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6 Remodeling Myths, Debunked

Dispelling Remodeling Myths

The current remodeling culture is one of instant gratification and constant comparison, thanks in part to social media and home improvement shows that paint a picture of perfection. They’ve also created pervasive myths about the industry, the costs, and how, when, and why to start a remodeling project. Let’s take a look at six of the top remodeling myths.

Myth #1: Remodeling takes a long time

Well, yes, depending on how you go about the remodel, it could take several weeks, or longer. The reason a remodel typically takes this long is because the homeowner is responsible for hiring and managing every contractor who will work in their home. That could include:

  • Plumber
  • Electrician
  • Painter
  • Interior designer
  • Demolition crew
  • Tile installers
  • Product installation crew

Once all the contractors are chosen, you’ll need to shop for and order products. Next, you’ll need to schedule each of these contractors, and will likely have to wait until the demo crew, plumber, electrician, and installers have a break in their schedules. They might be booked for the next three weeks, causing lots of lost days with no work getting done. If products are on backorder or otherwise delayed, you could be waiting even longer.

Debunked! Remodeling doesn’t always take a long time. At Re-Bath, bathrooms are all we do, and we’ve got it down to a science. All of our installers are Re-Bath employees which means no lost days waiting for schedules to open. It’s how we can handle the entire remodel, from design to done, in just days, not weeks!  [Read: 3 Reasons to Work with a Remodeler Who Hires Only In-House Employees]

Myth #2: You should know what you want before you hire a remodeling company

It stands to reason, the more you plan in advance, the less work there’ll be for the remodeling company to do, which might save you money. But the truth is, most professional remodelers love the design process and are more than willing to help put the vision in your head down on paper, planning each step from the layout to the wall color.

Debunked! At Re-Bath, our Design Consultants bring the showroom to your family room, and will help you create the bathroom of your dreams, based on your personal budget and design preferences. Schedule your free, in-home design consultation now – there’s never any obligation! [Read: 5 Benefits of Working with a Design Consultant]

Myth #3: You can save a lot of money with DIY remodeling

If you are a DIY expert, you can probably handle the demolition of your old bathroom, and even install new drywall and products like the vanity, tile and shower walls. Keep in mind, though, if you have a “day job,” your home remodeling project will have to wait until evening hours when you have some time to spend on the project. Without consecutive, full days to work on it, your timing doubles. That’s assuming nothing else in the house needs fixing. And unless you are one, you’ll still need to hire licensed plumbers and electricians to do the plumbing and electrical work.

 Debunked! We’ve worked with many homeowners who’ve started a project, purchased the products they want and the tools they think they’ll need, and then realize they don’t have the time or the necessary skills to complete the project. In the long run, it’s most likely faster and more cost effective to work with a licensed, insured remodeling company from the start.  [Read: The Guide to Home Renovations]

Myth #4: ROI is the most important consideration for a remodeling project

The return on your investment (ROI) is the difference between the total cost of the remodel and how much more you can make from the sale of your home post-remodel. If you’re planning a move in the next couple of years, it’s worth thinking about, but keep in mind there is more to the equation than simple math. Quality of life is equally, if not more, important. How many years do you plan to live in your current home? Even one year is 365 days with a bathroom that looks good, works efficiently and gives you some enjoyment. When you sell your home, there are many factors that go into how much profit you’ll net: the list price, what the market will bear, how much you owe, how much negotiating goes on between you and a potential buyer, what the inspection reveals, what percentage of the profit goes to a Realtor, and on and on.

Debunked! Unless you’re remodeling a bathroom in a “flip” house, it’s best to consider the value you’ll get out of the remodel rather than the potential profit you could make when you sell your home. [Read: Added Home Value]

Myth #5: A bathroom remodel is messy and disruptive

Tearing out drywall, knocking down tile, and dealing with dust everywhere – it’s enough to drive even the most laid-back homeowner out of the house!  And if that’s not bad enough, the whole family might be required to share a bathroom temporarily. A bathroom remodel can absolutely be messy and disruptive, but it doesn’t have to be.

Debunked! Re-Bath, installers work quickly and quietly and will leave your home just as they found it, cleaning up as they go. We minimize the disruption to your regular life and leave you with a beautiful, new bathroom in just days, not weeks, so even if you have to share a bathroom with the kiddos, it’ll be over before you know it! [Read: Three Considerations for Choosing a Bathroom Remodeler]

Myth #6: Remodeling companies are all the same

Many homeowners believe remodeling companies share the same contractors, so it doesn’t matter which company you go with, making the lowest bid the winner. But if you hire a company that uses only their own employees, this isn’t the case. Re-Bath installers are all employees. So, they aren’t juggling other projects on the side, and they are paid a salary, not per project. Sometimes the lowest bid will be the best option, and sometimes it won’t. It’s much more important to hire a remodeling company that:

  • Uses only their own employees (no subcontractors)
  • Is bonded and insured
  • Provides a guaranteed price
  • Offers a solid warranty
  • Has years of experience with the type of remodel you want
  • Has received recent positive reviews from multiple customers
  • Comes recommended by others in your community or social circles

[Read: 10+ Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Bathroom Remodeling Company]

 

Debunked! All remodeling companies are not created equal. At Re-Bath, all we do are bathrooms. In fact, we’ve completed more than one million bathroom remodels. We’re also the nation’s largest complete bathroom remodeling company.

 

If you’re considering a partial or full bathroom remodel, contact your local Re-Bath today for a no-cost design consultation. Our Design Consultant brings the showroom to your family room and will help you bring your dream bathroom to life!