Bathroom Remodeling
Remodeling a bathroom is a major undertaking. Many Fairfax homeowners try to save money on the cost by doing it themselves. Despite what you see on television home remodeling programs, it is easy to get in over your head with a bathroom remodel. Unless you have experience in plumbing, tiling, flooring, and carpentry, a bathroom remodel is a job for a professional. Doing it right the first time will save you money in the long run. Here are some examples to illustrate a few things that can go wrong.
Inadequate Ventilation
Improper or inadequate ventilation in the bathroom can prevent a lot of problems throughout your home, leading to the growth of mold. This is especially an issue if the bathroom is located in the interior of your home and has no window to help ventilate the room. Signs that your ventilation is not adequate are mirrors fogging up when the fan is running. You may only need a stronger fan, or you may need to correct improper ventilation. Unfortunately, you may not realize it until after you have begun your DIY bathroom remodel. Correcting the problem can mean having to redo much of the work you’ve already done and increased expense.
Ventilation problems are common in bathrooms. An experienced bathroom remodeling contractor will identify the issue when planning out the project and factor it into the total cost. You will have no surprises concerning ventilation midway through the project.
Mold
Mold may be the leading problem Fairfax homeowners have in their bathrooms. Ignoring signs of mold when you undertake a DIY bathroom remodel only leads to more problems.
Signs of mold are black spots on walls near the baseboards or the ceiling. You may or may not detect a musty smell. If you ignore the mold and proceed with your bathroom remodel, you can spread the mold to the rest of your house. It can also cause upper respiratory problems and asthma symptoms. Also, if the problem is due to inadequate ventilation, failure to correct it will simply facilitate mold regrowth. You will need to call in a mold remediation contractor to eliminate the problem. This will increase the total cost of the project and necessitate tearing out drywall work that you completed and redoing it.
A professional bathroom remodeling contractor knows that mold is prevalent in bathrooms. They know how to spot it, diagnose the cause, and correct the condition. The cost will be factored in to the total cost of the project. You will not be surprised or unexpectedly delayed and your budget will have already accounted for it.
Improper Drainage
Drain problems are also a common problem in bathrooms, whether due to improper installation or wear and tear over time. You may not have been aware of a leak because it was leaking under the floor. When you demolish the floor and find rotting subflooring, you will have to call in a professional to diagnose and correct the problem.
Perhaps you are one of the lucky homeowners and have no hidden leaks. However, you must take care to install drain seals and plumbing fixtures correctly so you do not create problems for yourself in the future. If you are inexperienced in this kind of work, be aware that it is easy to install these components improperly.
When you hire an experienced bathroom remodeler, your drainage and plumbing will be inspected. Problems that can be identified before demolition will be addressed and will be corrected as part of the project. Some problems can only be identified and corrected after demolition begins. For example, plumbing fixtures may be causing the shower and tub drain to leak or improperly direct water. Maybe the toilet seal has gone bad. In most cases, a professional contractor can detect problems before the project begins, include appropriate corrections in your remodeling plan, and install new seals and fixtures properly. In most cases, the contractor’s work is warrantied. This saves the homeowner lots of time and money.
Worn Out or Poor Plumbing
Old or poorly installed plumbing is often the source of leaks that a homeowner cannot detect until walls are demolished. Once you have the plumbing exposed, you should call in a licensed plumber to inspect any plumbing that you plan to leave in place. If repairs are needed, now is the time to have it done. Ignoring them will only create more plumbing problems for you later.
With a professional remodeler, your plumbing issues should be easily recognized and remedied as appropriate. You may need all new plumbing, which will certainly add expense to the project. When the project is completed, however, you can be confident that problems have been solved by a licensed and insured contractor.
Non-Compliance With Building Codes
Go online and see hundreds of photos of what can go wrong when you fail to comply with building code requirements for minimum distances between certain items, such as sinks and toilets, tubs and sinks, and so forth. Make sure you know what building codes apply and get all necessary permits before you start. Even if you are lucky enough to end up with a successful bathroom remodel, you may have trouble selling your home until you bring the bathroom into compliance.
You can avoid these issues with a professional Fairfax bathroom remodeling contractor. Professional contractors know the local code and permit requirements and are very experienced in procuring what is necessary. You will never have to worry about this aspect of your remodel.
Contact a Professional Fairfax Bathroom Remodeling Contractor for a Free Consultation
Save yourself time and money and let a licensed professional contractor handle your bathroom remodeling project. The contractor’s work is warrantied. Before any work begins, you will have a good understanding of what the project will involve, what it will cost, and how much time it will take to complete. You will be able to enjoy your new bathroom for a long time. Call a professional soon and schedule an appointment for a free quote.
