Risks of a DIY bathroom
“A DIY bathroom seems to be cost-effective, but might turn out to cost you a fortune with hidden risks.”
A DIY bathroom seems to be an economical solution to improve the outdated space and increase the value of your property, BUT… hang on there…
Here is a photo of a DIY bathroom:
- The frame and gib boards were installed inappropriately. They are not leveled.
- The improper screeding, resulting in water pooling, is one of the leading causes of leakage
- The timber is used in the shower instead of Hebel, leading to leakage as the timber is rotten by water.
Improper installation: top risk of a DIY bathroom.
Seeing the builder install Gib boards or the tiler cut the tiles or brush the waterproofing membrane, you feel how easy it is. No sweat at all! You trust that you can use the proper technique for installation of materials. However, the scary thing about this is that: you do not know only a 1 mm miscalculation/mismatch can lead to big problems. The scarier thing is that “these big problems” caused by your Installation lie behind the walls and underneath floors. And the scariest thing is that you don’t know you have done something wrong until YOU SEE A SERIOUS LEAK SOMEDAY when your carpet becomes wet, or you notice mold and mildew have been here and there in your room… You often discover it when it is TOO LATE, AND YOU LOST A FORTUNE TO FIX.
Overbudgeting and time-consuming: 2nd risk of a DIY bathroom
Would you like to save money? So, if you do the bathroom on your own, you only have to pay for materials? How about the tools? Don’t tell me that you will do it with your bare hands! Buying a lot of necessary tools cost-effective? Not to mention that you don’t know what to buy or what not? Which brand?
Then, you assume it should take some weeks to renovate your bathroom. However, it can finally cost you months.
The tiler can spend some minutes cutting a tile. However, it can take you hours to make the tile fit in the tiny corner. This situation, you might forget when you plan.
No backup options: 3rd risk of a DIY bathroom
If you choose to handle a bathroom renovation on your own, you’ll be limited to the current toilet, sink, and tub layout.
Worsely, what will happen if you fail to copy-paste even the old layout? What do you need to do next?
Worstly, if you accidentally break the pipe or cause any damage while renovating, who will pay for it? You. If a builder, plumber, or tiler does any damage, their insurance policy will pay for it.
Unprofessional finish: 4th risk of a DIY bathroom
Take tiling as an example: you think installing tile is a “no-sweat” job, but it is straightforward to muck it up. You might make things uneven, use improper cutting methods, scatter the silicone, and miss spots of grout.
Or you can make the painting line look mint, and the paint drops on the floor.
Improper material use: 5th risk of a DIY bathroom
In the photo example at the beginning of this article, the owner used timber in the shower instead of Hebel, as he thought they were the same. But no! They are different. Wood absorbs the water and rot in time, while Hebel is lightweight concrete.
Or it is also a common mistake to think that tiles used for bathroom walls and floors are similar. However, not all tiles are designed for bathroom use. For example, you love the look of a particular tile and want to use it for the floor, but it is slippery and can be used for walls only.
Many times, Cozy Tiling consult clients that it is in their best interests to look for help from professionals as they will help save time and money and prevent you from the pains of mistakes.