What You Need to Know About a Full Bathroom Remodel
A full bathroom remodel is more than a cosmetic or style change. It’s often a rip and replace project that requires dropping walls, rerouting electrical and re-flooring.
A top-notch general contractor is key. They can sniff out pitfalls and provide realistic cost estimates. They can also help you find ways to finance the project.
Design
The design phase is a key part of any remodeling project, and bathroom renovations are no exception. Whether you’re just repainting or swapping out the vanity, or installing a new shower and tub, the design decisions that you make can affect the entire space.
For example, if you’re adding a tricked-out shower tower with multiple showerheads and body sprays, it might require upgrading your existing water lines to accommodate the increased flow. That can add hundreds to your budget.
It’s also important to consider how you’ll use the space before making decisions about what materials to use. If you plan on using the bath as a family bath, for instance, you might want to include plenty of storage for towels and supplies like bath toys. And if you’re thinking about a full remodel, it’s important to consider aging-in-place options that will allow the space to serve future generations of your family.
Permits
When a homeowner does a bathroom redo that involves structural changes and/or plumbing and electrical upgrades, it typically requires a permit from the DOB. The permit process usually entails filling out an application, providing detailed plans and specifications, paying a fee, and scheduling inspections. It can be time-consuming and complicated, especially if you are doing the work yourself or working with a non-licensed contractor.
Small cosmetic changes, like painting rooms or refinishing floors, don’t require a permit. Structural changes include adding or removing walls, changing layouts, and installing new electrical and plumbing systems. DOB inspections ensure that the remodel is done properly according to building codes and regulations. Homeowners who renovate without a permit may face consequences such as fines and the inability to sell their property. A licensed remodeling contractor knows the ins and outs of NYC permit requirements and can guide you through the process. Inspections are crucial to the success of your project.
Demolition
To give your bathroom a new look, the old features have to go. Unless you want to reglaze your tub or paint the tile, a full remodel requires demolition to get down to the framing so that you can build it back up differently.
Demolition can include removing the toilet, shower, bathtub, sink and cabinetry as well as the flooring. To protect yourself and your home, it’s important to shut off the water at the main valve and cut off electrical power before starting work. It’s also a good idea to shut off the lights so you don’t accidentally hit wires or cause a fire.
Tearing out the existing tile is often the most fun part of a DIY remodel, but it’s also probably the hardest task. You’ll have to chisel and hammer your way through rows of tiles until you reach the drywall, which you’ll then carefully cut with a saw to expose the studs.
Installation
Adding new fixtures like light fixtures, mirrors, and other accessories can be completed on a weekend by experienced DIYers. However, moving electrical outlets or making other alterations to a wet location requires a licensed electrician and is a job that should always be completed by a professional.
A full bathroom remodel often involves changing the layout of the room. This can be invasive and costly, so it’s important to carefully consider what is needed to change the space. Often, this includes relocating fixtures like the tub/shower, toilet, and sink but does not include changing the footprint of the room or reworking the wall structure.
If a full remodel is required, hiring a contractor can help ensure that permits are obtained and board approvals are met in a timely fashion. Additionally, a quality contractor can help you with the demolition process and provide advice on how to keep costs down. Also be sure to check shipping times so that materials can arrive in time.
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