Transform Your Bathroom: Essential Tips for a Successful Remodel.

A spacious, spa-like shower tops many homeowners's bathroom wish lists, including ours. Living in an older home, we've realized it's time to update our primary bathroom. Through conversations with friends and extensive research, we discovered that bathroom remodels can quickly become expensive, if not carefully planned. We wanted to share our findings with you to help make your bathroom renovation decisions a bit easier.

1. Location and Size

Determine where your shower will be situated. Corners are common, but you might prefer the center of the room or a separate enclosed area. Remember, relocating plumbing can be expensive, so consider keeping the shower in its current location if budget is a concern.

Shower sizes vary, but popular widths include 32, 36, and 60 inches. A minimum of 36 by 48 inches is generally preferred. Ceiling heights usually range from 84 to 120 inches. Ensure other bathroom elements like vanities fit comfortably with your chosen shower size.

2. Materials to be Used

Consider the materials you will use on the walls and floors. For tile, assess its ability to withstand foot traffic and friction. The Porcelain Enamel Institute’s abrasion scale, ranging from 0 (not recommended for floors) to 5 (heavy commercial use), can help you determine a tile’s durability.

Also, check the tile's moisture absorption rate. Vitrified porcelain has a low absorption rate (less than 0.5%), semi-vitrified tiles absorb 3-6%, and standard glazed wall tiles absorb 10-20%. These percentages indicate where to use certain tiles and their durability.

For floor tiles, prioritize safety. Smoother tiles can be slippery and pose a risk of slipping.

3. Curbed vs. Curbless Showers

Curbed showers have a threshold to keep water in and often serve as a base for shower doors. Curbless showers offer a seamless transition between the bathroom and shower floor, making them safer and more accessible. When deciding, consider how long you'll stay in your home and any current or future accessibility needs—not just for older individuals, but for anyone with mobility issues.

Proper drainage is crucial for curbless showers, which might require lowering the shower floor. When installed correctly, they function well, but poor planning can lead to water spreading throughout the bathroom.

4. Shower-Tub Combos

We are all familiar with all-in-one combo showers—they’re common and great for saving space. If you have a smaller bathroom, this might be the ideal solution.

Lately, we’re seeing more luxury designs for these combos, where the shower and tub are together in a glass-enclosed area but not necessarily attached (see above picture). This setup can also complement specific styles, like a Victorian home with a clawfoot tub and overhead shower.

Here are a few ways to elevate a combo shower:

1. Hide the plumbing.
2. Keep the controls simple.
3. Opt for a unique tub design.

5. Glass Shower Doors

Glass enclosures can make bathrooms feel more spacious and airy while showcasing beautiful accent tiles. Swing doors are a popular choice as they provide a wide and open entry, but make sure the door swing doesn’t interfere with other bathroom elements like the toilet or towel racks. Alternatively, sliding doors are great space-savers, though they can be more challenging to clean due to the tracks and components.

For a sleek, modern look, consider a fixed glass panel. This option eliminates the need for a door, making it easier to maintain and enhancing the shower’s clean lines and contemporary feel. A fixed panel also minimizes water splash while maintaining an open and inviting atmosphere.

6. Shower Seating

A shower bench is practical for sitting, shaving, or placing products, enhancing both convenience and safety. Ideal dimensions for a bench are 17-19 inches high and 15 inches deep, providing comfortable seating. For a cohesive and luxurious look, use a slab finish like marble or quartz for the bench top, matching it with your vanity countertop. This not only ensures durability and easy maintenance but also adds a touch of elegance to your bathroom.

7. Shower Niches

Niches are essential for storing shower products. Commonly placed at chest to eye level, niches can be customized in size and shape to fit your needs. Alternatively, a shower ledge offers flexibility without height restrictions. You can use mutiple ones at different heights if you want a little more creativity in how your wall looks.

8. Fixtures

Choose between ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted shower heads. Wall-mounted heads are typically installed at 80 inches above the floor, while ceiling-mounted rain-style heads offer a soothing water patter. Handheld sprayers and body jets add functionality, and a steam generator can create a spa-like experience. Position fixtures at the shower entrance to avoid cold water blasts. 

9. Technology

High-tech shower upgrades can transform your daily routine into a luxurious experience. You might consider options like phone-controlled water settings, voice-activated systems, and shower heads with built-in speakers for added convenience and enjoyment. For an even more indulgent experience, explore chromotherapy showers with colored lights to enhance your mood, steam showers for a spa-like retreat, and body spa showers with multiple jets for a full-body massage. These innovative features not only elevate the shower experience, but also add a modern touch to your bathroom.

Additionally, high-tech toilets equipped with bidets, heated seats, and automatic wash functions are gaining popularity in the U.S. as prices become more accessible. While these tech options are exciting, it's important to consider their longevity and potential impact on resale value.

10. Lighting

Dedicated lighting for the shower is essential for both functionality and ambiance. Recessed lighting is popular due to its sleek, moisture-sealed design, which blends seamlessly with the ceiling. Ensure fixtures are rated for damp locations to prevent water damage and ensure longevity. Additionally, consider dimmable options to adjust the lighting according to different needs and times of day. Proper shower lighting can significantly enhance the overall experience and aesthetic of your bathroom remodel.

11. Accessories

Accessories like towel hooks, rings, and bars enhance functionality. Install them near the shower entrance or inside the shower for convenience. Our particular shower requires to step across the floor to get a towel ...a little risky ever morning. The shower drain is also an important accessory. Standard drains are cost-effective, while linear drains offer a sleek design, especially for curbless showers.

Incorporating these thoughtful elements into your bathroom remodel can transform it into a luxurious and functional space. From the practicality of a well-designed shower bench to the importance of dedicated shower lighting, every detail contributes to a cohesive and inviting bathroom.

Happy Remodeling!!