I get your point about DIY spiraling out of control, but honestly, sometimes those unexpected detours are the best part. Like you said:
"DIY is great for inspiration, but knowing when to step back can save your sanity (and wallet)."
But for me, even the messy parts ended up sparking ideas I never would’ve had otherwise. Sure, it cost a bit more than planned (okay, maybe a lot more...), but the creativity and satisfaction from pulling it off myself made it totally worth it in the end.
Totally get where you're coming from with the creativity angle. I've had my fair share of DIY adventures that started as simple weekend projects and ended up being month-long sagas. Like when I decided to redo my bathroom tiles—it quickly turned into a crash course in plumbing and waterproofing disasters. Sure, it cost me extra time and money, but like you said:
"even the messy parts ended up sparking ideas I never would’ve had otherwise."
Still, with plumbing specifically, I've learned to pick my battles...water damage isn't exactly forgiving!
You've definitely got a point about plumbing being unforgiving—seen my fair share of DIY-turned-disaster jobs. A couple quick thoughts:
- DIY plumbing can be rewarding, but knowing your limits saves headaches (and floors...and ceilings).
- Have you considered just getting a pro to do an initial inspection? Gives you peace of mind and still leaves room for creative tinkering afterward.
- Curious, though—did your tile adventure end up working out in the end, waterproofing-wise?
Getting a pro in for a quick look-over is solid advice—saved me from a hidden leak once. And yeah, tile job turned out decent...though waterproofing was trickier than expected. Fingers crossed it holds up long-term.
Definitely agree on getting a pro in for plumbing checks—especially if you're dealing with waterproofing. A few quick points from my experience:
- Waterproofing is deceptively tricky. Even minor oversights can lead to moisture buildup behind tiles, causing mold or structural damage down the line. Had a property once where the previous owner DIY'd the bathroom reno... looked great initially, but within two years, we had tiles popping off and mold creeping in behind the drywall. Not fun.
- Pros usually have specialized equipment like moisture meters or thermal imaging cameras. These tools can detect hidden leaks or moisture pockets that aren't visible to the naked eye. Worth the extra cost, IMO.
- If you're determined to DIY, at least invest in quality waterproofing membranes and follow manufacturer instructions meticulously. Skipping steps or rushing drying times can compromise the entire job.
- Also, don't underestimate proper ventilation. Even a perfectly waterproofed bathroom can run into issues if humidity isn't managed well. Consider upgrading your exhaust fan or adding a humidity sensor switch.
Bottom line: plumbing and waterproofing aren't areas I'd personally cut corners on. The upfront cost of hiring someone experienced usually pays off by avoiding expensive repairs later. Learned that lesson the hard way more than once...
