According to Home Advisor, the average cost of a bathroom remodel is $9,285, with the majority of homeowners spending anywhere from $5000-$13,000 installing new fixtures, flooring and cabinets. Do your plans for this year include a DIY plumbing bathroom remodel? If so, here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Set a Budget and Stay in It

Predicting the cost of a bathroom remodel depends on the number of big ticket items you are planning on replacing and whether or not you’re doing all of the work or hiring a professional. That said, it’s important to come up with a budget and stay in it.

Once you’ve determined your budget, create a spreadsheet with all of the details and keep it close at hand. A budget-related spreadsheet will help you track your actual spending alongside your budgeted amounts. It’s also a good idea to set aside a monetary cushion for potential problems that might crop up or last minute changes. Take time and give careful consideration to any mid-project surprises to ensure you stay within your budget.

2. Determine What to Delegate

You’ll need to figure out what you want to do yourself and what parts of the project you plan on hiring professionals to do. Whether or not you need to hire a professional for your bathroom remodeling project largely depends on your experience and comfort level. It also depends on how much spare time you have, how fast you want the project completed, and your budget.

If you’re savvy enough to lay tile and have the time to do it, by all means, do it. If you’ve never dealt with electrical tasks or plumbing, it’s best to hire a pro. Problems that can occur if you don’t can be disastrous. Plumbing code issues can make it hard to sell your house in the future or be costly to fix. More importantly, your health could be put at risk if your plumbing project leads to mold and leaky pipes.

3. DIY Plumbing Bathroom Remodel Plan

The easier budget-friendly bathroom remodel option includes placing new fixtures and fittings in the same location as the old ones. This option requires less plumbing work, and you don’t have to worry about capping off old lines and routing new ones. The time to plan this type of remodel involves budgeting time and money for the work, as well as downtime and use of alternative bathrooms. While it might be cheaper to have contractors work on all of your bathrooms at once, you may find it more convenient to have access to at least one with a shower and a toilet.

4. The Importance of Staying in Code

Above all, keeping your home up to code is essential for the safety and health of yourself and your loved ones. It’s also important to have your home systems functioning efficiently, ensuring that your daily routine isn’t impacted by breakdowns and outages.

Carrying out a bathroom remodel, especially dealing with the plumbing, is no small task. If you want to make sure your bathroom plumbing stays up to code, make sure you know the City of Phoenix plumbing code or consider hiring a reputable plumber. A plumbing professional can come to your home and give you an estimate on the job.