In every home there are a several places that are used on a daily basis. The kitchen, the bedroom and the bathroom are probably the top three for most people, and for that reason these are the areas that, naturally, we would like to be the most comfortable and functional.
In the bathroom, one amenity which is absolutely indispensable is the shower. For those who are considering a bathroom remodel , this is an excellent place to start. The shower can very easily be transformed from a nondescript utility where the routine of your day begins, into a comfortable, relaxing sensory experience that you’ll look forward to every morning. All it takes is a little planning and preparation. First, you’ll need to establish a budget. There is a wide price range for new showers depending on the type of materials and fixtures you’ll be using. Also, you’ll need to decide on hiring a licensed, professional contractor for the job. As for materials, you can choose between inexpensive pre-fabricated units to more elaborate custom tile designs. Obviously, the price ranges can be very widely because of this, which is why establishing a budget is so important.
Even pre-fabricated shower enclosures can run from several hundred to a few thousand dollars, but most people who really desire a luxury shower design will opt for either custom tile or quality solid surfaces materials.
Ceramic tiles are one of the most popular choices for shower surfaces and can cost from $1.00 to over $4.00 per square foot. For other types of high quality stone tiles the cost can go even higher. Most budgets for tile installations should start at a minimum of $1000, and that would be for smaller shower unit sizes. After you add in the cost of materials you could easily be pushing $2000, however, this is for a modest project. You’d therefore need to take into consideration the size of the enclosure and whether or not you’d be including a tub. A more reasonable expectation then would be closer to $3000 and up.
There is such a wide selection of shower materials available that it’s highly recommended that you spend some time at a local specialty store that offers a choice of different tiles and surface materials. Although tile is extremely popular for showers, other surface materials may appeal to you as well. Marble slab, for example, is very appealing, however, can require some maintenance and can be subject to wear and tear. An excellent alternative, for those who wish for marble is manufactured – or “cultured” – marble, which is both affordable and luxurious. One of the primary benefits of cultured marble is that it is very low maintenance and long lasting. It is excellent for resisting stains and water penetration as well which cuts down on any mold or mildew issues that sometimes arise with more porous ceramic tiles and grout.
The finishing touch to your new shower will be the shower fixtures. There are myriad choices when it comes to shower fixtures, and three of the top brands you’ll want to explore are Grohe, Hansgrohe and Koehler. Keep in mind that Grohe and Hansgrohe are two different companies with two completely different lines of shower fixtures and appliances. The shower head is probably the best place to start as it is really the central piece of equipment to any shower. You can even design your new shower with multiple shower heads in mind for an even more indulgent experience. Most new showers can be nicely equipped for in the low to medium hundreds of dollars.
One last component to your new shower will be the shower enclosure. Here again, there are many different choices. There is as shown above a full walk in shower without a door if there is adequate space. Clear glass, textured or frosted glass, tinted, mirrored or even sandblasted glass. You’ve got different thicknesses and weights as well. You can have a standard door height or you can choose from a full height door which is fully enclosed all the way to the ceiling.
We provide a free consultation services for those of you interested in remodeling their Kitchen or Bathroom.