Every year, there are tens of thousands of homeowners who choose to remodel a bathroom on their own. While there is certainly a sense of pride which comes from completing a home remodeling project alone, there are often a lot of regrets as well. The secret to getting the new bathroom of your dreams without spending a lot of money is to know the do's and don'ts of successful DIY home renovations. 

The Do's and Don'ts of Do-It-Yourself Bathroom Remodeling

Seeing any home renovation project out from start to finish is a daunting task, but even for more experienced homeowners, DIY projects are challenging. These do's and don'ts can help.

The Do's

• Understand what you are getting into. Too many people believe since a bathroom is the smallest room in their home, it will be the easiest one to renovate alone. This is not only untrue, but bathrooms are one of the hardest rooms to get everything right. Even a small remodel can lead to issues which go far beyond just cosmetic problems. DIYers need to know what can happen and to prepare themselves. 
• Prepare yourself before starting. Avoid the frustration and the additional cost of changing your mind halfway through a project. Create a mock-up of what you want your bathroom to look like when it is complete. Make sure you purchase all the required materials and tools before starting the project and set aside some money to pay for the inevitable unplanned expenses which will crop up. Come up with a realistic timeline to complete the renovation.
• Know your limits. Everyone has their own ability, and it is critical you know yours before starting a project. There is no shame in admitting to yourself that you don't have the skills or confidence to tackle a part of the remodel on your own, yet. Think of a DIY as a learning experience and call in the professionals before there is a major problem. 

The Don'ts

• Forgetting about building codes and permits is a mistake. Never start a project without making sure you are following the letter of the law. It may seem like a waste of time and money to apply for permits and to adhere to building codes, but you are making a big financial and safety mistake if you don't. Each community has its own regulations, so don't forget to visit your local planning office to get up to speed on the ones where you live. 
• Avoid doing your own plumbing and electric work. Not only is it usually illegal for non-licensed individuals to do this work, but it is also difficult to do it correctly. The amount of money you will need to spend on a professional plumber or electrician is well worth it when you know you won't have any dangerous issues in your new bathroom. 

Are you looking for a shower enclosure or frame to complete your bathroom? Give the shower experts at DeSola Glass, Art & Frame Gallery help. Visit our Houston area showroom or call us at 281-763-2555 to speak with a shower professional!