DIYing home projects is all the rage nowadays, so you might be wondering: can I tile my bathroom myself? Or should I call a professional? If you’ve never tiled before, you might not know about all the work that goes into a professional and polished project. There are also several factors to consider when making this decision. If you decide to tile your own bathroom but use tiny tiles with a complex pattern, you’re asking for a mess.
And while you might not want to hire a professional, it’s certainly better to call one up front than to call one after you’ve messed up your entire bathroom. Luckily, professional California contractor DYM Builders has the insight you need to decide whether you’re ready to DIY or need to call in a pro.
Factors to consider when deciding to tile your own bathroom
Taking on a DIY project alone is better suited for some than others. Here are a few things to consider before you make the choice.
Size of room/project
How big is your bathroom? Are you also tiling your shower? A larger project, like a master bathroom, will typically cost more than a smaller project, like a powder room, in terms of both materials and labor.
Type of tiles
What type of tile are you using? Vinyl flooring is generally easier to install than traditional ceramic or porcelain tile. THey often do not require the use of grout or spacers.
When you install ceramic or porcelain tiles, you’ll need to use spacers to space them out on the floor, and then grout to fill the spaces and cement the tiles in place. While you can find plenty of DIY instructions online, this can be a messy and time-consuming process if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Additionally, if you’re using small tiles such as penny tile, you might have a steeper learning curve than using large square tiles. A professional will be more prepared to take on itty-bitty tiles and mosaic pieces.
Budget
Paying a contractor to install tiles for you is an added cost to your home renovation. However, sometimes the cost of labor can outweigh all the tools you’ll need to get to intsall tiles — like grout, spacers, levels, rubber mallet, grout float — and the time needed to take on a DIY project. On average, homeowners pay between $4 and $10 per square foot for tile installation. Using the size of your project, you can determine how much you might have to pay a contractor.
Call contractors in your area to get estimates. Consider the price of the labor plus the tiles, versus the cost of the tiles plus all the materials you will need. Comparing these two totals will give you a good idea of whether hiring a pro is worth it for you.
Previous experience
Tiling isn’t impossible, but there’s definitely a learning curve. Generally speaking, tiling a shower is more complicated than tiling a floor, because you’ll also be laying tiles on the walls. IT’s also imperative that tiles are installed correctly to ensure water doesn’t seep into the floors or walls. Since bathrooms are a high-humidity and water-prone part of the house, installing your tiles incorrectly could lead to high costs in damages.
You’ll also have to rip up your old flooring and ensure your subfloor is good to go, assuming you’re using traditional tiles and not vinyl. Demolition requires more tools, including a chisel and floor scraper.
Another learning curve is cutting tile that goes around fixtures such as the toilet or sink. This can require using a saw, which not all homeowners easily have at their disposal.
Pros of DIYing
- Learn a new skill
- Can let your creativity soar with customizable patterns
- Save money on labor costs
Cons of DIYing
- Can take a lot of time to learn and correct errors
- Need to buy all tools and materials in advance
- Risk water damage or unsealed floors
Pros of Hiring a Professional
- Ensure your floor is installed properly
- Can help you with your design and vision
- Avoid water damage
- Don’t need access to all tools and materials, such as a saw
- Quicker turnaround time – your bathroom won’t be out of commission as long
- Certified quality of service
Cons of Hiring a Professional
- Additional cost
Which is right for me?
Ultimately, the choice is up to you. However, if you’re overwhelmed by the idea of taking on your bathroom renovation by yourself, consider talking to a contractor like DYM Builders. They can give you a professional opinion and quote without having to commit.
