Your bathroom is one of the most personal and frequently used spaces in your home, so when it comes time to remodel, choosing the right professional for the job matters more than you might think.
Maybe you're tired of the outdated tile. Maybe you want to upgrade the function and comfort of the space. Or maybe you're finally ready to create that spa-like retreat you've been dreaming of. No matter the reason, one of the biggest decisions you'll face isn’t just what to remodel, but who to hire to get it done.
At Custom Built, we’ve worked with hundreds of homeowners across Greater Lansing and Northern Michigan, and we’ve seen the consequences of hiring the wrong person or trying to tackle too much alone.
This guide will walk you through the six most common options homeowners consider, along with their risks, benefits, and what kind of projects they’re best suited for:
- Handyman Services: For Basic Updates Only
- DIY: The Most Affordable - and Most Risky - Option
- Self-Managed Remodel: Control with Complexity
- Independent General Contractor: Good for “Pull and Replace” Projects
- Interior Designer + Contractor Team: Great When Design Matters
- Design-Build Firm: The Most Complete and Reliable Option
1. Handyman Services: For Basic Updates Only
A handyman can be a good fit for small cosmetic upgrades like towel bars, mirrors, fresh trim, or simple flooring swaps. But it’s important to know their limitations.
Handymen typically aren’t licensed or insured for major construction, and that’s where things can go very wrong.
If something happens, including damage to your home, a serious injury, or a job gone sideways, you could be held personally and financially responsible.
Even worse? Without a license to lose or a business reputation to protect, there’s often no obligation for them to return and fix a mistake.
If your bathroom remodel involves plumbing, electrical, or HVAC changes, permits and inspections are legally required. Without them, your insurance company can deny your claim if something goes wrong. What looked like a cheaper option could end up costing you tens of thousands.
Pros:
- Affordable for basic, surface-level updates
- Fast for small one-off tasks
Cons:
- No protection if something goes wrong
- No permits or inspections for critical work
- No guarantee or workmanship warranty
- Serious financial and liability risks
Use a handyman only for non-mechanical upgrades. Once you're touching plumbing or wiring, it’s time to call a licensed professional.
2. DIY: The Most Affordable - and Most Risky - Option
Tackling your bathroom remodel yourself may seem like a great way to save money, especially with how-to videos and big-box materials at your fingertips. But most homeowners underestimate the skill, time, and coordination it really takes.
TV shows make bathroom remodels look fast and simple. In reality, they rarely come in under budget or finish on schedule. Once you start tearing into walls, rerouting plumbing, or rewiring lights, you may quickly find yourself overwhelmed.
Beyond the technical knowledge, consider what your time is worth. Will you enjoy spending your evenings and weekends laying tile or correcting mistakes? If not, you might end up paying more to hire a professional to finish the job than if you’d hired them in the first place.
Even for handy homeowners, DIY always takes longer than expected. Life doesn’t pause for a remodel, so what starts as a “weekend project” can easily stretch into weeks or months. Delays in getting materials, juggling your day job, and redoing steps that don’t go right the first time all add up fast. By the time it’s done, you may be more exhausted than proud.
Pros:
- Lowest upfront cost
- Complete control over the project
- Great for confident, experienced DIYers
Cons:
- No professional oversight or warranty
- Permits and inspections are still required for plumbing/electrical
- Time-consuming, frustrating, and physically demanding
- You risk costly mistakes or damages that could end up costing more than if you had hired a professional from the start
DIY only works if you’re fully prepared for the scope and stress of the job—and even then, it’s not for the faint of heart.
3. Self-Managed Remodel: Control with Complexity
If you're not up for DIY, but want to control the budget, managing your remodel yourself may seem like a happy medium. You hire your own subcontractors, plumber, electrician, tile installer, and coordinate the schedule.
The catch? You’re now the general contractor. You’re responsible for making sure everyone shows up at the right time, that materials are ready, permits are pulled, all work is done well, inspections are passed, and each trade finishes in the correct order so the next can begin.
That’s a lot to take on, especially when the average bathroom can involve 5-7 different trades. If one person falls behind, it can delay the entire project by weeks. And you will likely find yourself rescheduling contractors who are already booked out.
You’ll also be on the hook if anything goes wrong. Without a licensed general contractor overseeing the project, there’s no warranty to fall back on. If something fails later, like a leaky shower pan or faulty wiring, you’ll be left covering the cost of repairs yourself.
