DIY Bathroom Renovations: Original Post 12/21 = Updated 2/2024
New bathrooms seem to be the popular "DIY" and "Let's Refresh" theme at the moment.
Planning colors and installation options: Take pictures. Take notes. Look at the installation details. How many tiles come in a box? Are they on a sheet? What is the recommended grout color? Is it Shiny? Is in Matt? Is it for the floor and wall? Slip proof?
In addition to our own bathroom upgrades, several projects are happening at the same time.
Take an inventory of what you've got. Current floorplan, space, functionality of the space
Ask Questions:
What you would LIKE to change? What needs to be upgraded (plumbing, layout or just the tiles?)
What is your DREAM bathroom features?
If you had no budget limitations.
What is your ACTUAL budget? Timeframe? Desired "want to use it by" date?
Who is going to do the work?
Who is skilled to do the work?
Do you have the skill and know-how to do the work?
Do you want to LEARN how to do it?
Shopping for Stones for the Shower.
When shopping for stones... look at the NEGATIVE space. This stone is pretty, but once installed, the amount of grout showing really surprised me. I like it, but it was not exactly how I had pictured it. So ask to see "finished" examples of the tile (especially stone) with grout. If necessary, by ONE(1) 12" square of stone and do a test on a board (that's where I come into play with your DIY stuff)... I really don't mind making small projects like this!
We didn't get this sink. The sticker price gave me sticker shock!!! But, I did like the rail underneath.
We found a smaller corner sink for our son's bachelor bathroom.
Estimating Costs, Delivery and Installation
Find what you like... (look at the price in the corner)...
then go shopping. What are the reasons this is $1362?
We went with a more affordable option. However, I'm finding that the finish is needing EXTRA polishing. But that is something I can do. We found a version similar on Amazon for less than $400.
We taught our sons how to install lighting (yes, my husband did). He is an electrical engineer.
They also installed the Ceiling Fan / Vent and a SunTube to bring in more light.
Natural light that we never knew we needed.
Fixtures, Faucets, and more.
Read the Reviews. Look at the overall return rate if shopping on line.
Pay attention to the Manufacturer and where it is packaged and assembled.
There are many "knock offs"
From experience, we have had some GREAT purchases, and we've had some questionable ones.
After 25 years, I think I've got the "weedy" ones figured out.
Flakey: Yes, Flakey Finishes, Rotten Rubber, and Failing Flanges... We've experienced it all.
We save the installation guides. We date it, and we make sure we spend and install wisely!
Your project could be a simple weekend job, or it could be a complete teardown to the studs....
how you plan and approach it is where I come in to help.
Where I can Help.
Project Management. Do you need to hire someone? Or can you do the work yourself?
Do you have the time, installation tools, and patience to do this?
Do you need Permits from the City? Do you need to organize inspections?
These are areas I'm able to assist with. Contractors and Installers, are they licensed?
Are they current with their ADA and AQMD knowledge?
Do your homework. I'm here to help with that too.
Schedule a Consultation with me and let's chat.
If this is a project we can work on together... Great!
If this is something you want to do yourself? ... Awesome!
My goal is to help you find the right path that best suits you and your families needs.
Budget, Timeline and Accurate Guidance. and if it's out of My Personal Scope, I'll let you know that too and help you select someone who is suitable for the job at hand.
SuzanneGibsonArtist@gmail.com
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