Shower Remodeling Guide: What to Consider

Relaxing in a nice hot shower after a long day is a great way to unwind. Sometimes, homeowners decide that they want to upgrade their current shower, or do a tub-to-shower conversion. This guide is here to help answer some questions about shower remodeling, and help guide you through the process.

Why do Homeowners Typically Get a Shower Remodel?

The reasons homeowners decide they want a shower remodel can vary.

Some currently have a shower with old tile and grout. These can be painstaking to clean as grout tends to collect mildew. The shower pan might be dirty and grimy, and generally a pain to clean. Some new shower panels are grout-free and easier to maintain. Many shower panels are also high-gloss, or even faux stone. These can replace outdated tile and grout shower backsplashes.

Other homeowners are remodeling their bathroom or other rooms in their home, and they want to upgrade the shower at the same time. You might be making home improvements, and redoing the bathroom is on the list.

Some homeowners want more than a tub. Most of the time, a tub area is converted into a shower enclosure. In larger bathrooms, there might be space for both a tub and a shower. For some customers, they might want to add a shower system that uses shower jets, which provides more a spa experience.

Another reason you might opt for a shower instead of a tub is it is more accessible for older or mobility-challenged family members.

There are a few factors to think about when planning a new shower.

Things to Consider

When planning a shower remodeling project, keep these things in mind.

How much is your total budget? You’ll want to figure out how much you have to spend on your bathroom remodeling project, and what is the typical range for this type of project.

Are you planning to sell your home eventually? Improving rooms like the kitchen, basement, or bathroom can add appraisal value to your home. Even if you don’t plan on ever selling your home, certain improvements can add equity to your home.

What features are important to you? Decide what type of shower features you are adding to your bathroom. Consider how the shower area will fit with the rest of the bathroom.

What is the overall aesthetic you’re trying to achieve? There are different styles of bathroom design, and the shower/tub area should fit with that idea. Sometimes you can get inspiration from a Pinterest board or by looking at other bathroom remodeling projects.

Getting Ideas for Shower Remodeling

Shower Enclosures

Today, there are numerous options for new shower enclosures. There are many patterns, textures, and finishes to choose from, that fit almost any design aesthetic. Whatever look you are going for, there will undoubtedly be an option that fits your goal.

Clear Enclosures

Some bathroom remodels make use of clear glass on two or three sides of the shower. These usually work best in larger bathrooms with a larger floorplan.

Shower Surrounds and Non-Rectangular Showers

When floor space is at a premium, or if the layout of the bathroom necessitates it, you can make use of non-traditional shapes in the shower pan and enclosure. Some showers use diamond or triangular shapes to fit into tight areas and make the most of the available space while looking fantastic.

Shower Jets / Body Jets

In traditional showers, there is one overhead shower head. Shower jets are mounted at the torso level to clean and massage the body all at once. This produces a more luxurious, spa-like experience.

Recessed Cubby

Many newer shower walls come with recessed cubbies for storing toiletries like shampoo. This eliminates the need for shower caddies that hang off of the shower head.

Specialty Shower Heads

You can also get premium shower heads, like a rain shower head, high-pressure massaging shower heads, or luxury spa shower systems. These usually have an upscale look to them, enhancing the appearance and functionality of your bathroom.

Accessible or No-Barrier Showers

For family members with mobility issues, a no-barrier shower may be the best choice. These might also come with convenient shelving at hand level, shower bars on which to slide the handheld shower head, or a support bar fixed to the wall for balance.

Depending on what features you require, the cost or timeline of the bathroom remodeling project might vary.

How much does a shower remodel cost?

The cost to remodel your shower or bathroom depends on different factors, including the size of the shower area, whether you are doing a tub-to-shower conversion, the materials and type of shower upgrade, and the cost of labor from a given bathroom contractor.

According to an August 2020 report by HomeAdvisor, installing a new shower costs $5,156 on average, with a typical range of $2,132 and $8,315.

Upgrades to features and materials can cause the final price to change. For example, a 32 inch square acrylic stall runs from about $750 to $3,000. A custom tile shower of the same size ranges from $4,200 to $8,500 (HomeAdvisor, 2020).

If you install custom features, like rain shower heads, shower jets, shower surround, or an accessible walk-in shower, this can also cause the price to fluctuate.

Questions to Ask a Bathroom or Shower Remodeling Contractor

Before hiring a bathroom contractor to renovate your shower or bathroom, you should ask them insightful questions. Their responses will help you decide whether they are the right fit for the job. Some questions you might ask include:

• How long have you been doing bathroom contracting and renovation?
• Do you have examples of your past work we can see?
• Are there any references I can contact?
• Are you bonded, licensed, and insured?
• Will my remodeling project require any special permits?
• What is your warranty policy?
• Can you give an estimated timeline for this bathroom project?
• Do we have options for different materials?
• Will we require a tub or just a shower?

Interested in getting a shower remodel in the Northwest Chicago area?

Our remodeling team has served the Chicago area since 2007, always standing by our promise of excellence in craftsmanship, customer service, and delivering value for your investment. If you are interested in bathroom remodeling or shower remodeling, Sunny Construction & Remodeling can help you create a beautiful bathroom. Give us a call at (708) 860-9742 or contact us for a no-obligation estimate.