If you’re searching for a way to refresh your bathroom by making it more functional, comfortable, and appealing, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars for a complete overhaul. The average bathroom renovation project costs around $10,000, with higher-end bathroom remodeling projects running up to $30,000.
But your bathroom project doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, a simple shower remodel can majorly change how your bathroom looks and feels. Researching your options and exploring the different shower designs available can help you narrow down which type will work the best for your bathroom.
Once you have an idea of the type of shower you want, you can contact the pros at Wise Glass to schedule a consultation. Our team can design, fabricate, and install the perfect shower for your unique bathroom space.
6 Things To Consider Before Renovating Your Bathroom Shower
Are you considering a shower remodel because your old shower is damaged or outdated? Or maybe you’re ready for a shower that adds more functionality or value to your home?
The shower is not only the focal point of a bathroom, but it’s also the foundation of your daily routine. It’s where you start your morning and relax after a long day at the office. Fortunately, you can have the shower of your dreams, if you do a little research and some careful planning. This is an important home improvement project. Your new shower must be easy to maintain, stylish, durable, and the right size for your bathroom. There’s a lot to learn and design options to consider. Let’s start off by going over the importance of designing a shower with accessibility in mind.
Design for Accessibility
When you create a new shower for your bathroom, you need to consider who will be using the shower, and what each person’s needs are. If you have a bathroom that’s on the smaller side and it’s used by all members of your family, you should choose a style that features a space-saving design, such as bifold glass shower doors or sliding doors for a bathtub combo.
If you have a family member in the home that is disabled, you will also need to make certain design choices that can make the shower safer and easier to get in and out of, such as a curbless design or a low curb shower.
At Wise Glass, we can take measurements of your master bath, shower walls, and available space and go over special safety features that can make your shower more functional and easily accessible.
Make Niches for Toiletries
If you have inadequate storage space in your bathroom, a shower niche is a practical choice. This popular design choice adds functionality to your shower and provides extra storage, at an affordable price.
A shower niche is basically a recessed shelf in the shower that you can use to store your shampoo, conditioner, and other shower toiletries. There are a couple of different niche designs to choose from. The first option requires the construction of a framed box that’s placed between wall studs. Next, it’s covered with a tile backboard, then it’s waterproofed before the tile is placed over it.
Prefabricated niches are a popular choice because they’re easier to install and can be made from stainless steel, foam board, or plastic. However, unlike a custom-made niche, prefab models are only available in a few size options.
Decide on Curb Or Curbless Walk-In Shower
A curbless, or barrier-free shower is basically a walk-in shower that doesn’t have a barrier at the entrance. Curbless designs flow with the rest of the bathroom floor seamlessly. For this style, the floor of the shower must be slightly sloped to prevent water from flowing out onto the rest of the bathroom floor. Typically, curbless showers do not have shower doors, which can be a huge drawback for some homeowners.
A curbed shower design includes a raised barrier that separates the bathroom floor and the shower. Shower doors are used with this shower design, giving you more privacy and a variety of design options.
Choose The Right Entrance
During the design process, how you enter a shower will also be a consideration. There is a wide range of bathroom shower options to choose from including customized walk-in showers with double or single swinging doors, sliding doors, bifold doors, and more. In many cases, this choice is based on shower size, bathroom layout, and budget. If you have a small, basic shower stall, a neo-angle door or bifold door will work. If you have a larger shower space, single or double frameless pivot doors can create a picture-perfect shower.
Frameless Or Semi Frameless Shower Doors
Frameless shower doors do not have a frame, which is why the shower door glass is thicker than what you’ll find on traditional framed doors. Having a frameless shower door custom-made ensures the door used will fit your shower space perfectly. Aside from a perfect fit, you can also choose the style, glass type, and hardware used. These doors are fixed in place with glass panels, clips, and hinges.
A semi-frameless shower door and enclosure is a hybrid design that features a framed enclosure with frameless shower doors.
Frameless shower doors and frameless glass enclosures can make a smaller bathroom space appear larger, allowing light to flow throughout the room. The framed enclosure used for semi-frameless shower doors tends to ruin this effect and can obstruct the view of beautiful tile work in your shower. Additionally, semi-frameless enclosures are also more difficult to clean compared to frameless, which only require a wipe-down after a shower.
Cost
The cost of a new shower will vary and can depend on a number of factors, including:
- Type of shower door/enclosure
- Shower size
- How complex the installation will be
- Type of glass used
- Whether the door is custom-made or prefabricated
To learn how much your shower remodel will cost, contact Wise Glass today to get a free quote and schedule a consultation with one of our glass contractors.
Contact Wise Glass Today to Get a Free Quote
At Wise Glass, we know how important and exciting this type of remodel is and how it can change the feel, functionality, and value of your home. If you’re not sure which type of frameless shower door and enclosure will work for your bathroom, how much it will cost, and what customization options are available, contact Wise Glass today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to meeting with you and helping you choose a shower that’s the best fit for your unique bathroom space, your needs, and your budget.