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Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Shower remodeling on a budget

Remodeling your shower unit can be a daunting task, especially if you’re on a tight budget. But don’t worry – it is possible to create a good-looking bathroom shower without breaking the bank.

Planning ahead
Remodeling your bathroom shower can be a major task if not planned correctly. Firstly you should choose a shower that is compatible with the bathroom’s plumbing works. If you already have a system in place that works for you, for example gravity fed or electric pump, stick to it. Secondly, you should think about how you want the shower to look and what products will do the trick without sacrificing your budget.

Sourcing affordable materials
There are plenty of affordable options to choose from when selecting shower materials. Shopping around at different bathroom hardware stores will give you an idea of the cheapest materials to choose from. Shopping online can be a great idea as it is possible to save a reasonable amount of money buying from websites rather than in-store, but look out for shipping costs. EBay is a popular point of call for bargain hunters as you can search for fixtures, tiles and even great enclosure ideas.

Shower surface
When choosing your shower surface, keep durability, maintenance, and ease of installation in mind. Ceramic tiles tick these boxes and offer the most affordable price in comparison to other tile types. Ceramic tiles can match most bathrooms as they come in a wide selection of colors and shapes. Glazed ceramic tiles can cause safety issues because they are slippery when wet so it may be worth paying a little extra for other surface choices depending on your needs. Recommended surface materials for shower floors include granite, slate, porcelain or sandstone which have a higher slip-tolerance.
Pre-molded fiberglass and acrylic units are a cheap and clean-looking option for a shower surface. A new shower base can be installed over the top of an existing shower unit. For those with a bath tub, an economic option to save space and money is to install your shower over the tub for a combined bath and shower unit. Bath Fitter (USA) is an example of a company that specializes in remodeling bathrooms with this method.

Shower enclosure
Remodeling a shower on a budget should start with simple measures that make considerable impact. Think about installing a shower curtain for a simple but effective change in look. Curtains come in durable materials and creative or neutral prints and are easily installed and maintained. Don’t forget a shiny new curtain rod – try stainless steel for a sleek and modern look with durability.

if you prefer a glass enclosure prepare to spend more as it is important that it meets quality standards i.e. glass that is at least an inch thick and heat resistant. Sliding-door enclosures are the cheaper option as they are readily available and easy to install. For more enclosure inspiration check out these Bathroom Shower Enclosure Ideas.

Fixtures
New shower fixtures and accessories can breathe new life into a bathroom. There are a variety of stylish showerheads and taps available, but keep in mind that handheld showers tend to be the cheaper option. For the budget-wary, choose showerheads with water-saving features.

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