Time to retile the Bathroom!

I want to retile my bathroom - floor, shower, shower walls, half wall around the room. everything. And get a new sink and toilet.

My question is: should I hire a designer or can I do it myself? I'm not working so I have a lot of time. Also, what am I facing if I try to install the tiles myself? Is it really hard?

I really want to be a DIYer.

But I don't want it to come out crummy.

Let me know if anyone has time, Thanks so much!

Sera Sutherland
Arlington, VA

Sera,
There is no reason you can't do most of it yourself and we (here) would be happy to help. I would however suggest you hire a pro to do the shower receptor and shower floor tile and set up the basics. You can take it from there if you wish.

The use of a designer is up to you but I personally don't really see the need to spend the money.

Use the free services @ home depot and lowes. And remember. Plan prepare price. Double check. Measure twice cut once. Eat you veggies.

Bud, thanks.

I'm reading lots of forums and blog sites trying to get a feel for what I'm getting into. It's a little scary, a lot of work! Thank god for online forums.

Will keep you updated. Thanks

Eat you veggies! Just saw that.

Use the free services @ home depot and lowes.

Not the best advice I've ever seen on a tile forum. I wouldn't recommend anyone use any of the big box installation services, ever.

Do a search to see the many thousands of claims against all of the big box stores for shoddy installations and faulty products they sell.

Not all of the big box contractors are up to par.

You can do it youself. I think I would pass on any advice from Home Depot employees except the directions to the restroom. My advice is this, do it by the book, be very picky, take your time and plan everthing out. Don't forget to ask for advice before you do anything your not 100% sure of. Also be aware, there is a difference between knowing how to do something and being able to do it. Don't get discouraged, you will learn as you go. Tile is not easy and anyone who says it is has very little experience, blood, sweat and tears actually doing it.

If you want to do your own design you can do this by downloading a free drawing program called sketchup. It will allow you to visualize your ideas before getting too far into it. [www.sketchup.com]