A bathroom remodel can be an exciting opportunity to improve your home. Unfortunately, it can also be a little scary as there are some potential nightmare scenarios that can put a real crimp in your plans. Here we will explore some bathroom remodel nightmares with some tips to avoid them.
Mold Lurking Under Fixtures
It can be very disconcerting to pull out a bathroom vanity or open up a bath panel to find mold lurking under the fixture. Mold can start to grow when plumbing fixtures like your sink or shower develop a leak. Even a small and slow drip can allow mold to flourish and start to grow on the attaching wall. If you’re planning on updating your current fixtures, it is a good idea to have your contractor inspect for mold to avoid your home and your health being compromised.
You can also minimize the chances of mold developing by properly ventilating your bathroom to allow moisture and steam in the air to escape. If your bathroom does have issues with excess moisture, it may also be worth having an extractor fan fitted.
Water Damage From Broken Pipes
While a DIY remodel may seem like a great money saving idea, one small mistake could end up costing you a fortune. A common renovation nightmare is to accidentally drill into a water pipe, and if you fail to notice the leak, it could end up creating massive amounts of water damage. If your pipes are older, there is a greater risk of breakages and the ensuing water damage. If you’re not completely confident in your DIY skills, err on the side of caution and call in an
experienced professional.
High VOC Exposure
VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds are byproduct gasses emitted from certain liquids and solids. There are a number of paint thinners, disinfectants, wood preservatives, paints, aerosol sprays and solvents that contain high VOC levels that should be avoided during your renovation. If you are staining floors, painting walls or cleaning down your new fixtures, try to use VOC free products to avoid exposure. There are many brands of home improvement products that are free of VOCs; you’ll just need to look out for them when visiting the hardware store.
Mid Project Catastrophes
There is nothing more disastrous than coming across a catastrophe mid project. From finding rotten flooring, soaked drywall from a leak or rusted pipes, an unexpected surprise can derail a renovation, particularly if you’re trying to complete a DIY renovation. It is important to have a plan for any home improvements and be ready for contingencies, but if you’re not 100% confident in your DIY skills, it is best to call in professional help. If you do come across an unpleasant surprise during the remodel, make sure the work area is safe, and any further damage is minimized by shutting off the water supply and call in some expert help.
If you’re planning a bathroom renovation, it is a good idea to consult a professional contractor. An experienced contractor can assess your project and help you to minimize the risk of a renovation nightmare spoiling your new bathroom.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solution.
