12 DIY Bathroom Renovations That Lead to Expensive Repairs

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A DIY bathroom renovation can be hard to resist. Tackling a project yourself has endless possibilities, from budget savings to the satisfaction of creating your dream space. However, upgrades, even the seemingly simple ones, can quickly become costly disasters if poorly planned and executed.

If you are starting to think about doing some DIY bathroom renovations, here is a list of things that might not seem too bad but will eventually cost you a lot more money.

Tiling Without Proper Waterproofing

Brown, Black, And White Tiles — Photo Credit: Pexels

Proper waterproofing behind your tile work saves time initially but is also responsible for serious issues later. It allows moisture to seep in behind the tiles, causing mold and structural damage. Professional waterproofing layers make sure your tiles not only look good but last for years. Skipping this step can cost you money with those drywall and tiles you must replace.

Removing or Changing the Plumbing Lines

Moving plumbing lines can seem simple with a few tutorials, but bad technique can cause major leaks and water damage. Plumbers secure and correctly place connections to avoid flooding problems. If you try your own hand at plumbing adjustments, it can cost you big bucks and cause water damage that extends beyond the bathroom.

Installing New Lighting Fixtures

Furniture in Bathroom — Photo Credit: Max Vakhtbovycn/Pexels

It’s easy to change light fixtures, but mistakes in wiring can result in electrical hazards, even fires. A professional who ensures the wiring is safe is responsible for wiring up to code and grounded properly. However, faulty installations can need total rewiring, which adds to project costs.

Opting for a DIY Bathtub Refinish

White Ceramic Bathtub in the Bathroom — Photo Credit: Quang Nguyen Vinh/Pexels

While a fresh coat can refresh a tub’s look, using low-quality products or improper prep can lead to peeling and flaking. Finishing with professional-grade materials is important; without them, the finish may not last, and you’ll likely have to go back and redo the finish, which can be quite expensive. Specialized coatings are used by professionals that resist wear and last much longer.

Trying to Change Out the Toilet

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Switching toilets is simple enough until leaks from any misstep result in damage over time. If a toilet flange or gasket is not installed correctly, water pooling and eventual subfloor damage can occur. They ensure there’s a watertight seal so you don’t end up like me and need to spend a fortune on floor repairs.

Installing New Countertops the Wrong Way

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DIY countertop installs can lead to future issues by being off in measurements or not done right with sealing. Water may seep in across gaps or uneven surfaces and cause the top materials to swell or damage what is beneath them. Countertop installation professionals know the nuances of countertop installations, so they prevent such costly mistakes.

Skipping Ventilation Upgrades

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Mold growth can occur in bathrooms where moisture builds quickly because of poor ventilation. DIY ventilation may succeed, but it may fail, with poor airflow defeating the purpose and leaving you to repair the problem. An expert will install the proper vent fan for your space to avoid long-term problems.

Incorrectly Sealing Fixtures

Re-caulking a Bathtub or Shower — Photo Credit: Pexels

Water can seep into gaps if you use the wrong sealant around sinks, tubs, and showers. If the seal is not done properly, mold, rot, and water damage can start to spread beyond the bathroom. Professionals know the right materials and ways to waterproof fixtures so you don’t have to have future headaches.

DIY Shower Door Installation

Modern Bathroom Interior with a Shower Cabin — Photo Credit: Max Vakhtbovycn/Pexels

According to Glass Doctor, shower doors that are poorly installed can cause leaks, which destroy the water-damaged area around the shower. If the doors aren’t aligned or sealed properly, structural damage and even mold growth are possible. A leak-free fit is ensured by precise measurements and sealants by professionals.

Doing the Floor Over Again Without Prepping the Subfloor

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Incorrectly preparing to install new flooring over old materials will result in an uneven surface and moisture buildup. Over time, this can cause warping, mildewing, and/or mold under the flooring, which will need to be redone. Before installing new tiles or materials, experts make sure that the subfloor is solid and moisture-proof.

Replacing or Installing Vanities Improperly

If your vanity isn’t secured well, it can cause water leaks and damage to the walls and flooring. DIY installs tend to miss steps of securing plumbing areas that need waterproofing. It’s a professional installation that makes sure it’s sturdy, leveled, and protected from any water risks, which minimizes future repair.

Painting Over Without Proper Prep

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Painting bathroom walls doesn’t seem difficult, but moisture in the bathroom will cause the walls to peel or blister if the prep isn’t right. You won’t have a fresh long coat if you don’t use mildew-resistant paint or a primed surface. High-quality, moisture-resistant paints used by professional painters will last, saving you from repainting costs.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.