Remodeling your bathroom or kitchen is an exciting project that can significantly increase the value and enjoyment of your home. However, it can also be complex and, if not done correctly, cause personal and financial strain.
Before you begin remodeling, take a few minutes to read through these tips. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smoother remodel process and avoid unnecessary challenges.
1. Have a Plan
When preparing for a remodel, seek inspiration and craft a meticulous plan for your project. A renovation without a clear strategy can lead to overspending and design decisions you may later regret.
Have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, and create a detailed outline of your budget and the scope of your project. Your renovation plan should clearly define the desired configuration of your space after the remodel. And keep in mind that different configurations may better align with your budget. It's important to be decisive about the materials and finishes you intend to use. While the project may initially seem overwhelming, taking the time to create a well-thought-out plan will significantly contribute to the smooth execution of your remodel.
Before starting any project, know where your electrical and water lines are. If you're considering moving fixtures around, take the opportunity to plan how to reroute them. Knowing the layout of these systems will be helpful during demolition and help keep you and your home safe.
Before getting started, be sure to understand the plumbing phases of a remodel:
- Demolition: Removing existing fixtures and piping to make way for the new design.
- Rough-in: Installing new supply and drain piping behind walls before insulation and drywall.
- Finishing: Installing fixtures, trim, and making any final plumbing connections.
2. Understand Your Plumbing System
Depending on the scope of the renovation and your experience, you may feel confident doing some of the plumbing work yourself. If so, we recommend thoroughly educating yourself on your home’s plumbing system and researching local codes and regulations for plumbing work.
Next, locate your kitchen or bath's drain lines, water supply lines and utilities. Knowing the location and functions of these systems is especially important if you need to reroute them to move fixtures. Check out our blog, Plumbing 101: Homeowner Plumbing, for an overview of your home’s plumbing system.
The location of your plumbing system and utilities will also determine what is financially feasible for your remodel. Rerouting heating ducts, utilities, and water lines can lead to additional obstacles and costs.
To protect your home, cap any valves and turn off any water valves that feed the construction area. For more information, check out our guide on stops and supply lines.
Additionally, we recommend using gripper plugs during remodeling to prevent sewer odors from entering your home.
Plumbing System Cheat Sheet
- Water Supply and Drain Lines: Water supply lines are the pipes that bring water into your home and distribute it throughout. They feed your faucets, toilets, sinks, and appliances. Drain lines are the pipes that remove wastewater from your home. Typically, these are larger in diameter than supply lines.
- DWV system: DWV stands for Drain, Waste, and Vent. This system removes wastewater from your home while also ventilating drain lines to prevent clogs. If you plan on moving fixtures, this system must be reworked.
Fixtures: Fixtures are any appliances or devices in your kitchen or bathroom that utilize water. Fixtures include sinks, toilets, showers, bathtubs, and dishwashers.
3. Know How to Choose a Plumber
Choosing the right time to involve a professional is crucial in your remodeling journey. During the initial planning phase, a plumber can identify any underlying issues and provide accurate estimates for the necessary work.
A licensed plumber is essential if you plan to change your existing plumbing or install new fixtures that connect to the current piping system. This professional will ensure that everything meets local building codes and operates safely and efficiently.
We recommend that you consult with a professional during the rough-in phase of your project. Any work within the wall is completed during rough-in, including relocating the electrical and plumbing fixture lines.
Finding a reputable contractor can be a daunting task. We recommend seeking word-of-mouth referrals, browsing online reviews, and getting quotes from three to five plumbers to compare estimates. Also, ensure you hire a state-licensed plumber for permitted work.
4. Obtain Permits and Schedule Inspections
Knowing your local plumbing codes and obtaining the proper permits are essential to ensure regulatory compliance and project safety. Doing so ensures your work adheres to all required health codes and standards, bringing peace of mind to everyone involved in the project.
Depending on the scope of your renovation, you may not need to obtain permits and schedule inspections. If you plan to do the work yourself, you will want to follow codes closely to ensure there are no cross-connections that would inadvertently contaminate the potable water supply.
For larger projects, you will need to obtain permits and schedule inspections. Typically, you will have a rough-in inspection and a final inspection to ensure the work you or your contractor has done is up to code and safe.
5. Factor in Plumbing Costs
When remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, controlling costs is crucial. By understanding the expenses upfront, you can avoid overspending.
- Labor and Materials: These core expenses typically make up most of the budget. Hiring help or choosing high-end materials will increase the overall cost of your project. Reusing fixtures and taking on some of the labor yourself can cut costs.
The quality and brand of materials and fixtures will also impact costs. We recommend prioritizing high-quality materials over price. This approach guarantees durability and longevity in your installations, saving you time and money in the long run.
However, price is not the only determinant of durability. Expensive stones like marble are much more delicate and prone to scratching and staining, while engineered quartz is more durable despite being less expensive.
- Permits and Inspection Fees: For larger projects, it's important to note that your city code will require permits and inspections to ensure adherence to local building codes. These inspections are standard practice and are conducted at various stages of your project. Typically, there will be rough-in inspections for electrical, plumbing, and framing work, followed by a final inspection to ensure everything is compliant.
- Scope of Work: The scope of your project will also determine the cost. Bathroom remodels tend to cost more due to the specialized equipment and number of fixtures needed. If you plan to reroute fixtures, anticipate spending more on labor and materials than a cosmetic upgrade.
If you’re happy with your kitchen or bathroom layout, consider a cosmetic “facelift” instead of a full remodel. These upgrades can improve your home's overall look and feel while reducing the cost of your remodel. You can completely refresh your space by upgrading trims, flooring, lighting, and fixtures. Oatey offers a variety of trim kits, available in various sleek designer finishes, that can quickly refresh the design of your bathtubs.
6. Anticipate Repairs
Unexpected repairs and delays commonly occur during remodels. Make sure that you allocate funds, maintain a flexible timeline, and try to proactively address these challenges.
Depending on the extent of your remodel, you may uncover water damage, leaks, broken toilet flanges, and other issues that require immediate attention during the demolition phase. You can prepare by allocating a portion of your budget to cover unforeseen expenses.
If you have a broken toilet flange, the Oatey Fix-it Repair Ring securely repairs broken, cracked, or worn-out toilet mounting flanges, so you won't have to replace the entire flange. It's designed for easy and reliable installation, with a perfect-length bolt slot that prevents bending during installation and provides secure, level, leak-free repairs.
Conclusion
Undertaking a bathroom or kitchen remodel is a big investment in your home and your quality of life. To ensure success, it is important to plan, conduct thorough research, and consider these tips. Always prioritize safety standards and do not hesitate to seek professional services when tasks exceed your skill level. A beautiful and functional space is within reach with careful planning and attention to detail.
Need more help? Check out our video tutorials and project guides for step-by-step instructions on your plumbing-related questions.