We thought we'd be clever and save money by doing most of the demo ourselves...big mistake. Turns out the previous owners had layered tile over tile, and underneath was a lovely surprise of moldy drywall. Ended up around $10k after we brought in pros to fix our DIY mess. Totally agree with this:
"skimping there is just asking for trouble later."
Ventilation and waterproofing aren't glamorous, but they're worth every penny if you don't want to redo it all again in five years.
Yikes, sorry to hear that. The tile-over-tile surprise is definitely one of those nightmares you only discover once you're knee-deep in rubble. Had something similar in our place a couple years ago—previous owners had done a quick cosmetic update, but underneath was a disaster waiting to happen. We ended up spending around $12k total, but a good chunk of that went toward sustainable materials and energy-efficient fixtures to keep our footprint lower.
Totally agree with you here:
"Ventilation and waterproofing aren't glamorous, but they're worth every penny if you don't want to redo it all again in five years."
Honestly, it's one of those areas where going eco-friendly actually pays off in the long run. Moisture-resistant drywall, proper ventilation systems with humidity sensors, and non-toxic waterproof membranes can feel pricey upfront, but they really do save you from costly repairs and mold remediation down the road. Plus, less mold means healthier indoor air quality—something we often overlook until allergies flare up or respiratory issues pop out of nowhere.
We also went with low-flow fixtures and a dual-flush toilet to cut down on water usage. It didn't add much extra to the overall budget, and we've definitely noticed the savings on our water bill over time. Little things like that add up.
Curious if anyone else opted for green or sustainable materials during their remodel? I've been eyeing recycled glass tiles for another project—they're gorgeous but still debating if they're worth the investment...
