Expert Info to Help You Plan Your Next Walpole Shower Remodel

Are you looking for a way to get closer to your dream bathroom without renovating the entire room? Have you considered your options for a Walpole shower remodel? Whether you want to improve your overall home value or you just want a bathroom space that makes you feel better, you can get the results you want from a professional shower remodel in Walpole, MA.

Are you already thinking about getting started on shower remodeling, but you've gotten lost looking through all the options for tiles, layouts and luxury features? That's understandable. There are a lot of different things to think about when it comes to home improvement projects, even for a smaller project like this.

As your local home improvement expert, your Walpole handyman at Mr. Handyman of Central - Eastern Norfolk County & S. Shore is here to help with your remodeling project. Our team can answer all your questions and provide a wide range of advice for bathroom renovations like this. We'll help you find the perfect solution for your Walpole shower remodel, and provide the professional services you need to get fantastic final results.

Walpole Shower Remodel: Tile Tips

This is one of the first things that many people think about when planning their Walpole shower remodel. Out of any part of your project, your choices for tile will have the most noticeable effect on appearance, and they play an important role in functionality too, so it's important to pick a style and material that will meet both your aesthetic preferences and your daily needs.

Tiles are common throughout many areas of homes in Walpole, but there are specific considerations that you need to think about when picking tile for bathroom remodeling projects—and, there's more to picking the right type than just thinking about tile style and material. You should also take some time to think about your choices for grout and caulk too.

What are the Best Materials for Tile Showers?

When you're picking tile for your Walpole shower remodel, start by thinking about what you want for your floor and for your shower walls. Of course, if you're renovating a combination bathtub-shower, then you'll only need to think about the walls. But, if you're considering a conversion, or if you're renovating a space that's already been converted to a standing layout, choosing the right size, material and style for your floor tiles is of the utmost importance.

For floors, many professionals in Walpole recommend smaller textured tiles made of ceramic or porcelain. Smaller tiles are ideal because they come with more grout lines, which gives your feet more grip. Texture provides the same benefit. Porcelain and ceramic tile are the two most common material options because they're both durable and come in a wide range of styles and colors to suit your particular tastes. Of course, there are other options, such as marble tiling, but it's important to consider those options carefully—they often come with additional maintenance requirements and higher overall costs.

For walls, your options are much more varied, and can include other materials like glass that aren't as suitable for floors. You can get anything from simple white subway tiles to glass mosaic tile. For most types of bathroom wall tile installations, your choices will depend more on your preferences for design, maintenance, style and return on investment, rather than any of the functional requirements that come with choosing floor tile.

Are There Different Options for Grouting and Caulking?

Yes, there are multiple options for both grout and caulk. They come in specific varieties suited to different types of work, and they also come in a variety of colors that can be used to accent your tile in different ways. Picking the right caulk and grout is almost as important as picking the right type of tile. Not only because they're an important part of preventing water damage, but also because they will both affect the overall appearance of your specific Walpole shower remodel.

Grout comes in sanded and unsanded varieties. Sanded grout is more commonly used because it creates denser tile joints, has lower overall costs, and comes in slightly more colors. However, for some types of tile installation, it's better to use unsanded grout. The most common situations where you might use unsanded grout are those involving glass tile or thin, narrow grout lines.

The common types of caulk are pure silicone and latex/acrylic. Pure silicone forms a more durable, water-resistant seal, and it resists thermal expansion better, which makes it an ideal choice for most Walpole shower remodels. However, some people prefer to work with siliconized latex and acrylic because they're less sticky, which makes them easier to work with. Unfortunately, due to their lower durability, they won't last as long as pure silicone, so you may need routine caulking service more often if you choose those varieties.

Walpole Shower Remodel: Conversions

Considering your overall shower size and layout is as important as focusing on your tile. If you just want a simple refresh that doesn't involve in-depth bathroom remodeling services, then you'll probably choose to keep the layout and configuration as is, but it doesn't hurt to think about your options.

If you've got a lot of space for a shower or bath remodel, you could separate a combination space into a separate stall and bathtub. Or, maybe you want to swap out your tub with an all-in-one fiberglass shower stall that has fewer tile maintenance requirements. Other than tile installation and more basic services like grout repair, these types of conversions are some of the most common options people choose for their shower remodel in Walpole, MA.

Should You Get a Walk-In Shower Conversion?

Not everyone needs a bathtub, but some people do—and many people in Walpole like to have at least one in their home. If you have another bathroom in your home with a tub, then choosing a conversion will have few consequences. However, there are always a few important things to consider when you're thinking about making your Walpole shower remodel a full conversion.

