Get matched with top toilet pros in Irmo, SC

There are several ways to save money on a bathroom remodel through proper planning and savvy design strategies. To reduce costs, consider the following:

• Purchase your own materials: Buy your own bathroom fixtures, hardware, and other materials to avoid contractor upcharges and delivery fees.

• Shop smart for big-ticket items: Save on pricey items like tiles and tubs by shopping sales and at discount stores.

• Avoid major layout changes: Keep plumbing in its current location. Opt to replace fixtures rather than moving them to avoid significant renovation work.

• Focus on high-impact, low-cost updates: Make affordable but impactful smaller changes, such as upgrading hardware, installing new lighting, and adding stylish but economical accessories.

• DIY where possible: Handle easier parts of the remodel yourself, like painting or installing light fixtures, to save on labor costs.

• Time your remodel strategically: Consider remodeling in the spring, which tends to be a lower-demand time of year and may result in lower costs.

Replacing a toilet typically takes two to four hours. Several factors can impact this timeline, including the condition of the old toilet, flange, flooring, and pipes. If a professional discovers issues like a cracked flange, damaged flooring, leaky pipes, or a broken wax ring, the installation will take longer. Additionally, some toilets, such as wall-mounted or in-wall-tank models, are more complex to install and may require cutting into and repairing drywall, which adds to the project time. Given the weight of toilets and the importance of proper placement, it is often best to hire a professional for the job.

Most toilets weigh between 50 and 100 pounds, depending on the material, size, and style. Some toilets can be disassembled into multiple pieces, which can make them easier to carry and dispose of. If you’re concerned that a toilet is too heavy to remove and lift on your own, enlist help or use a dolly to support the weight rather than carrying it yourself.

The order of your bathroom renovation should prevent damage to the completed work. Start with demolition and removing the old fixtures. Then, address structural repairs or water damage, if needed. Next, tackle the rough-in phase for plumbing and electrical work, install waterproofing, and work on wall treatments like tile or paint. Install your shower or bathtub, toilet, vanity, and sink. Flooring goes in after major fixtures but before the toilet. Lastly, install new lighting fixtures, mirrors, and other finishing touches as desired.