7 Tips and Ideas for Planning the Perfect Shower Remodel

Have you ever had one of those days when you just can't wait to get home and settle in for a long, relaxing hot shower? Sometimes you just need a perfect place to wash away the stress—but when your shower is outdated or showing signs of disrepair, it can feel more like a dark, dingy little closet than a place to unwind and rejuvenate yourself.

You may not have the budget or inclination to take on an entire bathroom remodeling project, and that's fine—a remodel will give you the beautiful shower space of your dreams, and since it takes up so much physical and visual space in the bathroom, it'll help to perk up the style of the entire room.

Planning a shower remodel is a fun challenge, but it can be difficult to know where to start and what you need to remember. This guide will give you some ideas and tips that will help you plan the perfect shower remodel. Once you've got an idea of what you're looking for, you can rely on Mr. Handyman of Midwest Collin County to turn your shower remodeling plans into reality.

1. Consider Current and Future Needs

This may seem obvious—after all, you know what you're going to use that area for—but many people forget to actually think about how their remodel plans will address the way they actually want to use the bathroom, now and in years to come. Whether the shower is in your master bath or guest bathroom, it pays to give due consideration to factors such as style, budget, and future use.

For example, if you'll have children in the near future, you'll definitely want to keep your bathtub or install a new one—toddlers are slippery and bathing them in a shower can be very difficult. Or, maybe you're approaching your golden years and want to age in place in your familiar home. If that's the case, consider accommodations such as a shower seat and grab bars that will make the area more comfortable and safe for someone with mobility issues.

2. Install New Tile

There's probably already some tile in your bathroom. If it's attractive and in good condition, no problem—save your budget for more pressing concerns. But, if your tile is looking worse-for-wear with cracks, crumbling grout, peeling caulk, and other signs of damage, a new installation is a good investment in your comfort. Tiled showers can even increase your property value. Prefer to repair what you've got? Take a look at ourultimate tile repair checklist.

When it comes to tile style, the vast array of options can feel overwhelming. Because it comes in such a wide variety of colors, shapes, sizes, patterns, styles, and materials, tile installation is an excellent opportunity to infuse your bathroom with your own personality and taste. But if you plan to sell your house in the near future, it makes sense to choose a classic white style that won't be a turn-off for potential buyers. For the shower wall and bathroom floor, porcelain or ceramic tiles are popular choices because they are durable and easy to maintain.

Pro Tip: Don't Neglect Caulking

Whether or not you're putting in new tile during a remodel, it's a great idea to have your handyman replace the caulking in your shower. Caulk is a flexible, waterproof sealant that is used where tile meets another material such as drywall, or in a corner where two tiled walls meet at a right angle. It works better than grout in those areas because your house will shift and settle over time and the flexibility of the caulk gives it some “wiggle room.”

3. Ditch the Bathtub

Homeowners sometimes ask if it's really necessary to have bathtubs in the house. That depends entirely on your preferences—if you never take baths, you are absolutely allowed to eliminate the bathtub. Tub to shower conversions will optimize your use of space—instead of a wasted bathtub, you can fill that entire area with a spacious, luxurious walk-in that boasts all the bells and whistles. If you're concerned that you'll need the tub in the future, shower-bathtub combinations are a good remodel option that give you the flexibility to adjust as your needs change.

4. Add Storage and Seating

Speaking of amenities, it's a great idea to add storage and seating options during any bathroom remodel. From shampoo and body wash to razors and exfoliants, all those bath products can quickly get out of control—and knocking over a row of bottles every time you step into the shower is not exactly relaxing. A wide bench seat can give you an added option for storage, along with a place to sit. But you could also add storage with recessed cubbies in the wall, or a hanging metal rack.

5. Install Glass Shower Doors

Tired of getting tangled up in a grungy plastic curtain? Simple glass doors are more attractive and stylish, they let in light, and are a lot easier to keep clean. Since they're transparent, they open up the bathroom and make it feel more spacious. You may also want to consider using your remodel to create a “wet room” with no separation between the shower head, toilet, and sink—they are sometimes blocked off from the bathroom door and dry area by a glass wall. This might sound odd at first, but it makes a lot of sense in a tiny room that doesn't really have the space for a separate stall.

6. Get an Efficient Shower Head

When you're planning your remodel, don't forget to upgrade your shower head. There are a wide variety of shower heads available, but choosing a water-efficient or low-flow option could actually save you a significant amount of money on your utility bill. Some people shy away from low-flow heads because they don't want a measly little trickle of water. That may have been a problem in the past, but manufacturers nowadays are creating heads that conserve water without sacrificing pressure and comfort.

7. Let There Be Light

Finally, if you only take one thing away from this list, it should be this: do not forget to provide ample lighting! The most gorgeous shower will still be annoying to use if it's dark and gloomy inside. That doesn't mean the lighting fixture has to be inside the shower, but it should be close enough and powerful enough to provide adequate lighting. Natural light is very welcome as well—you may not be able to incorporate a window in or near your shower, but it’s a great option if possible. It goes a long way toward bringing light in during the daytime. If privacy is a concern, go with frosted glass—and make sure the window frame isn't made of wood, because it'll be exposed to damp conditions and that makes it vulnerable to wood rot.

Trust Mr. Handyman to Deliver the Perfect Shower Remodel

Whether you're in McKinney or a nearby part of Collin County such as Sherman, Anna, or Denison, you can rely on Mr. Handyman of Midwest Collin County for quality workmanship and customer service that goes above and beyond.

Give us a call today at 214-387-3474 to make a service request and find out why we're considered Collin County's number one choice for dependable, experienced handyman services — and home improvement tips!