What Bathroom Updates Can Shower Remodeling Contractors Make?

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You’ve seen one shower, you’ve seen them all, right? Not really. In fact, there are numerous options for you to consider when hiring shower remodel contractors for your bathroom renovation. You want to work with experts who are licensed, bonded, insured, and who have the experience needed to deliver outstanding results on budget.

But, before you decide who to hire, you’ll have to consider:

  • The size of your budget for the shower remodel
  • The fixtures (stainless steel, tile flooring, seamless shower doors, etc.) 
  • If you want to enlarge the space (tearing down walls, adding an extension, etc.) 
  • Whether or not plumbing work must be done in the home 
  • Any shelving or seating you’d like installed in the shower area   

Every homeowner has a different idea of what their new shower should look like, so it’s important to know all the different options at your disposal.  Keep in mind that structural limitations of your home, materials, your budget, and the time frame for the project all directly impact the cost.  Below are some of the most common types of shower remodel.

Types of Shower Remodeling for Your Home 

1. Walk-in Shower    

The average cost of a walk-in shower is $800 – $10,000.  Now, you’re probably thinking something along the lines of, “Wow, that’s a huge range.  Why is that?”  The answer is customization.  Prefabricated walk-in showers cost between $800 and $2,500 depending size and the quality of the materials.  Custom shower remodels make up the rest of the price range, also dependent on the same factors.  The tiling, lighting, shower fixtures, shelving, structural changes, and even plumbing impact the price.

Walk-in showers are common bathroom updates for the elderly due to the ease of access and cleaning.  Older individuals can walk into the shower area without having to step over a large ledge and risk a fall.  In addition, walk-in showers are easier to clean because the space is mostly straight lines with some form of tiling. Another perk of this type of shower remodel is a quality drainage system.  Water flows toward the center and is removed through the main drain, instead of pooling in the corners.

2. Tub to Shower and Vice Versa 

Changing from a tub to a shower or vice versa is another common shower remodeling project.  If you have a tub and want to install a shower, the tub needs to be removed first.  This involves turning off the water line and plumbing to the bathroom temporarily, extracting it from the space, and then preparing the ground and walls for the new shower.  The pricing of the shower depends on the size, materials, and any desired customizations.

Common Shower Options:

  • Shower tiling – Ceramic tiles versus hand-crafted tiles
  • Shower door – Clear glass, frosted glass, rain glass, etc.
  • Shower heads – Eco-friendly or high-flow
  • Full body showers – Multiple jets to spray water at different levels
  • Shelving – Custom storage for soap, shampoo, loofas, razors, etc.

Installing a tub where a shower used to be is a similar process.  You need to consider the general style of the tub, bathtub material, what you’ll use it for, and how much room you want to have. 

Bathtub styles:

  • Standard Tub – This is a basic bathtub with nothing special added.
  • Soaking Bathtub – This tub is deeper than normal, which gives you plenty of space to relax and soak for an extended period. It’s more about relaxation than cleaning yourself.
  • Walk-in Tub – Walk-in tubs have a door for easy access.  This is a popular choice with older adults.
  • Spa / Whirlpool Tubs – Whirlpool tubs contain several jets in order provide a spa-like experience.  This is the ultimate bathtub for relaxation.

Bathtub materials:

Acrylic – Non-porous bathtub material that allows for heavy use.  It’s easy to clean and resists scratches.  Acrylic bathtubs are best for a quick soak.

Cultured Marble – Colorful, stylish marble surface that looks amazing, but scratches easily.  The weight must also be considered because the floor may not be able to handle it.

Cast-Iron – A heavy, durable materials that retains heat well.  Cast-iron bathtubs are great for an extended soak but may be too heavy for the floor without making structural improvements.

Steel – A strong, durable material that’s cheaper than cast-iron.

Fiberglass – The least expensive bathtub material.  This is often used for standard tubs.

3. Shower and Separate Tub     

For the luxurious bathroom feel, you can always install a separate bathtub. A nice claw-foot tub will add that vintage appeal to the space. Or, you can add something with jet massagers and other deluxe features, which will allow you to fully immerse yourself in a bath, after a long day at the office.  You can also extend the bathroom, update the fixtures, shower tiling, and faucets, but it will increase the overall price of the project.     

4. Small Shower     

If you’re limited in space, a small shower might be the addition to go with. Seamless glass enclosures are clean, functional, and can easily bring the space together. And, small doesn’t have to mean lifeless. Adding some nice detail work can boost the visual appeal of the area.

If you want to open the space a bit, you can skip the enclosure all together and opt for an open shower. Add a nice skylight or more windows to make it look (and feel) larger than it really is.     

A Word on Finding Quality Shower Remodel Contractors     

Hiring the right shower remodel contractors is critical to ensuring the work is done to the highest standards. Homeowners should use online ratings from multiple sources to compare local contractors.  They should also see if the company has licensed plumbers on staff.

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