The most important things to consider are your own future needs. If you're planning to have children, you may want to keep the tub to make bath time easier. On the other hand, if you're more concerned about being able to age in place, you may want a standing configuration that's easier to step in and out of than a tub.

Lastly, if you're planning to sell your home in the future, you should consider the effects that getting rid of a tub will have on your home value. Without a tub, it's likely that the room could be labeled as a three-quarter bathroom, rather than a full bathroom, and if you don't have a tub at all, that could have a negative effect when it comes to attracting buyers in Walpole.

What Are the Benefits of a Curbless Shower?

Some shower pans in standing configurations typically have a small lip at the bottom. Curbless showers do not have a lip, which makes it easier for people who rely on mobility assistance devices to enter and exit the space. Some people in Walpole also like the look of curbless styles, and find them easier to clean and maintain.

There are more specific installation requirements for a curbless layout that involve correctly sloping the floor toward the shower drain and repositioning the shower head, which means that your overall shower installation cost could be higher if you choose this type of layout. Overall, it's still a great option that has many benefits when installed correctly, especially for people with reduced mobility.

What is a Wet Room?

The term wet room generally refers to bathroom layouts that feature a standing bathing space without shower doors, so that the whole space is open and continuous. The effect of removing the doors can create a more spa-like feeling. However, like a curbless configuration, there a special installation requirements that must be met to ensure that water drains correctly and doesn't seep out to areas where it can cause costly water leaks.

Walpole Shower Remodel: Common Accessories and Features

Don't forget to appreciate the little things when it comes to your remodeling projects. Sometimes, the smallest details make the biggest difference when it comes to how you feel about a space in your home. While it's important to consider the big picture details like your tile and layout, you should also take the time to think about all the extra features you can get for your Walpole shower remodel, and whether you want or need something like:

• Grab bars

• A built-in bench

• A storage nook

• Towel bars

• Shelves

• A curved curtain rod

Walpole Shower Remodel: FAQs

What is a Steam Shower?

Simply put, they're standing stalls that utilize hot steam instead of liquid water for cleaning. They come in both prefabricated and custom varieties, with higher installation costs for the custom options. Some people choose them because they find them more relaxing and because they use less water, but they're not without drawbacks too, such as higher overall costs and higher risks for bathroom mildew and moisture issues.

If you're considering getting one for your Walpole shower remodel, it's best to speak with a professional to find out how much work will be required, and what your other options might be for avoiding extensive plumbing modifications.

What is the Average Cost of a Walpole Shower Remodel?

Costs vary widely, from a few thousand dollars or less, to tens of thousands of dollars for more complicated projects. Costs depend on many factors, from the person you choose as your home improvement contractor to the size of the space and what type of tile you want. The best way to get a specific estimate is to contact our team and talk to us about your specific needs. Once we have a chance to talk with you and take a look at your existing space, we can provide an honest, upfront estimate for your Walpole shower remodel.

How Long Does the Average Walpole Shower Remodel Take?

The amount of time required will depend on several factors, such as the shower demolition work that must be done, the changes you want to make, the availability of your desired materials and the size of the space. For basic projects like installing aging-in-place modifications, the work could take less than a day. For more complicated projects, more time could be required. For an in-depth, top-to-bottom remodel, it can often take three to five days, so it's important to plan accordingly in those situations. Of course, because the amount of time can vary so much, it's best to speak with our team directly and schedule an appointment for us to take a closer look and provide an accurate time estimate.

What's the Most Cost Effective Way to Complete a Shower Remodel in Walpole, MA?

Sometimes, all your space needs to feel bright and fresh again is new grout or caulk. Simply getting caulking and grouting service from a professional handyman can make a big difference. Of course, there are many other ways to reduce costs for a remodel too, such as choosing more cost-effective materials. It all depends on what you want and need. With our many years of home improvement experience, we're always happy to work with you to provide solutions that meet your needs and your budget.

Do You Need Help with a Shower Remodel in Walpole, MA, or a Nearby Area?

Our home improvement experts at Mr. Handyman of Central - Eastern Norfolk County and S. Shore have many years of experience remodeling showers in homes throughout Walpole and other nearby areas of Metro Boston and the South Shore, such as Norwood, Braintree and Duxbury.

We can help with your Walpole shower remodel and many other projects. Whether you want new tiles, a new hinged shower door, or a new mirror that will help bounce natural light throughout the room, we have the skill, expertise, and experience to get the job done right.

Call 508-465-2092 to schedule an appointment or speak to our team about how we can meet your needs.