Big or small, remodeling a bathroom is an extensive job. You will have to have a space cleared for the demolition to take place, work done on the plumbing, and tiles for the walls. There are some things you can do on your own such as changing fixtures and putting up paint. But, other tasks should be left to professionals.
A licensed general contractor will handle the remodeling work in your bathroom. They will have professional contacts for subcontractors in the plumbing and electrical field. These professionals handle tasks like wiring, laying and grouting tile, and more.
They know what needs to be done, how to do it safely, and schedule when things should be done. It’s easy for a homeowner to get caught up in the excitement of planning a remodel. Your contractor will keep your project on track so you won’t have to worry about details slipping through the cracks.
The extent of work involved varies dramatically depending on the condition and layout of your home compared to what you want to achieve. The easiest changes involve the sink and faucet. Even with some plumbing changes, you’re not looking at tearing up a lot of the room and rebuilding.
Changing the location of the bathroom
Changing the location of the toilet, bathtub, or shower becomes much more complicated. Supply lines for water run through the walls or the floor/ceiling, but drains have to fit into the floor space and then join the plumbing “stack” in the wall. This is the combination drain and vent system. Changes to these parts can involve a lot of destruction before anything new can be installed. Bidets—an increasingly popular addition in recent years—will need a drain and supply lines. This type of work is routine for a seasoned plumber but definitely must be done with care.
After the toilet, the other potential tasks seem pretty simple. Replacing an existing bathtub can be hard work, but is typically straightforward if you’re able to reuse the existing drain and supply lines. Changing from a bathtub to a tub/shower or to a walk-in shower becomes slightly more complex, but not substantially.
Where to start a bathroom remodel
If you want to renovate your bathroom, be sure to find the right general contractor who understands your vision—and can build the type of bathroom you want. During a site visit, we will help you discover ideal design features for your space and will be invaluable in assisting with the permit process. Hire the right expert from Ark Design & Construction to help build your vision at home, you’ll get a FREE estimate and we offer financing with 0% interest rate options for qualifying customers.
Want to see some examples of Ark Design & Construction bathroom work? See some of our bathroom renovations.
