2 Important Plumbing Issues To Consider Before Starting Your Bathroom Remodelling Project
Your bathroom may be the smallest room in the house, but it's also one that you spend a lot of time in. Replacing a dank, dark and dated bathroom with a modern, clean and bright new look may be high on your list of priorities. Many people believe that because bathrooms are small, they are a much simpler remodelling project to undertake. However, getting a bathroom renovation right can be more difficult than it appears, particularly when it comes to plumbing. Here are two important plumbing issues to consider before you get started on your bathroom remodelling project.
1. Have the existing plumbing thoroughly inspected
Whether your home is a decade or a century old, it's vital that you have the existing plumbing thoroughly inspected by a qualified plumber. Find out what the current condition of the pipes is and also ask for an accurate assessment of their functional lifespan given their current state.
Although replacing the plumbing will put an extra dent in your budget, neglecting to upgrade it during the remodelling process will prove to be a false economy. Replacement is a fairly quick and easy task when your bathroom has been stripped out in preparation for renovation.
If it needs to be done a few years down the track when the renovation is completed, it will be more difficult, time-consuming and costly. This is largely due to the limited access plumbers will have to the pipes and the extra labour that will be required as well as the repair work that will be needed for your bathroom surfaces to allow access and installation during the replacement process.
2. Stick to the existing pipe lay out
If you want to keep your bathroom remodelling project within your allocated budget, avoiding any unnecessary work that involves costly labour is recommended. You can save a great deal of money by sticking to the existing pipe layout if at all possible.
If you need to replace the plumbing, then you may like to use this as an opportunity to change the layout of your bathroom. However, it's important to remember that a layout change will also entail the relocation of drainage pipes for your sinks, shower, bath tub and toilet. This can make a layout change prohibitively expensive, particularly on top of the cost of pipe replacement.
To make sure that the plumbing for your new bathroom is not going to cause you unnecessary headaches or money, consult with your remodelling contractor before work begins. They will have the knowledge and experience to help you achieve the best results without breaking your budget.