Custom Home Building, Remodeling and Restoration: 5 Do"s and Don"ts of a Shower Remodel

5-Dos-and-Donts-of-a-Shower-Remodel The shower: relaxing break from the world, or total headache-inducing nightmare?

It depends on how much you plan it in advance. Remodeling is expensive, so the more prior thought you give it, the more satisfied you’re likely to be.

That’s why we’ve put together 5 dos and don’ts of a shower remodel.

Do: Analyze the Cost

Renovations of any kind have a lot of hidden costs. Running the figures in advance could save you a lot of headaches.

Take the time to plan out exactly what you want and tally it all up.

If you’re planning to sell, now is a good time to look at how much value you can expect these modifications to add to your home. Try to make sure you’re leaving a comfortable margin for a profit on your investment down the line.

Don’t: Take it Lightly

A shower remodel isn’t the time for DIY. It’s also not the time for a bad contractor.

You need a combo of a skilled builder and plumber to pull off the remodel successfully. Try to go it alone and you’ll make mistakes that cost you in the long run.

Water damage could be the least of your worries. A shoddy shower job could be a threat to life and limb.

Do your research in advance. Seek out a local builder with a good reputation and leave it to the professionals.

Do: Think About Who It’s For

A shower doesn’t have to be a generic space. Think about who’ll be using the room and you could come up with some useful twists.

For a kids’ shower, consider lower sinks and multiple basins for a faster morning routine. Adults might lean more toward extra storage space, instead.

If this is a remodel for your family home, why not future-proof it? A few age-friendly additions now could prevent messy adaptations later on. You don’t have to go crazy with it, but a few extra handholds and rails could be a literal lifesaver.

If you’re planning to sell, don’t go too weird and wacky. A smart, modern shower will serve you a lot better when it comes to selling up.

Don’t: Skip the Pipework

Upgrading the pipework isn’t sexy, and it is costly, but you’ll thank yourself for it.

Plenty of older homes still use at least part of their original pipe network. If you leave your old pipework in situ, you could face leaks and fluctuating water pressure.

That costly water damage we mentioned? It’s even worse when it’s inside your walls.

Skip dismantling your expensive room later and do it now while the walls are already all over the floor.

Do: Plan for Surprises

A house is like a box of chocolates: sometimes you open it up and find code violations.

Particularly in an old house, you could find out that you need more extensive work to realize your vision — or even just to correct health and safety concerns.

This could cause your carefully-budgeted plans to fall to pieces. Including some scope for unpleasant surprises gives you breathing room.

Save a little more cash than you think you’ll need. If your builder comes to you with unexpected news, you’ll be ready to handle it. But make sure they’re not taking you for a ride.

Invest in a Shower Remodel

Think of your shower remodel as an investment. It’s both a literal one to increase the value of your home or an investment in the comfort of your living space. Like any investment, it’s vital to think it through in advance of any dramatic changes.

Want more home improvement advice? Be sure to follow our blog.

______________________________________________