If your existing bathtub and shower combo has seen better days, a shower remodel can completely transform your bathroom. Replacing a standard tub with a spacious, inviting walk-in shower creates a relaxing spa-like retreat right in your own home.
Why Remodel Your Shower?
There are many reasons you may want to remodel your existing shower area:
Safety Concerns: An aging tub comes with a risk of slips and falls. If mobility is becoming difficult, a walk-in shower with grab bars and a seat provides safety and accessibility.
Limited Space: Do you feel cramped in your current shower/tub configuration? Remodeling creates space for a larger walk-in shower without the need to fully renovate your bathroom.
Outdated Appearance: Is your shower area sporting linoleum floors, dreary shower surrounds and poor lighting? A remodel immediately provides a fresh, updated look.
Custom Options: Custom showers allow you to select your preferred style options for the floor, walls, lighting, fixtures, and more.
Types of Showers to Consider for Your Remodel Project
When planning your walk-in shower remodel, there are several style options to consider:
Corner Showers By using an existing corner space, you can install an angled shower while taking up minimal floor area. Glass doors keep the open feel.
Neo Angle Showers
A neo angle shower is similar to a corner shower but with a more rounded, curvilinear shape. The smooth design exudes modern style.
Glass Block Showers Glass block walls allow soft lighting to filter into the shower. Mix glass blocks with finishes like tile for visual interest.
Curbless Showers a curbless or barrier-free shower creates a smooth entry and exit for improved accessibility. Linear drains give a clean look.
Shower/Tub Combinations If you want both a spacious shower and the ability to soak in a tub, select a remodel with a walk-in shower that also retains the original bathtub.
The prospect of a shower remodel may seem daunting. Breaking down the process into manageable steps makes bathroom renovation achievable:
Determine Your Budget a new custom walk-in shower ranges from $2,500 to $7,500 installed. Factor in costs for associated updates to toilet, sink, flooring and lighting.
Select Your Shower Features Choose a size, shape, shower system, floor and wall materials, lighting and accessories to match your vision and budget.
Hire a Licensed Pro An experienced professional handles plumbing, waterproofing, framing and install for optimal safety.
Demolition & Installation
This involves safely removing your existing tub/shower fixtures and installing new plumbing, shower pan and custom walls/surfaces.
Waterproofing Crucial steps like installation of a vapor barrier prevent leaks and ensure water stays inside the shower walls.
Complete Finishing Touches The exciting final details like trims, niches, benches, fixtures, floors and glass doors pull the whole new shower together!
Seal and Caulk Sealing all surfaces and applying flexible caulk prevents water damage around the edges long-term.
What to Expect During Your Shower Remodel Project
When starting a shower remodel, it’s helpful to know what to expect at each phase. Key stages include:
Planning Stage
During planning, finalize shower layout and order essential supplies before demolition day for a streamlined install.
Demolition Period
This noisy phase involves safely removing existing tub, plumbing, flooring and drywall. The space may seem like a construction zone temporarily!
Rough-In Stage
New plumbing is routed, the custom shower pan is leveled and wood backing for shower benches/niches gets framed in.
Cement board, waterproofing and tiles (or other wall finishes) are installed and adjusted until flawlessly smooth and square.
Trim Stage
Grout is applied between tiles. Exciting finishing touches like shelving, benches and fixtures are secured. The custom shower comes to life!
Final Touches
The space is cleaned and sealed. Glass doors mount perfectly to complete your shower oasis.
Budget-Friendly Tile Options for Your Shower Remodel
While natural stone and glass tiles certainly provide upscale style, tile choices like porcelain and ceramic offer significant savings without sacrificing quality and durability. Extra-large format tiles are very on-trend and install quickly with fewer grout lines. Mosaics add visual punch when used selectively as accents. Talk to your contractor about tile patterns to make your new shower look luxe for less.
Consider Bathroom Layout Changes for Improved Function
In addition to replacing just the shower itself, you may want to explore minor layout tweaks to improve the overall functionality when undertaking a remodel. For example, moving or enlarging a window allows in more natural sunlight. Relocating the sink, toilet or door can address traffic flow issues or free up space for a double vanity or makeup area. Don’t be afraid to think creatively about making structural changes to enhance use of the available square footage.
Incorporate Universal Design Elements
To make your new walk-in shower accessible and user-friendly for family members of all ages and abilities, include universal design elements like a fold-down seat, grab bars and a hand-held showerhead option. Curbless entry, non-slip flooring, adjustable showerheads and easy-access controls also improve usability. Add style and safety with contrasting colors, matte finishes, ample lighting and a soothing, tranquil ambiance. Your spa-style retreat can provide comfort and convenience for life.
Enjoy Your New Dream Shower!
Bask in the satisfaction of a shower that looks and functions even better than imagined. Your new spa-inspired space provides pleasure and renewal daily.
With strategic planning for factors like demolition, construction timelines and minimizing home disruptions, even significant walk-in shower remodel projects are entirely manageable. The results—your own private, luxury shower retreat—are well worth the investment and temporary hassle!
What are the most popular shower layouts for a remodel?
The most popular and versatile shower layout is a 4 by 5 foot rectangular enclosure, allowing ample space for multi-directional sprays. If space allows, a full 6 foot long rectangular shower offers extra room for benches and shelves while still feeling open due to the linear shape. L-shaped showers make efficient use of corner space while neo angle showers maximize curves and lines for a sophisticated polished look.
Should I choose a curbless or curbed shower design?
Curbless showers offer an accessible and sleek look, with linear drains to prevent water running onto the floor. However, a small curb still provides an effective water barrier. Those with mobility issues tend to prefer curbless accessibility while curbed showers feel less exposed and more private for some users.
What shower flooring material is best?
Natural stone like marble or slate gives an elegant finish but requires cautious sealing. Tile, the most popular choice, now comes in advanced waterproof options like porcelain. New epoxy and resin floors offer unusual visual depth and are extremely durable. Aside from aesthetics, ensure any flooring has non-slip texture for safety.
Should I remodel the shower myself to save money?
While simple cosmetic upgrades like new fixtures or tile backsplashes can potentially DIY, it is highly advisable to hire a professional for major structural changes. Proper waterproofing technique is crucial to prevent leaks and ensure structural integrity for years. Unless highly experienced in construction, plumbing and working with shower pan liners, risking a DIY remodel is not wise.
Can I incorporate smart technology into my new shower?
Absolutely! Today’s custom showers can integrate features like waterproof Bluetooth audio, WiFi-controlled temperature and pressure settings, pre-set “experiences” for spa effects, moisture-activated chromotherapy light, touchscreen panels and more. Integrate simple or deluxe smart controls to give your new shower an intuitive, luxurious feel. Consult an experience home technology installer to program an advanced system exactly to your preferences and lifestyle.
