Another example of a so-called quick job is a tub and shower cover-up kit or "the new shower in a box." They actually put an acrylic cover over your tub and new acrylic walls right over your walls. This is a huge mistake. It's a sure thing that you'll be covering up problems. This product -- like a ton of others I could name -- is a great money-grabber. People think a quick fix is going to save them money, but it doesn't work that way. You do get back what you give. If, instead of one of these quick fixes, you spend your money wisely and you put the right planning process into it, you'll likely get your investment back.
So do it right the first time. Almost every time, that means gutting your bathroom. Take it down to the studs so you can do a visual inspection of the structure, plumbing, electrical, and insulation, then bring it up to the way it should be -- not just to the minimum code requirements, but better. Is it worth it? Absolutely. Be realistic and plan carefully. You'll be spending your money wisely, and you'll have a bathroom that works right, lasts for years, and maintains its value.
 | Make it Right™. Text copyright © 2006 by Restovate Ltd. Photograph copyright © 2006 The Holmes Group Published by HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. All right reserved. Reprinted by permission of HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. |
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3 Comments
I agree with the thought of gutting and properly fixing past sins. Most real estate people will tell you that kitchens and bathrooms sell houses. Why not make it look good and function the way it was meant to work. If done right, you don't need to spend a ton of money to make a bathroom look great and be the envy of your friends. I don't know how many bathroom I have renovated to find unsafe wiring, improper venting and drainage and unhealthy mold and etc.. It is always easier to fix issues when all the walls are open and I think saves money in the long run. Thanks for confirming what I have been telling my clients for years. Pat Fletcher, Fletcher Renovations, Waterloo Ontario
Doing things properly in the home environment is critically important....but as far as Mickey Holmes doing things on a realistic budget, its just not in his bag of tricks... plain and simple... He has free suppliers, subtrades, labourers, ect... the list goes on...good TV for some but it may be time for a REALITY show that deals with the true reality that all Canadians face...Its nice to have alot of of people making you the hero...
Mojodad, It's a well known fact that Mike Holmes has many suppliers and subcontractors that give him great deals, if not free supplies. The rest of us have to pay for all of those things, and the point in the article may be that people shouldn't be so quick to gut and do a simple lipstick/mascara job in their bathrooms; instead, consumers should be willing to save some money up and do it PROPERLY as opposed to investing in a sub-par "renovation," because in the long run, it's just doesn't make sense.