Ah, the lovely spring weather makes people’s minds turn to thoughts of home improvements. If there is a plumbing remodel in your future, there are a few things to keep in mind. A little advance planning can save you a lot of hassle down the road.
1. Create a Budget
Everything that you want to do presumes that you have the money to pay for it. As such, the first item you need to cross off your list involves your budget. Be honest about what you are prepared to pay and how you can achieve it. Major updates to your kitchen and bathroom can help improve your home’s value and need to be done periodically. If you don’t have the cash, it may be worth investigating financing. Just make sure you can handle the payments easily.
2. Make a Plan
Now that you know what you can afford, it’s time to think about what you want to do. Remember that this is your home and you are the one who has to live in it. That means the space has to work for the way you use it. Make a list of your needs and wants. Bear in mind that many long-term plumbing issues, like worn pipes, may not be noticeable until you start work on the project. As you lay out a tentative schedule, try to focus on the order things need to be done, rather than their convenience. For example, if you need to replace some plumbing along with your shower, it is better to plan to bring in the plumber before you start installing new materials.
3. Determine the Level of Expansion
When you are knee-deep into planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel, it’s easy to lose sight of the complications plumbing can pose. If you intend to keep everything in the same place, you may not have to replace or install much in the way of new plumbing. On the other hand, if you want to expand the room or relocate sinks, tubs and toilets, you need to consult with an experienced plumber before you begin. Dramatically changing the layout tends to account for the greatest expense, too, so make sure you’re ready for it.
4. Don’t Feel Pressured to DIY
You’ll read a ton of guides about how homeowners can easily replace certain things in their bathrooms and kitchens with little know-how and a few handy tools. However, if this isn’t already your happy place, you should know it’s fine to admit it. Plumbing is often more complicated than it looks. If you get it wrong, you may end up with a seriously leaky or stinky situation. Give yourself the gift of recognizing when you’d rather have a pro handle it, and you’ll be glad you did.
5. Research Local Guidelines
For a lot of remodeling projects, you’ll hire a contractor whose job is partly to know what the laws are in your area for similar types of jobs. Still, it’s fair to do a little research on your own. Getting a permit for a plumbing remodel is a common requirement, and it’s also good common sense. Unpermitted work can make it harder for you to sell your home down the road. Find out if you need one, and make sure you get it before work begins.
Updating your plumbing can make your whole home feel better and run more smoothly. The right preparation makes all the difference. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact us at Master Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.
