5 Plumbing DIY Tips for MetroWest Remodeling Projects

Remodeling your bathroom or kitchen is an exciting journey that can make your entire home feel brand new. However, if you need to relocate these areas to new parts of the house or install new piping, there are a few important details to consider first.

The MetroWest has a high number of older homes built well before modern building codes. While these homes are an important part of the region’s history, they can cause a host of problems when it’s time to upgrade. Your building materials may be too old to work with, or you might lack the right permits to get started. 

There are many ‘behind the wall’ plumbing decisions you have to take into account when building the bathroom or kitchen of your dreams. Avoid a DIY disaster by reading the most common challenges facing older houses and our plumbing DIY tips for the MetroWest. 

The Biggest Remodeling Challenges Facing Older MetroWest Homes

Did you know some MetroWest homes have been standing since the 1800s? These older homes make relocating and remodeling your kitchen and bathroom a challenge for these primary reasons:

• Aging Materials: You may not have freshly varnished wood or clean ductwork to fall back on. These old materials cannot only worsen your indoor air quality but also lead to humidity or mold issues. 

• Outdated Building Codes: While building codes were slowly established in the 1800s, they’re updated on a rolling basis. If your home is a few decades old (or older), you’ll have to get certain areas up to code before you can continue your projects.

• Old Piping Systems: Piping installed in the 1950s or earlier is usually made of two materials: lead or cast iron. Lead is an outdated building material since it can contaminate water systems, while cast iron rusts over time. 

• Permit Requirements: Modifying older homes may require additional paperwork to comply with building codes. If your home is considered historic (which refers to any home that’s considered culturally significant to the state), you’ll absolutely need a permit for a remodel. 

Are you thinking of adding a sump pump to your home or a new kitchen sink? Before you dive into your plumbing and remodeling project, the following plumbing DIY tips for MetroWest homes will help you avoid messy (and expensive) pitfalls. 

Our 5 Major Plumbing Tips for Your Kitchen or Bathroom

While calling for a plumbing inspection is a great place to start before remodeling your home, there are still a few more details to keep in mind. These tips cover the foundational work for a kitchen or bathroom that’s beautiful and up to code. 

1. Review Local Venting and Drainage Codes

Massachusetts has complex codes around venting and draining to ensure your home doesn’t accidentally become a hazard. Without these codes, you could put yourself at risk for a fire, pests, or mold.

For example, kitchens in Massachusetts have strict exhaust and ventilation rates to keep moisture and smoke from building up inside. 

You also have to consider drainage, an important feature of making sure water doesn’t puddle up in or near your home. Your kitchen or bathroom needs to have the right materials and proper placement to keep surface drainage under control. 

2. Consider Replacing Your Piping

One of our biggest plumbing DIY tips for MetroWest homes is staying one step ahead of aging or crumbling materials. Remember what we said about old homes often having lead or cast iron pipes? If you haven’t reviewed your home’s piping system in a while, it’s time to get an inspection. 

You have many replacement options to choose from. Copper is one of the best materials for water supply lines thanks to its lightweight and long-lasting structure. It doesn’t pose a threat to human health like lead and is more resistant to corrosion than cast iron. 

However, PVC pipes are another popular material for piping. Not only are they resistant to corrosion, but they’re also extremely durable against tree roots (a common problem in the MetroWest).

3. Always Use High-Quality Materials

You may be tempted to see where you can shave a little off your remodeling budget. However, make sure not to always prioritize high-quality materials when outfitting your bathroom or kitchen. While saving a few dollars now may feel like a good deal now, you could end up paying far more in the long run. 

For example, many homeowners choose tiling for its charming appearance and relatively low cost. Unfortunately, grout is costly to maintain and tends to retain moisture over time, leading to odors and mildew or mold. Natural stone, like granite, or acrylic paneling costs a little more, but it also lasts far longer.

4. Start Smaller for Beginner Projects

Who doesn’t want to go all out on a brand new kitchen or bathroom remodel? If you’re newer to the process, though, one of our biggest plumbing DIY tips for MetroWest projects is to hold back.

Instead of completely changing your home from top to bottom, choose just one or two places to renovate. For example, you could just start with a kitchen remodel for now, then choose a bathroom remodel later. While it may seem like more trouble splitting your project timelines up, you’ll deal with less stress as you learn the ins and outs of remodeling. 

5. Hire a Professional Partner for the Job

Keeping track of remodeling tips, drainage codes, and historic remodeling permits is a tall order, even for experienced homeowners. A professional partner will take the work off your plate so you can focus on enjoying the perks of a new home. 

Notturno is a home services company based in the MetroWest that provides home renovation projects for all kinds of homes, including older houses. Our plumbing DIY tips for MetroWest homes are just the beginning: we’re a dedicated partner that saves you time and stress putting together an upgraded home.

How Notturno Helps You Get the Job Done Right the First Time

We know how challenging it can be to see your new kitchen or bathroom through to the end. Our expert team offers a suite of home renovation services to ensure you don’t miss a single important detail. 

Teaming up with us gives you access to local expertise and technical experience. We offer:

• In-depth assessments for your current piping and ventilation systems

• Strict code compliance for ventilation, drainage, and waste 

• Expert installations for new fixtures like sinks, toilets, tubs, and ice-makers

• Rerouting waste and supply lines for brand new bathroom and kitchen layouts

The perks don’t end there. Our membership plan offers discounts on yearly maintenance to keep your new kitchen or bathroom in peak condition for years. All you have to do to get started is talk with one of our team members. 

Contact Notturno for an Expert Consultation Today

Now that you’ve picked up a few plumbing DIY tips for MetroWest homes, give yourself the peace of mind that comes with a job well done. Notturno is your partner for a safe, legally-compliant, and beautiful kitchen or bathroom remodel.

Want to ask our team questions or share ideas for your new project? Call us today!