Quick Home Renovation You Can Still Get Done Before The Holidays

The holidays are rapidly approaching.  You’ve got guests coming for a visit, or maybe a party.  And there’s that little detail of the guest bathroom that needs attention that you really wish would disappear.  While you’ll have to act quickly, it is possible to get it done.  And without hiring a spendy contractor.

Here’s a guide to the steps to take, from prep to paint, for a typical bathroom home renovation.

Take Inventory of Your Skills

A lot of the ads you see on television are designed to scare you into thinking that doing anything more that cleaning your windows is something you can’t handle yourself.  Not true!  While not all of us are gifted as master craftspersons, we all have a variety of skills that are directly or indirectly related to typical home renovation.

Do a little self-appraisal, add a modest dose of self-confidence, and then remember you are very likely to be able to accomplish much more than you think.

Get a Quick Education

No, you don’t have to go sign up for a trade school for plumbing, carpentry, and flooring.  There’s this thing called YouTube.  And it’s full of great videos on every part of the jobs at hand.  From replacing a vanity or toilet, to installing  a new tile floor, there are videos that show you every step of the process.

And there’s LOTS of videos on the same subjects.  So if one isn’t quite clear, check out another one.  For any areas you might have been a bit doubtful about during your skill inventory, after spending an evening on instructional videos you’ll have a heap of new-found confidence.

Job Preparation is Key

To make sure this quick project goes smoothly, follow these tips:

• Recruit a handy friend to be a helper.  Even if all they do is hand you a hammer, it’s helpful to have second pair of eyes and an encouraging coach.
• For  the example of a bathroom, I suggest getting all the material from one big box home improvement store and have them deliver it.  Everything you can do to make the job as a whole easier is a plus.
• You’re going to have a surprising pile of junk when you’re done.  Both the old stuff, and the boxes and packaging of the new items.  Hint: they won’t fit in your garbage can.  And the last thing you want is to have a great looking bathroom, and guests that are greeted by a pile of remodeling rubble in the front yard.  So arrange for a dumpster rental of appropriate size to your project.  It doesn’t matter where you live.  You can rent a local dumpster from Eagle Dumpsters or whoever is your local provider.   Again, it’s about making the job, as a whole, easier.

On The Job Tips

Here’s some tips I’ve learned over the years:

• During tear-out, don’t force things.  If it appears stuck, there’s probably a simple way to unstick it.  Check out those videos!
• Measure twice, cut once.  That saves money, and frustration.  And to that I’d also add, measure twice, and check the fit twice.  Be sure your pieces and parts fit together.  Ask the salesperson about on-center, off-set, and clearance requirements.  Check fitting sizes, and preferably have the store pro help you assemble the correct configuration.

Quick Home Renovation?  Yes, You Can Do It!

One big box home improvement store has a motto – “You can do it – We can help.”  They want you to create great results so you’ll come back for more, and they’re very willing to coach you.

Bathrooms are only one of many home renovation projects that can be accomplished quickly and even on a budget.  So if you’re even a little handy and can spare a weekend, you’ll amaze both yourself and your guests.  Go for it!