Get your dream bathroom by hiring a contractor

Does your aging bathroom feel out of style? If it's in need of a makeover, a home contractor can make the remodeling process much simpler.

How, you might ask? Well, a contractor could save you time and money - especially if you take on a DIY remodeling project without the proper knowledge.

According to Rick Salerno, an Ohio-based remodeler certified by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), when it comes to DIY remodeling projects, "unless you know what you're doing, you're going to end up spending more money."

[Interested in remodeling your bathroom? Click to find the right contractor now.]

So if you are ready to revamp your bathroom with fewer hiccups, hire a home contractor to help with these six remodeling projects.

Project #1: Installing a New Shower or Bathtub

Looking to update your shower or tub? If so, you might want to hire a professional contractor.

Why? Because installing a shower or tub requires you to have some plumbing knowledge, which contractors are well equipped with.

"A contractor will examine your bathroom and run the necessary plumbing to fit your shower or bathtub, which is highly recommended to prevent water damage," says Graziano Tru, general manager for Deluxe Construction, a New York-based firm that specializes in both interior and exterior home remodels.

In fact, according to Tru, a contractor should have the experience to handle the following key procedures for installing a shower or tub:

• Taking measurements of the desired location

• Performing a plumbing assessment

• Waterproofing walls, ceilings, and floors

• Installing an exhaust fan

• Putting in ceramic tiles

Without a proper assessment by a contractor, improper installation could lead to leaks and permanent damage.

The moral of the story?  A shower or bath installation should be left to the pros.

[Planning to remodel your bathroom? Click to find the right contractor now.]

Project #2: Replacing Your Toilet

Tired of dealing with your leaky toilet? It may be time to upgrade and install a new toilet.

But note that with a toilet replacement project, plumbing leak issues can ensue, making this far too risky of a DIY project.

Fortunately, with professional knowledge, a contractor can run leak proof tests and assure proper installation.

According to Salerno, here are some steps taken by contractors to properly install a new toilet:

• Do a sizing and measurement assessment of the toilet and its surrounding area

• Complete a plumbing assessment

• Braid the water supply line to avoid leaks

• Install the new toilet

• Apply the wax sealant to secure the toilet in place

If the toilet isn't installed correctly, you run the risk of getting leaks, which could leave you with a "terrible mess on your hands," says Salerno.

To help avoid this "mess," consider calling in the experts.

Project #3: Adding New Cabinets

Need more storage space? Adding cabinets in your bathroom can solve the problem, but consider leaving this project for a certified contractor.

Why? According to Tru, installing custom-fitted cabinets is a difficult project for the average homeowner.

See for yourself with Tru's how-to list for adding cabinets:

• Install the cabinets

• Reshape the cabinets as needed, including measuring the cabinet doors and sides

• Use a saw or an alternate tool to cut down the cabinets to the required measurements

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And keep in mind that adding one wrong measurement could produce an overall negative outcome.

"Having a professional do it will give you that cosmetic perfection and help prevent damages to cabinets," says Tru.

Project #4: Putting in a New Sink

Do you want to impress your guests with a modern vessel sink? Consider replacing your old sink with a more stylish one.

And before you decide to take on this remodeling project on your own, you may want to consider:

• Performing a plumbing assessment, including a test of the drain and pipes

• Taking measurements for the location of the sink and its surrounding area

• Installing the new faucet and drain assembly

• Installing the sink using a sealant (a caulking gun is common)

• Connecting the supply lines - the sink and drain line

• Placing the vanity (if needed)

Did this list make you second guess your DIY skills? That might be a good thing in the long run, because without proper installation, this project could end up eating your budget.

To save you stress and possibly money, Salerno recommends hiring a contractor.

[Planning to put in a new bathroom sink? Click to find the right home contractor now.]

Project #5: Redoing Your Bathroom Floor

Tired of the same old bathroom flooring? To revamp your current flooring, a contractor can complete the tile work with precision.

How? By taking measurements of the floor, placing the grout on the surfaces of the tiles, and installing the tiles with the grout to help them stick together, according to Tru.

And while you can turn this into a DIY project, Tru says that you run the risk of uneven tile work, which could be avoided by hiring a professional.

And keep in mind that if the project is done incorrectly, it could double the workload, which is another reason why hiring an expert might be a better idea.

"Proper care [from a contractor] will get the job done," adds Tru.

[Planning to install new floors? Click to find the right contractor now.]

Project #6: Expanding Your Bathroom

Need more space in your bathroom? Good news: there are ways to increase your bathroom's size.

But Tru says expanding your bathroom involves a great amount of expertise to complete because of the challenging skill sets required.

Why? Because "the average homeowner does not have the knowledge or equipment to properly run new plumbing, electrical, and partition walls," says Tru.

To help illustrate the project's high skill level, here's some of the needed remodeling know-how, according to Tru:

• Knock down existing walls

• Divide and frame the extension of the bathroom

• Put up the drywalls

• Waterproof the bathroom

• Run new plumbing

• Install new fixtures

[Want to expand your bathroom? Click to find the right contractor now.]

If you're not equipped with this necessary expertise, Tru says you may want to leave this project to a contractor.

"Expanding bathrooms usually involves plans and drawings, and a good contractor will follow the plan accurately and present a finished product that will be as expected," says Tru. "This type of project requires numerous skill sets and tradesmen to complete."