I recently had to renovate my full bathroom. This is a project I have wanted to do since purchasing this home, but never thought I would be able to afford. I assumed it would cost me thousands of dollars to do what I wanted. After taking the time to price up the new items and materials it turned into almost $1,700. If I had been able to choose when I was going to start the renovation it would have been a little further down the road, due to wet walls and a leaking toilet, I realized if I didn’t do it now, the clean up and repairs would have cost me far more.
When I purchased my house, the full bathroom had tile on half of the wall. The tub, toilet and sink were all blue. The receptacles are made into the vanity light, everything original from the date the house was built. Now, because the walls were starting to droop, I had to pull the tile off, replace the insulation. The tub was removed along with the toilet and sink. I laid vinyl down in place of the tile on the floor. The walls still need to be mudded and painted. My fear of taking on this big of a renovation was that the floor was going to be rotten like you hear about from everyone who replaces flooring or their tub. Fortunately, I was able to charge the cost and am now making monthly payments. I love my bathroom even though it’s not yet finished, it at least looks like it belongs in this decade.
I need to decide, however, in this grave economic downturn whether or not to do the repairs myself or to call a professional? What should I do? According to my research, a panel of economists determined that the U.S. was in a recession from December 2007 to June 2009, making it the longest such economic slump since the Great Depression in the 1930s (Economic, 2011). Congress passed a massive economic stimulus bill and economists worried that unemployment would remain high despite signs of an economic recovery. Referring to the current economic slowdown as a recession is dangerous, because it could create panic among investors, business leaders and consumers. (Economic, 2011)
A number of factors have led experts to debate whether or not the U.S. is in a recession, including the falling dollar and the decrease in the purchasing power of the average American.(Economic, 2011). For decades, the U.S. has had the largest economy in the world. But even the strongest economies struggle sometimes. Throughout its 232-year history, the country has endured several recessions--periods of economic contraction and declines in business activity (Economic, 2011). Some of these economic downturns have been mild, lasting as little as three months. Others have been severe, lasting for years and resulting in widespread unemployment, bankruptcies and even social unrest. (Economic, 2011) I believe all of this plays a part in if someone decides to renovate at all, if they do-it-themselves or if they hire a professional.
In my case, I didn’t have a choice when it came to the renovation. If I could have waited, I would have. I am however, ecstatic that the renovation is finished for the most part. I fortunately had a family member who could help the renovation, which saved me money. To do this renovation, a little bit of knowledge in each area was necessary. There was plumbing, electrical and construction all needed. I didn’t have this type of information. I would not recommend this renovation for the “average joe”.
Works Cited:
Economic Recession. (2011, February 17). Retrieved September 19, 2011, from Issues & Controversies database.
