Thinking about giving your bathroom a fresh, new look? A bathroom renovation can completely transform the space, making it more modern, functional, and enjoyable, having said that bathroom renovations aren’t necessarily cheap leading many to contemplate the DIY route to save money. However, while some tasks are manageable for a DIY enthusiast, there are a few renovation aspects that can become overwhelming and should be left to professionals. What may initially start as a money-saving project can turn into a costly repair job if something goes wrong. That’s why it’s important to know which parts of a Brisbane bathroom renovation project you can confidently handle on your own and which are better left to the expertise of professionals. Read on to discover more.
What Bathroom Renovations Can You Do Yourself?
Demolition
Ready to rip out those old tiles and outdated vanity? Demolition is one of the tasks you can do on your own. It’s also a satisfying activity to jump into your renovation. It can be as simple as removing old cabinets and tiles or tearing out old fixtures. If you want to save on labour costs, this is an ideal DIY task. However, you have to be careful in handling plumbing and electrical systems to prevent damaging them. Use proper tools and PPE like gloves, goggles, and masks to keep yourself protected from debris, dust, and sharp edges and objects. Remember to plan your demolition first to prevent unnecessary damage, especially to pipes and wiring.
Painting
Another DIY task you can take on for your bathroom renovation project is painting. It’s one of the easiest and most accessible DIY projects, even for beginners. A fresh coat of paint can completely change a bathroom, giving it a modern look without breaking the bank. But before you take on the painting activity, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, bathrooms are humid environments, so you’ll need to use moisture-resistant or mildew-resistant paint specifically designed for damp areas. Prep your walls properly and use painter’s tape to get clean lines and edges. Whether you’re going for a bold new colour or simply refreshing the existing shade, painting can have an instant and dramatic effect on the overall feel of the space.
Tiling
If you’re up to the challenge, tiling can be another rewarding DIY task you can take on for your bathroom renovation. This is where your patience and preparation can make a great difference. Proper surface preparation is key before laying down the tiles. You want it to be smooth, level, and clean and you would want to measure carefully to ensure that there are even lines between the tiles. Precision is key when tiling to get professional-looking results. Take time in cutting tiles to fit around fixtures like toilets or sinks. Having the right tile-cutting tools can also go a long way in helping you get quality results, however, you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on a tool you’ll only use once. Instead, you can rent tile cutters from your local tool hire shop or some hardware stores. If you are new at tiling, you may also want to practise on a small area first before committing to the entire bathroom.
Installing Fixtures
Installing new mirrors, cabinets, or vanities is another task DIY enthusiasts can handle and a great way to modernise your bathroom without diving into a full renovation. If there’s no need to move the plumbing, installing fixtures is a relatively straightforward project. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can update these bathroom fixtures yourself. However, if the plumbing layout needs to be changed or there are more complex adjustments, you should call a professional plumber.
When Should You Call in the Professionals?
Plumbing and Electrical Work
One of the biggest no-nos for bathroom renovations is handling complex plumbing or electrical work on your own. Rerouting pipes or rewiring electrical systems should be left to professional plumbers and electricians. Plumbing and electrical systems are complex and mistakes can lead to serious issues such as water damage, electrical fires, or even harm to yourself. This is why it’s important to have a licensed plumber and electrician to ensure the job is done safely, up to code, and avoid costly mishaps down the line.
Waterproofing
In bathroom renovations, waterproofing is an essential aspect. Bathrooms are constantly exposed to moisture and even a tiny leak can cause significant damage over time including mould and rotting walls. Waterproofing ensures that your bathroom is protected from water damage, particularly in wet areas like the shower, around the tub, or near the sink. This is a highly specialised task that needs to be done correctly the first time. Calling in a professional waterproofer will give you peace of mind, knowing that your bathroom is sealed and protected against future issues.
Structural Changes
If your bathroom renovation requires moving or removing walls, adjusting the layout, or adding features that require structural changes, you will already need a professional for it. Structural changes are complex as they can affect the stability of the space and also your home’s overall integrity. A professional renovation builder can ensure that these changes are made safely and in line with building standards.
Complex Tiling or Flooring Jobs
While basic tiling can be done on your own, intricate tiling patterns or specialty tiles are best left to professionals. Tiles such as marble, large-format tiles, or mosaic patterns require precision. Professional tilers have the necessary experience and tools to handle tricky layouts and difficult cuts. If you want a more professional and flawless finish especially when using more expensive materials, hiring a professional can make a great difference to the final result.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional
Sometimes, it just makes sense to bring in someone who knows what they’re doing. While DIY projects can be rewarding, professionals come in with a lot of benefits that can’t be matched by a few online tutorials. One of the biggest advantages of hiring a professional is that they ensure everything is done right and up to code. Plumbing, electrical, and waterproofing all require compliance with Australian Building standards which professionals know like the back of their hand. The second advantage is the peace of mind that comes with knowing the job will be done efficiently and safely. Bathroom renovations involve a lot of moving parts and professionals know how to manage these complexities, saving you from the stress of juggling multiple tasks.
Another advantage of hiring professionals instead of doing DIY is that they can resolve unexpected issues that can arise during a renovation. What might be a confusing problem for a DIY enthusiast is just another day at work for a seasoned professional, allowing them to quickly find solutions and keep the project on track. Lastly, the work of a professional often leads to a higher-quality finish. Their experience combined with their access to tools and materials means your bathroom will look more polished and durable, reducing the need for repairs later.
Making the Right Choice for Your Bathroom Renovation
So, can you renovate your bathroom yourself? The answer is yes but only for some parts. When it comes to basic tasks such as demolition, painting, and installing fixtures, you can do it on your own with minimal prior knowledge or experience. Performing these tasks DIY is a great way to keep renovation costs down, allowing you to save on labour while still making impactful changes to your space. However, when it comes to complex, technical tasks such as plumbing and electrical work waterproofing, or large-scale layout or structural changes it’s better to call in the experts. Before you start, assess your skills, time, and budget to see which parts of the renovation you can confidently tackle and when professional help is needed. At the end of the day, it’s all about striking the right balance between knowing your limits and making smart decisions to ensure the renovation goes smoothly.
Thinking about upgrading your bathroom? Whether you’re handling some aspects of the project DIY or just want a simple all-in-one solution our team is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s turn your dream bathroom into reality!
