Being able to remodel their kitchen or bathroom is a dream project for many homeowners. It’s also a lot of distinctly less-dreamy work, however. Before you have a blast picking out your new cabinets, counters, faucets, and drawers, you have to buckle down for the nasty stuff. Namely, you have to contend with your plumbing. This is where the dramatic lightning strike and organ chord would happen.
But your plumbing doesn’t have to be Herculean task you’ve built it up to be in your mind. In fact, if you keep a few sanity-preserving tips in mind, it can be kind of fun! Well. We said “kind of fun”. Next time you’re getting ready to tear into your kitchen or bathroom, keep the following four tips in mind:
Have a plan before you start
Before you start moving things around, write down exactly what you’re doing and where everything is going. Know exactly what you’re going to do and what you’ll need (and need to know) to do it. This is going to make things a lot easier during the process. Do you plan on moving any fixtures from one area to another? Are you installing anything that needs new piping? New electrical connections? New gas lines?
Don’t wait until the last second to figure this stuff out, because that’ll cause nothing but problems. In some cases, for instance, moving a plumbing fixture could mean rerouting both plumbing and electrical connections. In some cases you might not be able to reroute things exactly the way you want. If you know that ahead of time, all you have to do is re-think your plan. If you didn’t… well, just make sure you do.
Communicate with your contractors
During a remodel, you’ll probably work with a general contractor. To make sure that your plumbing gets the treatment it deserves, ask questions. Have them give you updates on what they’re doing. Get to know any of the subcontractors they hire. Make sure you’re getting exactly what you need. Communicate your worries and concerns. Don’t be afraid to speak up; they’re used to it!
Be prepared for the inevitable mess
Remodeling is messy. Dirt, dust, and debris can get everywhere, including in drains and vents. Make sure to cover areas where remodeling debris can get stuck, so you don’t have to worry about it later. The less you have to do when the job’s done and you’re already exhausted, the better.
Look into making upgrades while you have the chance
What sort of pipes do you have in your walls? Are your faucets eco-friendly? How about your kitchen appliances? A kitchen or bathroom renovation is the perfect time to make upgrades. Updating your existing plumbing and fixtures can help you save money and be more comfortable in the long run.
Following these tips will make your remodel as stress free as possible, so you can stop worrying and start enjoying your new space in no time. If you need any help with the plumbing side of things, no need to worry: Blue Ox Heating & Air is here to help. Give us a call anytime.
