Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Can I build a bathroom myself?

Hello all,

I just bought a house. First house, BTW. On the second floor, there is a bathroom, but it is a pitiful thing... My wife and I are planning on gutting it and rebuilding from the ground up.

I am 26, able-bodied, and intelligent. We are debating between hiring a pro for the whole damn thing vs. doing it ourselves (perhaps with help on potentially overwhelming things). My question to you guys is: Is building a bathroom rocket science?

Having just found this forum recently, I know you guys will be able to offer many a helpful hint, and I look forward to that. Do you guys think I can do this? We are in NO RUSH to finish it. That's the nice thing. We have 4 months to allocate for this project without it impacting our lives.

Since there is already a bathroom there, all the basic plumbing and electrical is there. I'm sure pipes will be cut, wires will be run, and things will be moved. However, the basics are all there already. Think I can do it?

I guess I'm just looking for validation that I'm not dillusional. ;)

Chris

If you have a second bathroom, the short answer is YES.

Check out the bathroom I built last year in my basement:

http://johnbridge.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5289

You sure can build it, as long as you have time, money, dedication, 2nd bathroom and most importantly, COMMON SENSE.
Musicfield, your new bathroom looks great....killer tile job.

For your benefit, 2nd floor bath is usually easier because of absence of slab foundation where plumbing remodeling is a nightmare.
Downside of it is that you have to be absolutely correct on waterproofing the joints, drains...etc because water leak can cause devastating consequences in 2nd floor bath.

Buy a couple of good books, be a frequently visitor to this site, take your time to do things right the first time, get lots of help from your wife, be strategic in planning your remodeling, don't be cheap on parts and always double-check before proceeding.

Like Musicfield, let us know how it turns out. When I rebuilt my bath in my old home, I didn't take pictures and now I regret.
Good luck!!

Originally posted by MusicField
If you have a second bathroom, the short answer is YES.
I have a second bathroom, and I like that short answer! :D

Originally posted by masterjoe
You sure can build it, as long as you have time, money, dedication, 2nd bathroom and most importantly, COMMON SENSE. Thanks, I have all those things (although my wife would debate you my common sense). ;)

Originally posted by masterjoe
For your benefit, 2nd floor bath is usually easier because of absence of slab foundation where plumbing remodeling is a nightmare.
Downside of it is that you have to be absolutely correct on waterproofing the joints, drains...etc because water leak can cause devastating consequences in 2nd floor bath.

Buy a couple of good books, be a frequently visitor to this site, take your time to do things right the first time, get lots of help from your wife, be strategic in planning your remodeling, don't be cheap on parts and always double-check before proceeding.
Cool. Good advice. My first questions will be coming the week we get in there. First week of April. Look out, DIY! I'll be asking questions in droves!

Chris

Ummmmm, the html codes didn't work above why? MusicField's URL isn't actually an active link, either. Anyone asked the admins yet why html tags don't seem to be working?

Chris

You have already passed where others have failed, Asking Questions!!! First I would say to think it out plan what you want and then price it out. Bathrooms can be cheap or expensive but if you go cheap it usually doesn’t last. Next is intimidation, remodeling intimidates people but when you get down to it, it is all common since and determination. If you hit a snag post it here and someone will try and help. And remember it’s if in doubt ask, its easer to ask then fix , I am sure there will be sweat blood and tears, but when it’s all done, the sense of accomplishment is all yours..J The best of luck and keep us updated… :D

Thanks, man. Blood, sweat, and tears is no problem... You guys will certainly be seeing a LOT more of me once I actually get in there. Thanks!

Chris