Ask the Expert

ANSWER:

Confidence using hand and power tools is definitely a plus for any aspiring renovator. However, renovating a bathroom is a more involved project than just working with wood. Your home is made up of many different components and systems that must but be put together correctly so that they not only look good, but function properly and safely.

It may appear straightforward on the surface, but even the smallest bathroom involves working with or potentially adapting your home’s plumbing, electrical, heating and ventilation systems. Without specialized knowledge and experience with these systems, you could easily get in over your head and risk damaging your home and potentially injuring yourself or someone else. Even professional renovators with years of experience are not able to master all of the various skills involved.

For electrical and plumbing work, I would definitely recommend bringing in professionals — the intricacies of these systems are not for the DIYer! A trained plumber or electrician is able to see the bigger picture and the expense is certainly worth the inevitable headache of mismanaging your pipes.

Before undertaking any renovation project I recommend you educate yourself thoroughly. Knowing exactly what’s involved ahead of time will help you determine if you feel comfortable taking it on. There have never been more resources available to help you with this – websites, books, magazines, classes and seminars. And that said, if you’re interested, ask questions of your contractor when and if you hire them — his or her years of experience could teach you more than anyone else.

Expert's Bio

Charles Bull manages a design build construction company in Toronto, Canada, spending his days looking into everything from permits to the latest green building methods. With more than 15 years of experience in residential real estate, construction and renovation under his belt, Charles knows the answers to your home renovation queries — or will find them out if he doesn’t!