article

Replacing Your Bathroom Shower or Shower/Tub

By Bluehammer Admin

Aside from being a great place to sing, showers are an important place to make sure we stay clean. The following are some helpful tips when it comes time to replace your bathroom shower.

Shower Only or Shower and Tub?

First you need to decide on the type of shower you are looking to install. Showers-only are a space-saving contemporary option that work for those with space issues or do not have a need for a tub. Shower/Tub combos are good for families with children where having a tub helps with the nightly bath. Also consider shower/tub combos are better for re-sale if you go to sell your property as having at least one tub appeals to more potential buyers.

To Replace or Upgrade?

You've decided that your stained, slowly leaking shower is need of an overhaul. Now you need to decide whether you are simply going to replace your current shower with the same material or to upgrade your shower to a better material (think fiberglass to tile). No doubt a big factor in this is going to be cost. Also for those that have only 1 bathroom, time will play a huge factor as going without a shower for a period of time can be a real pain.

Shower Wall Material Options

Material not only affects the cost of replacing your shower but also the time it takes to complete the project.

  • FiberglassPremade fiberglass showers are easier to install and come either in one unit or in panels that are assembled. These are the most cost effective option and take the least amount of time to install.
  • Ceramic TilesCeramic tile shower walls give you options for both colors and patterns and are growing in popularity. They take longer to install but the overall aesthetic is higher.
  • Natural Stone TileNatural stone is the most elegant material solution. The tiles not only look great, but add the most to the resale value of your home. Natural stone tiles are also the most susceptible to staining as they are made of tiny fissures and natural imperfections. Making sure you have your tiles sealed (and re-sealed) helps combat stains. Natural stone tiles take the longest to install and seal adding to the reasons why they are the most expensive material option.

Shower Accessories

Deciding which accessories for your new shower will have an effect on the total cost and time it takes to complete the project.

  • Shower DoorsShower doors vs Curtains is not only a personal preference but a cost one as well. Depending on the type of shower door, they can considerably add to the cost of your shower replacement project. Shower doors come in frame and frameless options. You also can choose from a variety of glass options such as frosted or tinted. Shower doors can be easier to clean then curtains (mold) but also can reduce entry space when entering you exiting your shower.
  • Faucets and Shower HeadsShower heads come in all sorts of varieties and can really personalize your shower. Options include everything from rain shower heads that rain down water on you to eco-friendly low flow shower heads. The cost this adds to your product depends on the type and quality of the shower head.
  • Shelving and SeatingAdding shelving to your shower helps with organization. In shower-only cases, it is not uncommon to add seating in larger showers. This adds to the overall cost of the project.

Cost Factors in Replacing Shower / Tub

Below are some the main cost factors in the project of replacing your shower.

  • Removal of the old shower/tub
  • Shower/tub material costs
  • Drywall work (if applicable)
  • Re-routing of plumbing (if applicable) and the accompanying material costs
  • Installation labor and accessories(fixtures) costs
  • Hauling away and disposing of the old shower material

Want to estimate your home improvement costs before talking with a contractor? Claim your home for free with bluehammer to estimate costs, secure your home inventory and learn more about your home.

* THIS REPORT IS AN OPINION THAT MAY BE INACCURATE AND IS PROVIDED SOLELY AS AN INFORMATIONAL TOOL NOT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE DEFINITIVE ANSWERS. ALL ELEMENTS ARE OFFERED "AS IS" AND BLUEBOOK EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS, AND GUARANTEES OF ANY NATURE, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABLITILY, NONINFRINGEMENT, TITLE, QUIET ENJOYMENT, ACCURACY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL BLUEBOOK (OR THEIR SUPPLIERS) BE LIABLE FOR ANY GENERAL, DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE RESULTING FROM USE OF THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING : (1) RELIANCE ON THE MATERIALS PRESENTED, (2) COSTS OF REPLACEMENT GOODS, (3) LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, (4) DELAYS OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTIONS, (5) AND ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF INFORMATION) WHETHER OR NOT BLUEBOOK HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Know what you should pay for your home improvement projects with bluehammer.Claim your home. It's free!

Popular


Is Your Furnace Affecting Your Indoor Air Quality?

The push to make our houses as energy-efficient as possible has, in some cases, led to unintended consequences. Because modern houses are less drafty due to tighter-fitting windows, doors and weather stripping, pollutants that were vented in the past are trapped inside. Most of the pollutants are relatively harmless, but some can be dangerous, and they all contribute to what some people call "sick house syndrome."

The Essentials Checklist for Newly Married Homeowners

After a beautiful wedding celebration and exotic honeymoon, you and your loved one are ready to settle in and enjoy your newly married bliss, especially in a new home. Although putting together a house can seem like an everlasting project, you can make it your home right away with the following new-home essentials.

Home Insurance 101: The Fundamentals of Home Quality

Buying a home represents one of the biggest purchases that an individual can make in his or her lifetime. As such, the decision should not be taken lightly, and you'll want to review many factors as you search for your dream residence.

It's Time to Clean Your Kitchen Dishwasher

Whether your dishwasher has a funky smell to it or not, a periodic cleaning should be at the top of your to-do list

How To Create Year-Round Home Curb Appeal

Exceptional curb appeal will add to the enjoyment and value of your property and home. Maintaining your curb appeal throughout each season may pose its challenges, but with these tips, you can ensure that your home and landscaping will look their very best throughout the year.

Nine House Cleaning Tasks That Give You A Great Workout

House cleaning is a drag. That comes as a surprise to no one. But, there is a great side benefit to having a tidy home. Well, there are many, but we're not talking about the psychological advantages of living in a clean home or even the fact that a clean house just plain looks good. We're talking about working up a sweat. Go ahead and skip the gym. Grab the broom or the vacuum cleaner instead. Turns out the simple acts of sweeping, vacuuming, and so many more housecleaning tasks can give you a great workout.

Simple DIY Projects That Will Increase the Value of Your Home

Looking to boost the value of your home without spending hundreds of thousands of dollars? You can! Making changes in certain rooms, like the kitchen and bathroom, is more beneficial than in others. These simple DIY projects will help increase your home's value the most.

7 Model Home Ideas To Steal For Your Home

You don't have to be in the market for a new home to tour model homes. In fact, model home complexes are a great place to get a few ideas for your existing home. Whether you're looking for ideas to renovate your kitchen and want to see the most current trends, are having a hard time deciding on paint colors and want to see how others are incorporating color into the home, or are simply looking for a little inspiration, you can find it here.

A Guide to Home Insulation Materials

Insulation is one of those building products that you never see, because it is usually covered up by something else. But if you don't have enough, or if it is installed incorrectly, you're wasting energy and paying more for heating and cooling than is necessary.

How To Choose The Right Vanity To Kick Off Your Bathroom Remodel

You can change your bathroom lighting, your floors, and your fixtures. But if your vanity is rickety, chipped, timeworn, or just plain ugly, your bathroom might feel that way too.

See More Articles