mommyme
My hubby and I need a new bathroom. The estimate to have someone do it is incredible. We were hoping to tackle some of it ourselves. Is this possible for a newbie? I know I will have to have someone do a little electrical(new can lights) and move a toilet and install tub. But the demo, new framing, new sheetrock etc. Any help would be appreciated
Training a Puppy
A new bathroom requires permits. As such, most of the work must be performed by a licensed contractor. You can do some stuff yourself (painting, flooring, tiling, etc.). But, all framing, plumbing, and electrical must be done by a professional. And, the drywall/hardybacker must be inspected before a surface (paint, tiles, etc.) is applied.
If you’re truly a newbie at DIY projects, I wouldn’t think there’s a whole lot you can do yourself. Most of the expensive stuff has to be done by a contractor.
Now, if you choose to do this project without permits, concider that when you go to sell the house, a good appraiser should consider that any unpermitted work on the house doesn’t exist, as far as the appraisal is concerned. That’s one reason for pulling permits for any job that requires them.
How to Sleep Better
A new bathroom with rough plumbing being changed needs a permit, but a contractor is not required despite anthers mention. And I live about 90 miles north of that person!
I built 1200 sq ft of new master-bed, bath, garage/shop, including rough plumbing, finished plumbing, electrical, (except for the new fuse box) and remodeled the kitchen on my own and I am not a contractor, nor was I ever trained as one. I read a lot about doing that kind of work though before getting involved.
I got kudos from the inspectors whenever they came out to sign stuff off, and one said he wished contractors would do as well.
The thing is I made it my hobby. I also do woodworking so I enjoy collecting all of the tools that go with the hobbies.
But I will say if your not motivated at all times, you should reconsider doing it yourself. There is a big difference between someone who wants to build a bathroom on there own and invest in expensive tools, and someone who wants to save money by doing it on your own. All of the things you mention you want to do are doable by a newbie. If you want to learn more about doing that kind of work, go ahead and tear into it. You’ll learn a lot. Also pick up a few issues of Fine Home-building. I learned almost everything I know from reading that magazine since its inception.
Cycling Skinsuits
Your best advice is this. Get 3 estimates all based on the same scope of work. If the estimates come in and all do not list the same scope of work, choose one that has the most information and then ask the other 2 to revise their proposals to match the one that has it all. Compare pricing – Base your choice on how you liked or disliked the representatives attitude, and the reputation of the company. You might save a little by doing some things yourself, but remember if you pick and choose to do the easy stuff- your contractor probably didn’t have much time allowed for those areas anyway. I have been doing this for 28 years, and I rarely choose to have homeowners do any portion of our jobs. Your idea of demo and what actually needs to be demo won’t be the same. If you can’t afford it all right now, do it in stages. Hope this helps you out.