Five Functional Shower Upgrades That Will Give Your Bathroom an Instant Facelift
With the average cost being $11,514, bathroom remodeling projects are among the most expensive residential renovations. While some could go up to $25,000, giving your bathroom a facelift without breaking the bank is possible.
Here are five shower upgrades to consider during your next home improvement project.
Five Practical yet Stylish Shower Upgrades to Try This Year
Shower upgrades are growing in popularity because of their return on investment. Plus, almost everyone wants to come home to a luxurious bathroom after a busy day at work or school.
1. Shower curtain track
Shower curtains can make both contemporary and traditional bathrooms look stylish. Here, a mounted ceiling track is an affordable choice. Moreover, it eliminates the need for a rod and can give the illusion of a bigger bathroom space.
2. Frameless doors
Frameless shower doors are an excellent choice for fans of minimalist styles. They are simple and offer a clean feel to your bathroom. Frameless doors allow you to contain the heat coming from hot showers. Also, if your bathroom has unique tiles, these frameless glass doors offer a chance to show them off and are easy to clean. More importantly, they improve accessibility, especially if you have elderly family members or loved ones with mobility challenges.
3. Matte black additions
If you are looking for affordable bathroom remodel ideas, installing black matte additions is the right choice. Most bathrooms have chrome fixtures, so why not have a sleeker design? Also, black matte fixtures are easy to maintain because they are resistant to water stains, fingerprints, and smears.
While dust is more visible with this type of finish, a damp microfiber cloth will do the trick. What’s more, this color pairs well with different color palettes, specifically neutral types.
4. Shower niches
Shower niches are a perfect example of functional shower upgrades, which is why they are increasingly becoming a part of shower renovation plans. Generally, you can either choose between a custom tiled one or prefabricated shower niches. Consider installing shelves to avoid overcrowding items.
It helps to choose a contrasting color for the interior to energize the bathroom space.
Materials also matter as you wouldn’t want to create an ideal environment for mold growth. Glass, marble, and ceramic are excellent choices. If you settle for a prefabricated niche, ensure it comes with a waterproof membrane to keep it in place. Finally, we recommend working with licensed residential contractors to ensure the shower niche does not threaten the shower stability.
5. Large-format tiles
Large-format tiles (LFT) are slowly taking over in the interior design world. These tiles create an expansive feel in small showers and a more noticeable effect in larger ones, thanks to their continuous lines.
Installing LFT is a break from the small staple tiles, giving the space a much-needed facelift and a modern feel. Even better, these tiles mean you have less grout that requires cleaning. Consider porcelain as it is more durable.
Preparation Tips Before Commencing Shower Upgrades
Residential renovations are large-scale projects, so it would be wise to lay the groundwork before you decide to tear a wall down or replace all fixtures.
1. Plan and set a budget
Planning means deciding what you wish to change about your bathroom and separating the must-haves from the optional additions. It also saves you from making changes halfway, which would make the remodeling costs skyrocket.
2. Consider leaving the original footprint untouched
One way to save money when doing a bathroom remodel is to preserve the original footprint. Doing so means not touching the foundation, the walls, plumbing lines, or wiring. Moreover, it reduces the time spent remodeling, the number of permits required, and labor costs.
3. Research renovation alternatives
Another way to make your bathroom improvement project less costly is to use alternatives for most items and only stick to the original design for the most impactful additions.
- Walls – If tiles prove costly, consider using drywall or wood panels on most sections and tiles for areas in constant contact with moisture.
- Flooring – Typically, you’ll have three categories to choose from: laminate is the cheapest and stone is the most expensive. Consider sticking to the cheaper option. Alternatively, go for slate-ceramic, similar-looking yet more affordable if you like stone.
- Shower enclosures – Like flooring, bathroom enclosures fall into various categories. Glass and stone are on the higher end. Consider installing an acrylic type or settling for a track shower curtain.
- Shower hardware- Besides showerheads, other items like the handle and shower spout can be pricy. Consider replacing the showerhead alone, as it will make a huge difference.
- Countertops- Stone countertops are pretty costly. Some cheaper alternatives include prefabricated slabs and tiles.
Bathroom renovations are a perfect way to add character to your shower and improve its functionality.
Are You Planning a Bathroom Remodel?
If you wish to remodel your bathroom or kitchen, Avery Construction offers high-quality kitchen and bathroom remodeling services. Whether it’s a custom shower niche or stone countertop, we are ready to bring your ideas to life.
Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
