Custom or Kit?
If you’re considering a shower remodel, you might be tempted to go with the prefabricated kits that are available in most retail stores. They’re easy to install and don’t require much work on your part. But if you want your new shower to add value to your home, then custom building might be the way to go.
Prefabricated kits are made of fiberglass or acrylic and consist of a pan and one, two, or three wall panels. The parts are shipped to your home and assembled by the homeowner or a professional and offer few design choices. The benefits of shower replacement kits are the purchase and installation costs are low and there are few or no seams which reduce leaking and make cleaning a snap. The down-sides are they are only available in limited sizes and, because they are made of inexpensive materials, they add very little to your home’s value. Also offered in this category are wall kits which include prefabricated walls but do not include a pan. Wall kits can be installed onto bare studs or can be glued over existing tiles or wallboard.
Custom shower enclosures are built on-site using various materials such as glass, travertine, or tiles. These types of shower replacements offer good design options, flexible sizing, and are eco-friendly. It is much more costly to purchase the materials needed for custom shower enclosures and the installation can be labor-intensive since the materials are heavy and require more effort. Custom showers also are more prone to leaking, and mold growth, and require greater maintenance by the homeowner.
If you have an existing shower that needs to be replaced because it is damaged or just not well-designed for your needs anymore (for example: it doesn’t have a bench), then you may want to consider replacing it with a custom solution.
When choosing between different types of shower enclosures, keep in mind that each type has its own benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to choose one that fits within your budget while still providing all of the features you need in order for it to function properly and look great!
Walls, Floors, and Doors
The walls and floors of prefabricated kits offer few options. However, custom showers have many different choices for the homeowner.
Shower floors can be constructed of glass, marble slabs, textured porcelain, and travertine to name a few. Things to consider when selecting your floor type are slip resistance, durability, ease of cleaning, and cost.
There are also many options from which to choose when selecting wall materials for your new shower installation. Marble, with the highest purchase price, can be cut into any shape and size and comes in almost unlimited colors and patterns. It has a timeless look and will last for years with proper maintenance.
When it comes to bathroom remodeling, there are a lot of options available to you. You may want to consider other options such as granite or concrete if you don’t want to spend as much money on your shower project but still want something that looks good in your bathroom.
The most important thing when it comes to choosing a material for your shower is personal preference and how much time you want to spend cleaning it once installed! Solid surface walls are also a popular option since they can be installed over existing materials, offer many design choices, and are easy to maintain. They are, however, difficult to install due to their weight and become slippery when wet which are drawbacks for this material.
One of the most popular choices is crushed stone. This option is extremely durable and comes in different colors. The downside is that it can be tricky to install because it’s heavy and not available in large sizes.
Another option is back-painted glass which looks very modern and clean. It has unlimited color options, resists mold, and is very durable so scratching isn’t an issue. The downside to glass tiles is that they require extensive cutting to fit properly so they may be better left to professionals to install.
By far the most popular wall covering for showers is tile, which can be either ceramic or porcelain with porcelain rated as the more durable choice since it is denser. This means it is also more expensive. Both types offer a huge selection of colors shapes textures allowing homeowners to create one-of-a-kind shower designs
Costs
If you’re looking to update your bathroom and give it a fresh new look, a shower replacement is an excellent place to start. When you decide to remodel your bathroom, don’t forget that a shower replacement can be quick and easy—or it can be a major undertaking depending on the scope of the project. Before you get started, here are some things you should know:
A shower replacement can be as little as $1400 for a replacement kit and can grow to much higher depending on materials selected, plumbing requirements, style, and pre-installation costs for removing existing showers.
A small shower replacement will cost you about $1000 for a free-standing model and less for a tub/shower combination.
In a medium-sized bathroom, a free-standing shower with glass doors will cost, on average, $1,100 installed with prices rising quickly for walk-in showers. These can range from $800 to $10,000 plus.
Large shower replacements can reach upwards of $15,000 depending on your options which may include heated shower floors, multiple-headed showerheads, built-in seats, and upscale shower doors.
Are you thinking of replacing or remodeling your shower? Contact us today! We are shower remodeling specialists in Vista, North County.
