DIY Bathroom Renovation Mistakes To Avoid This Bank Holiday

We are approaching the long Easter Bank Holiday weekend after an unusually long wait this year, and many homeowners will be taking advantage of the break to carry out some DIY jobs. However, the NHS reports that admissions to A&E and hospital wards tend to spike over Easter due to DIY-related accidents.

If you plan to make some updates to your bathroom, the potential for  accidents can be even higher due to the complexities of bathroom fixtures and fittings. Here are some key DIY mistakes and how to avoid them, to ensure that your weekend results in a bathroom makeover rather than a hospital visit. 

Improper glass handling techniques

If you are working with glass, to install a shower screen, mirror, shelving or other feature, then it’s crucial to follow the correct handling techniques. Improper methods can result in puncture injuries, strains and deep cuts. Carry glass to your side with both hands, and use wrist guards for glass handling to protect your main arteries. 

Larger pieces of glass should be carried by two or more people. If a piece of glass does fall, do not try to prevent it or hold onto a broken piece of glass, let it fall, warn others and move well out of the way. When cutting or drilling glass, always wear safety goggles and gloves. 

Using the wrong type of glass

Glass used in bathroom fixtures such as shower screens should be tempered safety glass, and the thickness should comply with the relevant building regulations. Tempered glass is far stronger and more shatter resistant than ordinary glass, and not using it is extremely hazardous, particularly in wet areas where surfaces are often slippery.

Not considering structural integrity

If you are making big changes in your bathroom, such as removing a partition wall or installing a heavy shower enclosure or cast iron bath tub, check the weight-bearing capacity of the floor first. This will usually require a structural engineer to make an assessment, particularly if you have an older building or one that has been repurposed from previous use.

Not using proper sealing and waterproofing

It’s critical that bathroom fittings and fixtures are properly installed with adequate sealing and waterproofing to prevent leaks, maintain the structural integrity, and prevent mould growth. Applying a high-quality silicone sealant will also give your work a neat and professional appearance. 

There are lots of video guides available on platforms such as YouTube if you are unsure about how to apply sealant correctly. It’s typically applied around joins where fixtures meet the floor or walls, or the base of shower enclosures. 

Not complying with electrical regulations

There are strict building regulations regarding the installation of electrical fittings in a bathroom. In most cases, they will need to be installed by a qualified electrician. Ensure that all electrical gadgets are purposely designed for use in the bathroom, and are from trusted suppliers rather than unbranded products or obscure names bought cheaply online. 

Doing complex plumbing work yourself

Small plumbing jobs may be achievable if you have some previous experience and are confident in your DIY skills. However, mistakes can lead to serious problems such as water damage or even flooding, and can be difficult, expensive and time consuming to correct. Therefore, larger plumbing jobs should be left to the professionals. 

Not using the right tools

It can be tempting to cut corners by making do with the tools you already have, rather than spend extra time or money buying, renting or borrowing the correct tools for the job. However, using inappropriate tools can lead to injuries, and will also reduce the overall quality and sense of satisfaction in your work.