Thursday, June 27, 2013

Install Or Remodel A Bathroom Shower

A well designed shower will add value to your home.








A shower space plays a large role in getting your day off to a good start. Sufficient elbow room, good lighting and the right kind of faucet will make the shower function much better. It helps to make the shower visually inviting as well. The right color of tile and the right door will make a big difference. But, replacing the old shower with a premade unit might be the fastest way to upgrade the old shower. Take into consideration how much down time you can spare for your shower remodel, so you can plan accordingly.


Instructions


1. Decide if the whole space needs revamping or if upgrades will suffice. Plan to remove the old tile work or shower unit, if you want to remodel from the studs out. Measure the available space to reconstruct a tile shower or add a premade unit. Find additional space from a nearby closet or bedroom, if needed. Look for ways to change a door, add some tile work, or install a new faucet if the space is in good shape.


2. Transfer the shower dimensions to graph paper for detailed planning. Figure out new plumbing or electrical upgrades for a brand new space. Hire a plumber and an electrician to advise you during the design process. Decide change the floor drain, if needed, to accommodate a much larger shower, for example. Come up with a plan to install overhead recessed lights above the shower by routing electrical wiring from the attic.


3. Sketch a complete plan before tearing out the old shower. Think about all steps needed to bring the project to completion. Make sure you can haul a premade unit into the house, for instance. Don't have a unit delivered only to discover you can't move it down a narrow hallway. Use tile work to build back the old shower, if this is the case. Talk with a tile expert to review an actual work schedule needed, which may be a week or more.


4. Cut off all plumbing and electricity to the bathroom. Carefully take out old tile work, an old acrylic shower, faucets, handles and corroded water lines. Remove the debris from the property, so you can work in a neat and organized fashion. Construct the framework of the new shower using 2- by 4-inch boards, install new water lines and add new sub-flooring, if needed.


5. Hire a tile expert to finish the shower and surrounding walls. Add high quality faucets and other hardware, plus an upscale glass door. Redo the bath floor tile or install vinyl flooring to finish up the project. Add any new baseboard materials needed. Be sure to check all gaps and caulk carefully to create a totally waterproof shower. Finish the installation of any bathroom lighting.

Tags: tile work, premade unit, make shower, tile expert, water lines, will make