Summer is a great time to get projects done around the house: the weather is warm, you can open the windows to keep the air flowing during those projects and it’s much nicer if you have work to do outside. There are some parts, though, to renovations that aren’t always so much fun, but they do need to be handled correctly or your new project could be ruined very quickly. One of these items is plumbing: if not done correctly you might find yourself redoing some of your hard work within a very short time. Here’s what you need to know about including plumbing in your summer renovation plans.
DIY vs Professional Plumber
You may be able to do some of the simple jobs yourself. However, if you want the more involved jobs done right you should consider hiring a professional renovation plumber. Lots of Hamilton homeowners are wary of contractors – that’s fair – but plumbing is one of those areas that, unless you know what you’re doing, it’s worth it to spend a little extra and hire someone who does this for a living.
It’s just a little project - we aren’t touching the plumbing
Or so you think. Kitchen and bathroom renovations, especially, often have a lot going on behind the scenes. You don’t see the plumbing in the wall behind your shower nor do you see what goes on under the kitchen sink unless you’re looking. If you are doing a home renovation project in either of these rooms, it’s best to at least have someone come in and confirm that you don’t have any plumbing work to do.
We’re just changing some cabinets – no plumbing needed
Not necessarily. If you’re replacing the cabinets in your kitchen they might have a different depth or clearance to them, so you’ll need to make sure that the set up you currently have won’t impact your new cabinets. Many homeowners just measure the outside of the cabinets but fail to recognize that they need to think about the goings on underneath and in the cabinets.
What if we’re putting a new sink on existing plumbing?
Have you confirmed it will fit? Are the hookups all the same? Is your new sink the same size as your old one? All these questions, and more need to be answered before you can install your new sink. It would be wise to have a professional come in and make sure that your existing set up doesn’t require any changes before your new sink gets here.
When should I bring in a plumber?
If you’re planning a large remodelling project, it doesn’t mean that you must staff a plumber for the entire project. With a well-thought-out renovation, you can estimate as to when you’ll need to bring in the professionals. You will know if you’re moving sinks, dishwashers, toilets, etc. when you expect to complete those tasks in your project, and you’ll be able to determine the timeframe you need a plumber for.
The average homeowner might know how to fix his toilet or unclog a sink but when it comes to major remodels and renovations it is worth your time, and money, to hire a professional and make sure it’s done correctly the first time. By doing this, you will be able to enjoy your new space and won’t find yourself completing a second renovation to fix the first when a plumbing incident happens.