The television shows make it look easy, right? If you have some experience using hand tools and you aren't afraid to get your hands dirty, remodeling a bathroom may seem the way to go. Before you get too far in your planning, though, take a deeper dive into what's really involved in a bathroom renovation. There are pros and cons, of course, but a bathroom's relatively small size and apparent simplicity may make it seem enticing as a DIY project. However, the diminutive footprint of the average bathroom can make it more complicated when it comes to planning for new features and fixtures. It entails a bit more planning than you might envision, and take it from the pros; there's usually a hidden problem just waiting to be uncovered.

Suppose your planned bathroom update involves more than just repainting the walls and installing new hardware. It might be a good idea to check with local building officials or an experienced remodeler to determine if there are permit and code requirements that you have to follow. Even if you plan to do little else, prepping the site for a new installation can also be exacting and time-consuming.

Likewise, tile work is more difficult than it might seem, regardless of the DIY videos and step-by-step instructions you can find online or view at a big box store. Here are 6 reasons to reconsider remodeling a bathroom on your own, without professional assistance:

#1 Design Guidance

The most important reasons to consult with a design-build professional come down to two words: professional and experienced. Because your home is your castle, it’s understandable that you want it designed for your functional needs and design aesthetics. A design-build contractor embodies these principles and can be your guide—recommending products and materials that will capture your vision, fulfill your needs and exceed your expectations.

With a wide variety of fixtures and materials available nowadays, there is an endless array of options that exist for tile, flooring, lighting, fixtures, etc. A talented designer will help you hone in on the layout and specifications that best fit your personality and lifestyle.

The functionality of your bathroom space is vital, and a designer has the knowledge and experience to improve a bathroom layout to gain both actual and visual space. Whether you want to revamp your dated master bath into a soothing at-home spa or provide a separate bathing and grooming space for growing children, a designer will work with you to make it happen. Be bold, or be subtle -- it's all up to you!

#2 Timing and Scheduling

No matter how simple your planned bathroom renovation might seem, scheduling can become complex. Materials must be chosen and ordered and deliveries scheduled. Trades must be coordinated and booked for their individual specialties. Proper supervision and site cleanup are constant needs. If you do the work yourself, you'll have to juggle all of these tasks, and that's a lot of balls to keep in the air at one time! You can alleviate all that angst by working with a professional contractor, especially a design-build team with the knowledge and staff to immediately address any issues and resolve them before they escalate into problems that can derail the entire job.

#3 Safety Comes First

Not all construction is dangerous, but it is all exacting; the steps to completion fall in a specific order for a reason. Understanding that principle does not always mean that a job will run smoothly. Still, it goes a long way to ensuring an accident-free workplace and the safety of all the people on or near the job site. Compliance with code and safety requirements is essential, but so is having the right training and the proper insurance to cover all unexpected contingencies. One of the prime rules of construction is that if something can go wrong, expect that it will. Cutting corners can cause accidents, lead to failure of materials and shoddy installation, and can also adversely impact your home's value.

Avoid all of these issues by hiring a reputable contractor who is well-trained and adheres to all safety mandates; and has the proper insurance to handle anything that might occur on the job site.

#4 Avoid Costly Leaks

Changing a faucet or replacing a toilet does not constitute rocket science. However, if you've ever done either, you know that it's not always routine and straightforward. Many homeowners can tell stories of over-tightening a bolt and having to deal with a geyser of water or not compensating for an out-of-level vanity or a sloping floor. Avoid future plumbing problems by calling in someone whose job it is to get things right the first time.

#5 Tile Work Is Hard

Unless you're a serious creative tile hobbyist, you can be almost sure that a DIY tile job won't reflect the quality or artistry you want for your renovated bath. Nor will it stand up to daily abuse and look fresh and pretty for years to come. It may not seem so at first, but setting tile is an art that requires patience and skill in equal measure. It is also strenuous and exacting work that must be completed quickly but allowed to cure properly to look its best. Whether it's a tile floor, a tub surround, a full shower, or a simple, colorful backsplash, if you can visualize a design, a professional tile setter will be able to make it come alive.

#6 Trash Removal and Final Cleanup

No job is complete until the floor shines, the mirrors sparkle, and the bathroom is free of dust and debris. Don't underestimate the volume of dust or the piles of trash and discarded materials that accumulate daily on the job site. If you do the work yourself, you will also, by necessity, become the after-hours cleanup crew. Eliminate that headache by getting an estimate from a design-build professional who will perform daily cleanup and straightening tasks. Consider it a gift to yourself!

The Advantages of a Design-Build Team

Riverside Construction, founded in 2008, is the go-to professional design-build team that has earned the respect and confidence of discerning homeowners in the Lafayette and West Lafayette areas. We listen to our customers. We are attuned to contemporary design principles, modern methods, and materials, and the local aesthetic. Get started by exploring our bathroom design portfolio and then becoming familiar with how we approach every new bathroom design-build project.

We can help you decide on a direction, and we will be with you every step of the way to ensure an excellent result. Whether you are carving space for a powder room, enlarging a bath, or simply updating its decor, let us guide your decision-making and partner with you to achieve the results you envision. Contact us now to schedule an initial conversation. We'll be happy to answer your questions, listen to your ideas and work with you to finalize your plans.