Dread going to your shower in the morning? Does the thought of stepping in to a dreary, mildewy, possibly leaky shower make you want to stay in bed longer? Maybe you’ve been dreaming of an up-to-date shower to take the place of your old-fashioned shower. Whatever your motivation, now is the time to think about replacing that old shower with something fresh.
Should I replace my shower?
Any kind of work in your bathroom can seem costly, but it also adds a great deal of value to your home! That’s why it’s always important to know what you’re getting into ahead of time. Talk to your contractor to make sure that your renovations will give your home the added resale value you’re hoping for. You contractor will have the knowledge and insight you need to get you the best bang for your buck!
That said, what are some of your shower options?
To tub, or not to tub.
Is your shower connected to your tub? Maybe you’re not all that into taking baths and want to chuck the tub completely. Here are some things to consider:
- Do you actually use your tub, or does it just seem like a good idea to have it around?
- Are you planning on having kids? Although it’s not impossible to bath a baby in a shower, it is easier to give a baby or toddler a bath in a bathtub.
- Will elderly people be using the shower? If so, the high walls in a tub will be difficult to get in and out of for elderly users, or users with accessibility issues.
- Do you mind if your bathroom is listed as “three-quarter bath” instead of “full-bath”?
- Can you reglaze your current tub to save money?
Have a separate shower and tub? Sometimes, the two different materials used around the bath and shower can be jarring on the eyes. It may be more aesthetically pleasing to match materials. For instance, you can use the same type of tile or natural stone around the tub and in the shower to tie the two elements together.
Use built-ins for more space
One of the great things about remodeling your shower is that you can design it from the ground up. That means you can include all the things your current shower lacks. Tired of buying shower caddies that just get grimy over time? Why not install built in shelves to store your shampoo, shower gel and other toiletries?
With existing showers, you can install shelves by sticking them straight onto the walls with silicone caulk. But if you are in the process of remodeling, you can do better by building wall niches.
Upgrade your tile
Is your shower tile looking out of date? Grout seen better days? Cracks in your tile? Or maybe, your shower is covered with older, cheaper fiberglass. It may be time to update the tile in your shower.
There are so many options in tile, it can be overwhelming. When choosing a tile, you may want to ask yourself this question: Are you planning on selling your house in the near future? If you are planning on selling your home in the next few years, you will want to pick a neutral tile for your shower. Subways tiles give a clean, modern look. Adding a backsplash can give a subtle bling to your shower, as well. If you aren’t planning on selling your home any time soon, you may want to choose a tile that reflects your taste.
Waterproof your shower
This is imperative! Once you have a new, beautiful shower, you want to make sure water doesn’t destroy the rest of your bathroom. You want to make sure water does not get behind the tile. Keeping water in the shower and away from subflooring is made easier when using a waterproofing membrane. This adds a critical layer of protection on top of the cement board. The cement board won’t be damaged by moisture, but that doesn’t stop water from passing through to the subfloor.
Lighting, Lighting, Lighting!
What better way to brighten up a gloomy, dark shower than lighting? When you can get it, natural lighting is always the best.
You'll find no better way to do this than by combining a corner shower unit with frameless glass walls. Frameless showers use thick tempered glass, attached by metal clips, to serve as the walls. No wood framing is needed. If desired, you can buy a frameless shower door only, instead of the entire enclosure.
Not thinking about frameless glass walls? Install lighting inside your shower to brighten up the place.
Don’t forget about plumbing
A lot goes unseen in a bathroom, including the plumbing. If your shower is older, you may consider upgrading your pipes. You want to make sure you have proper sizing and placement. This could save you a huge hassle of having damaged pipes later on. While you’re at it, you may want to move the shower head to be higher or lower, as you desire.
How much will my shower remodel cost?
The cost of a shower remodel can vary for many reasons. In general, you can expect to spend about $1,400 to $1,600 to remodel a shower and tub combination. Most of this is installation costs, which includes modifications, fixtures and sinks. Full showers usually cost about $700 to $800 to install. As with any home project, the cost is going to depend on your materials and labor costs. With a shower remodel, it is a good idea to pick durable, quality materials that will last for years with daily wear and tear.
Looking for a free estimate for your project? Call Los Angeles Bathroom Remodel today at (323) 402-6381.
