"measure twice, order once, and always have a backup plan (or dresser 😉) ready just in case things don't line up... learned that one the hard way myself."
Haha, yeah, wish I'd read this advice before diving into my own bathroom remodel. Thought I'd save some cash by doing most of it myself—how hard could it be, right? Well, turns out harder than I thought. I measured everything carefully (or so I thought), ordered a vanity online, and when it arrived... it was about two inches too wide for the space. Two inches! Doesn't sound like much until you're staring at a vanity that won't fit through the door.
Ended up having to return it, pay shipping fees, and wait another two weeks for a smaller one. Lesson learned: always double-check measurements and maybe even triple-check doorways.
As for cost, my DIY project started around $2k but quickly ballooned closer to $4k after all the unexpected hiccups—extra plumbing parts, tools I didn't realize I'd need, and replacing tiles I accidentally cracked. Honestly, at one point I wondered if hiring someone would've been cheaper in the long run. Anyone else find DIY projects end up costing way more than planned?
Still glad I did it though. Learned a ton, and now every time I walk into that bathroom, I feel a weird sense of pride mixed with relief that it's finally done.
Been there myself—DIY can definitely spiral out of control if you're not careful. One thing I've learned is to budget an extra 20-30% for those unexpected surprises. Curious if others factor in a contingency fund or just wing it...
I learned the hard way to always set aside extra cash—my first bathroom reno went about 25% over budget thanks to hidden plumbing issues. Now I automatically factor in at least 20% extra... winging it just isn't worth the stress.
Yeah, plumbing surprises are the worst... been there myself. My last remodel was supposed to be straightforward, but we uncovered some ancient pipes that needed replacing—ended up costing an extra grand or so. Now I always pad my budget by at least 15-20% too. Honestly, it's just smart planning. Plus, if you don't end up needing it, you've got a little extra cash for nicer fixtures or eco-friendly upgrades. Good call on factoring in that buffer; definitely saves headaches down the road.
Yeah, padding the budget is definitely smart. Ran into similar plumbing issues myself—ended up swapping old pipes for eco-friendly PEX. Cost a bit more upfront, but saves water and energy long-term... totally worth it in my book.
