family.

A bathroom remodel may take anywhere from four to five weeks from start to finish. Are you prepared to live with a bathroom that’s turned into a construction zone for as long as it takes to complete the project?

Leave bathroom renos to a pro. Contact a HomeAdvisor bathroom remodeler in Michigan.

DIY Bathroom Projects

Renovating your bathroom can be as simple as replacing old fixtures with new or it can be as complex as installing a new bathtub and retiling the floor. Even if you hire a contractor for the bigger tasks, there are some jobs that you can do yourself to save money when you’re on a budget.

Here’s a breakdown of bathroom projects that you can DIY:

1. Buy New Fixtures

Contractors often charge 10% over retail for their time spent finding the fixtures you want. You can save by purchasing your own.

2. Tile Removal

Talk to your contractor about tile removal. If you’re retiling the floor you can save money by removing the old tiles yourself.

3. Floor Tiling

You can save a lot of money by laying bathroom tiles. The average cost of professional tiling starts at $860 for porcelain tiles and can be as high as $2,800 for natural stone.

4. Painting

Doing your own painting can save you anywhere from $380 to $800. Make sure to find out from your contractor when is the best time during the project for you to paint.

5. Installing a New Mirror

You don’t need a professional to hang a mirror. Save from $150 to $460 by doing your own mirror installation in the bathroom.

6. Bathtub Refinishing

A contractor will charge you anywhere from $330 to $600 to refinish your bathtub. Buy a kit for $100 and refinish the tub on your own.

7. Tub Installation

The cost of a new bathtub and installation ranges from $1,000 to $5,200. Purchasing a new tub for $200 to $2,000 and installing yourself is a considerable savings. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of $150 for piping and plumbing materials.

8. Toilet Installation

If you have the experience to install a new toilet, you’ll be able to save anywhere from $210 to $520 on your bathroom remodel budget.

9. Shower Installation

Although a complex job, if you have the skills you can save a lot on shower installation. A professional will charge between $1,200 to $5,800 to install a shower.

10. Installing Faucets and Sinks

If you know how to do some basic plumbing, you’ll be able to save on faucet and sink installation. Otherwise you can expect to pay between $150 and $340 for faucet installation and another $200 to $550 for sink installation by a professional.

Hiring a Professional Bathroom Contractor

If you don’t think you have the skills for a DIY bathroom remodel, you’ll want to consider hiring a professional. A bathroom contractor has the knowledge and tools needed to do the job right and can hire subcontractors for more specialized areas such as electrical and plumbing.

Follow these tips when hiring a bathroom contractor:

• Check online ratings and reviews.
• Ask for references from previous customers.
• Get more than one quote.
• Confirm credentials, insurance, and licensing.
• Get written estimates and ask about work guarantees.

For professional renovations call a HomeAdvisor bathroom contractor in Michigan.

This Patch article is sponsored by HomeAdvisor.