Which is better for remodeling a bathroom: hiring an expert or doing it yourself?
Some homeowners attempt to tackle the task of bathroom remodeling on their own, gathering supplies and equipment one by one in the garage and scheduling subcontractors (carpenters, electricians, and plumbers) in the hopes that they will show up on time and in the correct order. In this manner, mistakes, delays, and expensive overruns occur. An large bathroom redesign should be completed by professionals rather than by the do-it-yourselfer unless it only entails cosmetic modifications.
Skilled remodelers typically look for a general contractor with experience; some specialize in kitchens and bathrooms. They may also consult space planners working in retail showrooms where they intend to shop; Ikea, for instance, provides a service called Bathroom Planner. With a thorough drawing in hand, the general contractor can handle the labor-intensive tasks of obtaining a building permit, placing material and product orders, and managing the subcontractors.
For others, the ideal solution is a so-called design-build company, a one-stop shop that handles every aspect of the remodel under one roof, including choosing the most beautiful moisture-resistant wallpaper and hiring a professional to hang it, as well as designing the layout, sizing the vanity, and figuring out the ideal height for the toilet paper holder.