I'm gearing up to renovate our master bath, and I've got a solid design plan along with some builder-grade blueprints from a construction planner I worked with. I initially thought about hiring a remodeling company I had a positive experience with in the past, but the last small bathroom project I gave them was a total flop.It's super frustrating to keep paying professionals and not getting the quality I expect. I usually tackle lots of DIY projects like carpentry, drywall, electrical work, painting, and tiling, but I'm a bit intimidated by the idea of a big master bath project, even though I'm confident I can do a nice job. I'm wondering how I can break down the master bath renovation so I can handle 90% of the work myself, while still hiring out for the crucial stuff that requires a pro, like waterproofing the shower. Has anyone been in a similar situation? What should I be looking for in a contractor for only the shower foundation and waterproofing, who would be cool with me doing the tiling myself? Should I contact a plumber for that, or find someone who specializes in shower remodels? Would they even want to take on the job if they know I'd be tiling it myself? Any advice or tips from those who have experience with similar DIY projects would be really appreciated! I'm aiming for a high-end finish since this is our forever home, and I want to make sure I get every detail right.
4 Answers
It sounds like you need a handyman with bathroom remodeling experience. They'll definitely exist! Creating a plan or checklist for the steps in your project might help a lot in coordinating everything. Knowing the order things need to happen in is key!
Honestly, modern materials like Schluter make shower waterproofing pretty straightforward! Setting the tile can be the tricky part, though. Don't stress too much!
I can’t help you find your waterproofing contractor, but here’s a tip: make sure you carve out some time off work for this project. Even if you hire help, renovations can really disrupt your daily life. I was without a master bath and kitchen for a while, and it was tough!
While I haven’t done exactly what you’re planning, I’ve found that many professionals are open to doing part of the job while letting you handle the rest. For my bathroom, I had experts install a new acrylic tub and handle the plumbing while I did all the other work like demo, drywall, and tiling. And a tip: after the demo, be adaptable. You never know what you're up against until you rip out the old stuff!
