How to add a walk in shower to a bathroom
Most people get frightened by the thought of undertaking DIY projects at home; this perhaps explains why most people have showers that do not satisfy their needs. Interestingly, the shower remains the preferred choice of bathing because it requires little water, it is convenient, and it takes up less space in our homes.
Personal preferences aside, it is clear that adding a new shower into your bathroom will improve its aspect and functionality. However, this process may not be as easy as you think; it requires planning and some time, as the process can be quite tricky. In the section below, we shall go through some of the fundamental things that you should know when installing a modern shower.
Suitability of Walk in Shower Designs
There are many types of showers stalls in the home improvement market. The designs may be mundane on one end of the spectrum and outlandish on the other. You may find standard shower stalls to fancy high-end showers with special or custom shower heads and enclosures. Some of them provide respite to perennial plumbing and water damage problems that are common in ordinary showers.
Although we have different tastes, the main issue that cuts across the board is setting them up in the bathroom. Only a few people would want to have a big, luxurious shower with double sinks when a basic shower could serve their bathing needs well. Besides that, most people wouldn't like to spend fortunes on bathrooms when there are other urgent needs to take care of in their homes.
Mapping out the Shower
The easiest way of mapping out your shower is by using a 3D mapping application. There are many types of applications tailored for this purpose and they range from tens to hundreds of dollars. These applications might be helpful in determining the actual measurements, foreseeing possible problems and displaying the fundamental features, notably wall dimensions, fixtures, and placements in three-dimension. You can work better if you already have a visual impression of the complete shower area.
Once you have completed the design process, you should seek the services of an interior designer or contractor to inspect the bath area and infrastructure. This will give you a clear idea of what you are trying to achieve. The contractor will also cut holes on the walls and inspect the surrounding wall for damaged wires or water pipes. This stage in design will also allow you to create a realistic budget for adding your new shower.
Deciding on the Best Shower
There are various kinds of showers in the market today. If you want to install a single-unit, then check out the design and collections available in leading home improvement stores in your locality. Make sure that the dimensions and style match the overall aspect of your bathroom. You may not like the idea of buying a shower unit that won't fit, or one that will require modifications to fit.
Two popular options are pre-fab unit and the manually built shower unit. The former option is good, but it is limited in styles. On the other hand, a shower built from scratch is costly and may not be the best idea for a starter with average installation skills.
Installation
You will find that it easy to install a pre-fab shower at the time of your convenience if you already have experience with DIY projects. The pre-fab shower is fixed as a singly and then grouted all through the exterior seams, in order to cut off water from reaching the interior walls. You should do a thorough research on the internet to learn more about the different installation methods.
On the other hand, a hand built shower requires specialized skills and techniques. This means that a contractor should be hired to build a frame that encloses the shower. Next, a shower stall is lined with a covering like Wonderboard. Thereafter, tiling should be done on the surface and plumbing on drains before the enclosure is installed.
Conclusion
It is not difficult to add a new shower to an existing bathroom if you have hands-on experience on DIY projects. However, the shower design and style will significantly influence the ultimate cost of the installation. Therefore, you have to decide on a good plan and map out the area the shower will occupy. It is advisable to work closely with a designer or contractor in the design phase. With the right selection of materials and design, you can add a new shower to your bathroom without spending a fortune.
