Whether you have a prefabricated or customized old bathtub, replacing it with a walk-in shower can be the first step to renovating your bathroom. Walk-in shower enclosures are perfect for giving your bathroom an illusion of more space and helping you start the day with a refreshing morning with a spa-like vibe. The best part is, that there are enough options available for you to find one that is suitable for your bathroom space and requirement.
A Buyers Guide to Walk-In Shower
There are many reasons to invest in a walk-in shower, however, you will need to do some proper planning, and choose the materials carefully, to fully utilize its features. This post will discuss everything you need to reflect upon before taking the plunge.
- Understand the Cost of Construction
The first thing that needs to happen when you want to install walk-in shower enclosures in your bathroom is the breaking of your walls for accessing the plumbing pipes. Later, the walls and floor are rebuilt using moisture-resistant poly sheeting. Drains are installed and shower pans are created using mortar. The plumbing pipes may be needed to be moved for accommodating the newly installed shower heads and shower sprays. Along with all this, your walls too may need to get re-tiled.
As you can understand, you may even have to extend your initial budget midway.
There are some prefabricated shower kits available in the market, however, for a more affordable walk-in shower experience, if you are comfortable working with framing walls and plumbing pipes. - Review All Your Options
The thing about prefabricated shower kits is that they come with specific dimensions and include shower pan, one-piece stalls, and sometimes customizable units as well. But, if you are truly looking for a custom look for your bathroom, then building a shower enclosure from the scratch is the only way. Even though it will not come cheap but you will get more options in this way, whether you want a wet-room style shower or a frameless enclosure. - Use Your Space Well
When you are planning a bathroom renovation, understanding how to utilize the space can make all the difference. When installing a walk-in shower, leave at least a gap of 32 inches between the shower and the other fixtures in your bathroom. The reason is that walk-in showers need at last a 36X36 inches of space to accommodate a single person. If you want to allow more people, then the required space needs to be increased accordingly.
Pro Tip: If you install hinged shower doors, make sure they open outward and have at least 30 inches of clearance space.
- Pay Attention to Entry and Accessibility
A curbless shower or a low-threshold shower make sure that you can safely get in and out of the enclosure without getting into an accident. This is especially useful for the little children and the seniors of your home.
You also need to figure out whether you want to install a shower curtains or frameless glass door or leave your enclosure entirely naked. - Spruce up the Interiors
Apart from all the functional aspects, you need to consider some of the aesthetic factors too when installing elegant walk-in showers. Whether you choose a rainfall showerhead or a standard one, make sure the walls, base and the showerheads are built to contain the spraying water within the shower.
In the end, investing in an expensive walk-in shower enclosure is exciting as it can completely alter the look of your bathroom interior. However, it is an expensive proposition. So, make sure you go through all these points and plan wisely, before deciding to choose a new shower for your bathroom renovation.