Prepping your bathroom for renovation is like opening up a box of chocolates. Bathroom renovation typically are the most expensive to do when remodeling a house. The reason behind this is because the bathroom which is typically the smallest room in the home is a humid environment and plumbing infrastructure often creates problems especially in older homes. The condition of the infrastructure isn’t known until you start tearing up floorings or wall boards when you actually get in to the job.
Do Not Cover Up
Covered up water and humidity damage will come back to haunt you. Deal with the problem before you start your bathroom remodeling project.
If you have standard drywall in your older bathroom, chances are good that it is probably shot. Do not attempt to cover it up to fix is aesthetically. Remove it and replace it with a wall covering with ‘blue boards’ made especially for moisture-resistance in bathrooms.
When you remove a tub or shower unit, there may be a high probability of discovering floor damage or wall damage. Check with an expert for mold once you have removed the fixtures. If you detect warped wood, check for sub-flooring problems. The damage could even reach the joist and beams beneath. Fix the damage by seeking advise from the professionals, as it is imperative to ensure that your flooring will be able to take the weight of a new tub, water and person in it.
Infrastructure Damage
You shouldn’t be surprised to find the wall studs behind walls adjacent to shower and tub units showing signs of rot. You will need to seek expert advise on how to go about with repairing this damage before you decide to proceed with renovation work.
Also check tile surfaces. Cracked tile and missing grouting is a sigh of water damage in the wood flooring beneath. Again, always seek the advice of an expert for a complete inspection.
Plumbing
Signs for water damage are hard to detect since most pipes are installed inside the walls. Pay special attention to flooring and walls moisture and stains as they may indicate an invisible plumbing problem. Check moisture levels in adjoining rooms as well.
Sinks and Cabinets
Sinks and cabinets are exposed to moisture and humidity daily and are often overlooked. Inspect regularly under the sink and on the countertop above it. Repair any drip in the trap as it may suggest drain problems. Look around the sink, slow draining pipes may indicate a blocked drain. Replace sink seals if they are cracked or loose.
The Toilet
The toilet is a vulnerable water junction. Check the water lines and search for leaks around the toilet seat, in the hose, and under the water tank. If you detect any signs of moisture on the floor around the toilet, check for leaks in the toilet rim and tank seals. Be aware that hanging toilet bowl deodorants increases the chances for clogs.
Do not skimp on this step when you wish to renovate or built a new bathroom. Fix the existing problems for the longer run.
