Did you know that if you’re planning to remodel a bathroom in your home then you’re going to need to consider if you should stick to the same basic layout or go in a completely different direction? That often brings up the following question. Can I move the plumbing if I want a new layout in my bathroom? The answer is yes. However, if you want an entirely new layout, which involves moving the plumbing, the bathroom renovation project will cost you more money and take more time. That’s perfectly fine if your budget allows for it.
However, if everything is going to stay in the same place, but be replaced with new items, then it will save you both time and money. For example, if your current bathroom is old and outdated and you want to replace the toilet and vanity/sink with stylish new models then you won’t need to have the plumbing moved. However, a bathroom renovation that involves gutting the entire space and starting from scratch costs more money because it involves new plumbing work, electric work, plumbing fixtures, and a fresh coat of paint.
In essence, rearranging the layout of the shower, toilet, and sink, or all three will basically double the cost of your bathroom remodeling project. Once again, if you have the budget to start from scratch, then it can be well worth it. The overall job costs basically come down to the expected costs and the unexpected costs. Sinks, showers, and toilets require pipes that go through your house in order to connect to water, drain lines, and vents. In essence, the farther away those fixtures are from the plumbing lines and ventilation the more complicated the project gets.
Much of this work is done under the floor. That means the sub-floor must be removed so that the plumber can reach the water pipes and sewer pipes that are located in between the floor joists. That adds more money to the bathroom renovation project costs because it takes the plumber more time to complete their part of the job. For example, if you’re not moving plumbing fixtures around, the plumber will be on site for a day or two at the most. However, if the plumber needs to re-configure the plumbing layout, they will be on site for five (5) or more days.
You also need to be aware that there can be problems that are discovered during the renovation. For example, if the current plumbing isn’t up to code, which is common in older homes, it will need to be completely replaced. Remember that hot tub that we mentioned earlier. In this case, adding in a hot tub could mean that the plumbing in the entire house needs to be updated. This is one reason why you should only work with an experienced home improvement contractor who will provide you with the proper advice and information from the very start.
For more information about whether or not you can move plumbing to a new layout in your bathroom, or questions about our design and build services, or to schedule an initial consultation in Connecticut or Massachusetts please contact us today at 860-341-6373. DBC Solutions takes great pride in providing the highest quality custom carpentry and contracting services in the home improvement industry. Our business model has been the same for 17 years. Doing things the right way the first time every time is the only way to do it.