There’s nothing better to help you relax after a stressful day at the office than a long, hot shower. So when your shower stops working, we understand that you’re going to want to get a new one installed as soon as you can. But before you make any decisions, it’s important to think about what you want from your new shower. What features are most important to you? Before contacting a professional contractor, here are some things to keep in mind to ensure that your shower works for you.
Budget
Your budget should be one of your top considerations when doing any kind of home remodeling, showers included. When planning your budget, think about the aspects of your new shower that are most important to you. And don’t be afraid to spend money on them if you think they’re essential. Forget what you may have heard: keeping to a budget doesn’t need to mean cutting corners or denying yourself the things you want. Beyond improving your home experience now, stylish and functional showers also increase the resale value of a home. So if you spend a little more now, you’re likely to get the money back later and then some.
Function
Everyone knows about tubs and walk-in units. But beyond your shower’s general form, it’s important to think about some less obvious elements like the shower’s size, the width of the entryway, and the number and placement of the knobs. You’re probably going to have to live with your choices for a while, so you should put in the time and effort now to make sure you like what you get. If you feel overwhelmed by all of your choices and aren’t sure what you want, don’t be afraid to speak with a professional contractor. He or she will be able to focus your thoughts and guide you toward a shower with the form and function that best serves your needs.
Storage
Feel frustrated when there’s no place to put your washcloth? Plan ahead! There are storage options that go way beyond those cheap plastic units that hang from the showerhead. Ceramic tile shelving is one popular and affordable option; built into the corner of your shower, it’s unobtrusive and convenient. But if you want something a bit more elegant (and even more convenient), consider building shelves into the walls of your new shower. Your soap and shampoo will stay out of the way of wandering elbows while remaining right at your fingertips when you need them.
Extras
We’ve discussed some of the basic elements of a shower remodel. But if you have some room left in your budget, there’s so much more you can do. If you have a small bathroom but want to make your shower feel bigger, for instance, think about getting curved shower rods; beyond creating a feeling of extra space, they attach to the wall with screws so your kids won’t be able to pull them down during bath time. And if you want to transform your shower into a full-on relaxation chamber, there are ways to do that too. Integrating seating into your shower is one great idea, especially for the elderly. But if you really want to relax in your shower, consider adding a steam unit; steam units can provide you with a luxurious full-body spa-like experience from the comfort of your own home. No passes required.
