Why Bathroom Renovations Are The Most Challenging

This is a collaborative post

Most people can redecorate a bedroom in the space of a weekend. But the challenge is much greater when it’s a bathroom. It’s just so much more complicated, and even if you have decent DIY skills, you can struggle. 

Here are some of the reasons why bathroom renovations are tricky and what you can do about them:

Cost Overruns

The number one issue most people face is cost overruns. These often spring out of nowhere when you least expect it. 

One of the main problems is simply dampness. Hidden water damage can force you to replace entire drywall sections, even when you thought you could leave the walls where they were.

Another problem is the plumbing. You may have to move things around, and doing so could be more challenging than you expect. 

The trick here is to plan cost reductions into your budget. For example, using affordable ex display bathrooms online could compensate you for the cost of hiring a plumber. 

Disruption

Another issue you find in many bathroom renovations is the problem of disruption. Where are you supposed to go to the toilet?

You can work around this issue by leaving the toilet in place and keeping the water running (or manually topping it up yourself). But what if you want to rip out the entire room? In these situations, the best option is simply to hire a portable toilet for the duration of the work. This way, you can avoid expensive hotel stays elsewhere. 

Permitting Codes

The issue of permitting codes may also arise. These come up when you need to apply to change the structure of your property, or you want to extend your bathroom considerably. 

Working through these is challenging, but most builders have experience with the paperwork. The majority will help you for a fee. 

If you want to avoid this, you can simply scale back your plans. But you might not get the bathroom you want. 

Electrical Issues

When you start ripping out an old bathroom, it is all too easy to run into electrical issues. Many aren’t constructed to sufficiently high standards, forcing the bill on you to keep your family safe. 

Unfortunately, there aren’t many ways around this issue. Bathrooms require special electricals to prevent electrocutions in the presence of water. 

Waterproofing Problems

You may also need to waterproof your bathroom to keep it intact. Failing to do so could lead to dampness and water permeating through the ceilings to the ground floor. 

You can sometimes waterproof yourself, but you’ll need to practice it. The goal is to ensure there’s caulk between the wall and the bath or shower, keeping the water. You can try this job yourself, but make sure you learn how to do the technique online first. 

Ventilation Issues

Finally, you might bump up against some ventilation issues. These are essential to correct as early as possible as they can lead to mold and dampness. 

The best approach is to ensure that there’s air exchange happening using air bricks. However, you can also use a dehumidifier.