Recent Statista data indicates that only around 40% of homeowners who completed a home renovation in 2024 hired a professional. That number went down to approximately 7% for kitchen and bath remodelers.
These homeowners are gambling on improvements to one of the most important rooms in their house. It’s riskier than it seems.
Doing a bathroom remodel is a move that puts your entire house at risk. Everything you think you’ll gain, whether it’s time or money, you’ll end up losing.
Read on to learn the five most important reasons you shouldn’t DIY your bathroom renovation in Tampa Bay.
1. Plumbing and Electrical Risks
Attempting to do your own plumbing can result in leaks or water damage. Attempting to do your own electrical work puts your physical safety at immediate risk. It can also lead to short-circuits and fires.
Older homes have systems that aren’t up to current standards. They present even more safety risks and could even land you in legal hot water.
Bathroom remodeling in Tampa Bay requires expertise in handling these systems. The professionals will install everything so it’s safe and up-to-code for years to come.
2. Risk of Improper Waterproofing and Mold
Waterproofing is a more complex component of bathroom design than it seems at first. Assuming you can do it on your own can lead to long-term consequences.
Improper waterproofing leads to water damage. It can start as a small puddle and develop into toxic mold. The water can even cause structural damage to your entire home.
Professionals are adept at waterproofing. They know how to keep your bathroom dry and comfortable and keep your home safe.
It’s also important to find locals who understand the unique challenges of your area. They’ll use the right membranes for Tampa’s climate and humidity. According to the Florida State University Climate Center, there have already been an average of 49 days above 100° in 2025. High temperatures lead to humidity that can seep into your bathroom without the proper protection.
3. Choosing Style Over Function
A proper layout is one of the most essential parts of a bathroom remodel. Creating one requires technical knowledge of all areas of bathroom design, including:
- Clearances
- Fixtures
- Accessability
Even if you start by looking for professionals and searching for “bathroom remodel near me,” it’s easy to go down an internet rabbit hole. You may forget about planning where everything should go. Instead, it’s easy to get taken in by trends and visual elements.
You might start filling up a Pinterest board with bathroom remodel ideas. While that’s helpful for inspiration, it can lead you to focus more on what looks great or what’s “in” than what fits in your space.
That can lead to impractical layouts. Large luxury bathroom updates that aren’t properly placed end up making it cramped. Doors hit against lights. The fixtures you need are difficult to access and use. You don’t have enough storage for the items you use every day in your bathroom.
Certain circumstances make the proper layout even more critical. If you’re remodeling the bathroom for accessibility, it needs to be even easier to get around in.
Professional remodelers think about function first. They look at what pieces your bathroom needs. Then, they find the most attractive options to meet those needs. They also help you create a sensible layout that puts everything where it makes sense.
4. Complex Permit and Code Issues
Even the most minor Tampa Bay renovations can require a permit. It must also meet all current code standards.
Lacking a thorough knowledge of these legal precedents can have serious consequences that go beyond fines. You could also cause severe damage and reduce your home’s overall value.
Don’t even think about doing a DIY home improvement Tampa before you sell your home if you want to get the best price. An inaccessible or unattractive bathroom can turn even the most motivated buyers off. They won’t want to take on the financial and legal burdens of any code violations it presents.
Trust professional home remodeling contractors in Tampa to be your advisors through the permit process. They know which tasks need which permits and where to get them. They’ll also make sure that every part of your renovation is safe and up to code.
5. Long-Term Waste of Time and Money
Two of the most significant problems that homeowners run into when they try to DIY a bathroom renovation in Tampa Bay are inaccurate budgets and schedules.
You need a complete estimate of how much money the remodel will cost. That includes costs that often go unconsidered by DIYers, such as:
- Water damage
- Outdated wiring
- Structural damage
- Permits
What if you don’t put enough money in the budget for everything from labor to materials? You can end up with a half-finished renovation and a non-functional bathroom. Trying to cut costs with cheaper materials or labor isn’t the solution. You’ll end up paying more to fix the damage these shortcuts create.
It’s also easy to get it wrong when you make estimates about how long your project will take. Scrambling to finish it at the last minute is like cramming for an essay the night before. The impact is even worse because it can ruin one of the most critical areas of your home.
Paying for professionals saves you time and money in the long run. You won’t have to pay to repair mistakes. Your job will get done faster, and you can enjoy the bathroom of your dreams with peace of mind.
Get a Professional Bathroom Renovation in Tampa Bay Today
Doing a DIY bathroom renovation in Tampa Bay can leave you overwhelmed with permits, waterproofing, and other issues. Hire the right team to take them on. You’ll save time and money by getting ideal results the first time.
The Kitchen and Bath Design Center has a team of design professionals and licensed general contractors. We have decades of experience in all areas of the industry. We guarantee you’ll be satisfied with your project. We also guarantee it’ll be completed on time and exceed the value of your investment.
Contact us to get started with your professional bathroom renovation today.