Pros:
- More affordable than hiring a full-service firm
- Flexibility in choosing your tradespeople
- Oversight of details and control
Cons:
- You’re responsible for all scheduling and oversight
- Delays from one trade affect the entire timeline
- Can take much longer than expected
- No single person is accountable for the whole project
- No warranty protection if something goes wrong after completion
Managing a remodel isn’t just phone calls and emails; it’s a full-time job. Know what you’re signing up for.
4. Independent General Contractor: Good for “Pull and Replace” Projects
If your project is straightforward, keeping the toilet, tub, and shower in the same place, an independent general contractor (GC) may be a solid choice.
A reputable GC will be licensed and insured, pull the proper permits, and bring in trusted tradespeople they work with regularly. That’s key: if your GC is scrambling to find help mid-project, that’s a red flag. The best contractors rely on experienced, dependable teams.
Just keep in mind: you’ll be responsible for all design work yourself. That includes selecting and sourcing fixtures, finishes, tile, paint, and making sure everything fits and flows well together.
This option gives you one point of contact and someone who’s responsible for getting the job done professionally.
Pros:
- Handles construction, trades, and permitting
- Best for straightforward remodels
- You have one person accountable for the results
- You manage your own design selections, giving you full creative control
Cons:
- Doesn’t include design or material selection support
- Still requires some homeowner involvement
- Must be vetted carefully with thorough license and review checks
A solid GC is a great fit if you already know what you want and just need someone to build it well.
5. Interior Designer + Contractor Team: Great When Design Matters
Bathrooms aren’t just about function anymore. If you want something truly beautiful - or you’re working with unique materials, layouts, or finishes - an interior designer paired with a trusted contractor can deliver big results.
Designers bring deep knowledge of finishes, layout planning, and style, and when they partner with a reliable contractor, the process becomes smoother.
That said, not every designer comes with a vetted construction team. If they’re finding help on the fly, your project could suffer. Always ask for references, and make sure there’s a solid working relationship between the two parties.
Pros:
- Elevated design and better material planning
- Designer can guide decisions based on experience
- Great for custom or high-end remodels
Cons:
- More expensive than GC-only or DIY
- Potential miscommunication if designer and contractor aren’t aligned
- Requires careful vetting
Design-led projects are worth it when you care about beauty and function—but only if the design and construction teams are truly working as one.
6. Design-Build Firm: The Most Complete and Reliable Option
When you choose a design-build firm, you’re hiring a team that handles every aspect of your bathroom remodel - from concept to completion. That includes layout design, finish selections, permitting, skilled trades, scheduling, and clean-up.
At Custom Built, we specialize in this approach. We manage your entire remodel so you don’t have to. We offer lifetime workmanship warranties, established trade partnerships, and proven project timelines - so you can relax, knowing your home is in good hands.
Design-build is often the most expensive option up front, but it also brings the highest return in peace of mind, quality, and lasting value.
Pros:
- Full-service design and construction
- One team is accountable for everything
- Permits, inspections, and clean-up included
- Strong relationships with trades and inspectors
- Professional guidance and warranty protection
Cons:
- Higher initial investment
- Not ideal for surface-level, cosmetic updates
When you're remodeling a bathroom that needs more than new paint, design-build gives you control, security, and beautiful results—without the stress.
Next Steps to Choosing Your Bathroom Remodel Partner
A bathroom remodel can be exciting, but without the right help, it quickly becomes overwhelming. If your project involves layout changes or mechanical work, you need a licensed, insured pro.
For full-service support from design to completion, a design-build team like Custom Built offers clarity, quality, and peace of mind. We've proudly served Greater Lansing and Northern Michigan families for decades, delivering remodels that truly make a difference.
Ready to remodel your bathroom with confidence? Give us a call—we’d love to learn more about your project and help you get started.
Now that you know more about the must-have features for a cozy and functional porch, let’s explore the first step of your project with Custom Built, how much your bathroom will cost, and the factors that influence that final price:
- What is a Discovery Call with Custom Built? - This article details what your first call with Custom Built looks like as you start planning your remodel.
- How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost in Lansing, Michigan? - Discover accurate price ranges for your potential bathroom remodeling project.
- 10 Factors That Affect the Cost of Bathroom Remodels - Learn more about the details that impact the cost of your bathroom remodel before you sign the dotted line.
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