The shower is a place for many homeowners to start their day or calm down at the end of the day. So, the bathroom must be functional and safe.

Home improvement TV shows often show contractors attacking shower walls with hammers, but that type of demo can do more harm than good. This can create moisture behind the wall, which causes mildew, mold, and rot.  Contact Jacksonville Bathroom Remodeling to help you with your shower remodeling project.

Safety

A shower remodel is a great opportunity to address bathroom safety concerns. One of the most common causes of injury in the bathroom is falls – and those are especially dangerous for seniors and those with mobility issues.

Installing grab bars and shower benches is essential for ensuring a safe bathing environment, and they don’t have to be ugly. A modern look for grab bars can enhance the design of your bathroom and eliminate the stigma associated with them as “geriatric.”

Another great way to increase bathroom safety is to add a non-slip floor. This is an inexpensive and easy modification that can make a big difference in your ability to walk around the bathroom safely. You can also use anti-slip stickers or decals to make existing flooring more slip-resistant.

The final bathroom remodeling tip for safety is to plan. Know what you want to do before your contractor starts working on the project, and communicate with them throughout the process. It’s important to get all parties on the same page about the style, budget, and timeline of the project so there are no surprises down the road.

While you’re planning your remodel, be sure to ask potential contractors about their insurance coverage. Any contractor you hire must have personal and general liability, workers’ compensation, and property damage coverage in case something goes wrong during the work.

Once your remodel gets underway, be sure to protect the rest of your home from dust and debris by covering the floors with plastic sheets or tarps. It’s also a good idea to hire a dumpster for your remodeling waste, as this will keep it out of the rest of your home and reduce the risk of dust and debris spreading to other areas.

Although it may seem counterintuitive, it’s essential to keep your expectations realistic during a shower remodel. If you have unrealistic expectations, the result will be a longer project with a higher cost than necessary. Be sure to talk with your contractor before starting the remodel and clarify what you want and don’t want in your new shower.

Style

When planning a shower remodel, it’s important to consider aesthetics. While it may be difficult to envision the finished product on your own, visual inspiration from websites can help you determine the styles that appeal to you and narrow down your choices. Once you have a clear idea of what type of look you’re going for, research bathroom and shower remodeling trends to find ideas that will work with your taste and budget.

If you’re using tile in your shower, it’s crucial to take waterproofing measures into account. Waterproofing can prevent mold and mildew growth, as well as protect against leaks and water damage. To achieve the best results, it’s recommended to use a professional waterproofing contractor who is licensed and insured.

Homeowners who choose to skip waterproofing can suffer from costly repairs later on. For example, a waterproof membrane is a necessity under a shower pan; without it, moisture can seep into the wall and cause wood framing to rot and mold to grow. It’s also important to choose high-quality waterproofing materials, such as a polyethylene system that is properly overlapped.

Another crucial element to consider when planning a shower remodel is the layout of the room. In many cases, showers must be removed from alcoves and may require expansion of the bathroom space to accommodate a new walk-in shower. This can add to the total cost of the project and increase construction time. Homeowners should consult a bathroom remodeling contractor to determine the best layout for their space and how much it will cost to make necessary changes.

It’s also a good idea to save existing walls where possible. For instance, if the drywall behind the current shower is in relatively good condition, it can be reused to reduce costs. Additionally, homeowners should try to keep plumbing and electrical fixtures as they are, as this can also reduce the overall cost of the project.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s wise to add 10-15% to any planned bathroom renovation expenses. This cushion is important in case unforeseen expenses arise throughout the project, such as an unexpected need to replace a rotten subfloor or install insulation behind the walls. By taking these precautions, homeowners can complete a shower remodel that enhances the beauty of their home and increases its value at the same time.

Space

Shower remodeling can be a stressful time for homeowners. With proper planning and education, however, the process can be relatively stress-free, with a finished product that the homeowner loves. Homeowners can help their contractors by having a sense of style, intention, and budget up front and not being afraid to ask hard questions. Some things may be negotiable such as local labor and permit costs, but some may not such as a flat or sloped floor which requires additional work that isn’t usually part of the initial bid price.

A sloping floor in a bathroom isn’t just unsightly, but it can lead to mold and mildew issues as well as water damage and other structural problems. Adding a layer of waterproofing can help reduce these issues. Using the right type of tile also helps. It’s important to use large format tiles with smaller grout joints and to choose urethane or epoxy grout rather than traditional sanded grout which will crack, chip, and discolor easily.

Adding extra lighting in the shower and the bathroom is another good investment that can make a significant difference in how the space is used. Choosing low-energy LED fixtures will cut down on energy use as well. Installing a dimmer switch will give you the flexibility to adjust the brightness of the lighting according to your mood or the time of day.

Showers are a moist environment and without adequate ventilation moisture can build up, leading to rot, mildew, and mold. Adding an exhaust fan will help keep the air in the shower and the bathroom fresh and dry.

Some contractors slash shower prices and remodel jobs to attract clients but then add on hidden charges such as “permit fees” and “labor allowances”. Homeowners need to get the details of all charges upfront before a project begins.

Homeowners should never hire a contractor based solely on their introductory bid or price because these companies often do not provide the quality of work that is necessary for a successful remodel. Experience, insurance, and references are all important factors when choosing a contractor to remodel a shower.

Budget

Homeowners can take a few budget measures when planning shower remodeling to help control costs. These include determining why they want to remodel their bathroom and how much they can afford to spend. They can also consider what elements are negotiable and non-negotiable in the project, such as local labor rates and permits. Finally, they can make a plan to save money by doing as much of the work themselves as possible.

One thing that drives up the cost of a shower remodel is unanticipated problems. These can be as simple as finding galvanized plumbing or something more serious such as rot or mold. This is why it is important to talk with a plumber and contractor before getting too far into the process. In some cases, the homeowner may have to remove existing structures to get to the problem, which will add to the overall cost of the project.

Another factor that can impact the cost of a shower remodel is whether a homeowner decides to move any existing structures as part of the renovation. It is common for homeowners to look at the bathroom with a critical eye and decide that they would like to turn the toilet or shower sideways to get more space out of the room. This can add a significant amount to the overall cost of the project and should be planned for in the budget.

While it is easy to assume that any remodel that involves plumbing will be expensive, there are plenty of options for homeowners to choose from that will fit in with almost any budget. Depending on the options chosen, it may be possible for a homeowner to find a shower remodel that will not only add value to their home but increase the return on investment.