What You Need to Know About Completing a Shower Remodel in Northern Virginia

Your shower is an integral part of your bathroom. Not only do you need it for personal hygiene, but it's also the main feature in the space. It should be an inviting and rejuvenating space that you enjoy using, not a dingy little cubicle that you can't wait to escape from. It’s easy to make that a reality with a professional shower remodel in Northern Virginia.

If you want it to be, your shower could be a place where you go to relax at the end of a long day. Perhaps you could include a bench in your remodel to sit on while you enjoy the warm water, or maybe you want it equipped with a steam function for you to enjoy post-workout.

When it comes to your master bath (or any other bathroom in your house, for that matter), the sky's the limit—especially when you partner with the Northern Virginia handyman team at Mr. Handyman of Northern Virginia - Arlington to Haymarket. Our team of shower remodel experts will help bring your dream bathroom to life, whether that entails a few small changes or a complete overhaul. To get the most out of your shower remodel, consider the following tips and ideas for that bathroom remodeling project.

1. Establish Your Needs

If you're thinking of starting a shower remodel in Northern Virginia, what's the reason behind it? Are the fixtures outdated or uncomfortable? Perhaps your family is changing; say an older relative is coming to live with you and has limited mobility needs, so you need to invest in tub liners and grab bars. Or, perhaps you just moved to a new home and the previous owner put minimal effort into their bathroom's appearance.

Before you upgrade your bathroom design with a shower remodel, it's important to know what changes need to be made to meet your needs. Do a quick audit of the fixtures so you can determine what aspects can stay, and what must go. The type of bathroom may make a big difference in how you choose to go about planning your shower remodel. If you’re working with a master bathroom, you probably have a lot more space to work with and have the luxury of choosing options like a completely separate bathtub. Or, if it is a guest bathroom remodel, you may choose to add options or features that are specifically designed to accommodate frequent house guests.

Pro Tip: Want to Increase Property Value in Northern Virginia? Convert to a Three-Quarter Bath

Okay, this may fall under the category of installation rather than shower remodel, but it is worth mentioning. If you are thinking of selling your house in the next few years and are looking for ways to increase property value, adding a shower to a half-bath is a good way to accomplish it. A half-bath is typically just a toilet and sink, but putting in a shower converts it to a “three-quarter bath” and makes prospective buyers feel like they are getting more for their money. That is especially true if your half-bath is on a floor that doesn't have any other bathing options.

2. Add Storage Space to Your Shower Remodel

Storage can be an issue for many people in Northern Virginia, particularly in smaller spaces. If you find yourself putting shampoo, conditioner and other bath products on your bathroom floor—or using a bath rack that's constantly falling down—you need a better storage solution. Why not consider building a niche in the wall for additional storage? Niches don't take up extra space and are perfect for storing your essentials in an easy-to-reach area. Niches were very common in older homes, but aren't typically found in newer installations—and that's a shame, because they are attractive, unobtrusive, and a great solution to storage woes.

Whatever you do during your shower remodel, don't decrease your storage options. If you plan on removing cabinetry to open up the room, ensure that you add extra storage space to replace it. There are always going to be items that you need and want to keep on hand for easy access. Shampoo and soap dispensers are another option that are often overlooked, and they don't have to be the ugly, industrial things you may be picturing. There are dispensers available for home use that are actually quite attractive and can blend in seamlessly with the style of your perfect bathroom.

3. Upgrade Your Tile

One of the easiest ways to give your space a facelift is to re-tile. Perhaps the colors have gone out of style, or the grout is looking a little dingy. Time for a change! Changing your wall tile or tile flooring is a great opportunity to experiment with different colors, styles and textures. Not to mention, most types of tile are available in a variety of colors. At Mr. Handyman of Northern Virginia - Arlington to Haymarket, we can work with a range of different tile backsplash and tile floor materials, including:

• Porcelain tile and ceramic tile

• Luxury materials like glass

• Synthetic tile like vinyl and laminate

• Natural stone, such as limestone and slate

• Glass tiles

• Mosaic tile

Mosaic tiles or other types of small tiles tend to work best for the floor, because they can be installed over top of the shower pan and will curve to fit the slope towards the drain. Round cobblestone or penny tiles are also a great choice because they have rounded edges that feel good on your feet and they provide some texture to help prevent slipping. Don't forget that tile can extend past the bathing area to your bathroom walls and flooring as well.

Pro Tip: Waterproofing Membrane

Although our experts will be sure to include a waterproofing membrane while installing tile, if you opt to DIY your shower remodeling project, don't forget to add this layer in so you protect your subfloor from water damage!

4. Maximize Natural Light

A key part of improving the look of any space in Northern Virginia is to maximize natural light. For instance, have you considered installing a window during your shower remodel? Since privacy is usually a concern in the bathroom, you could use textured or sandblasted glass to have access to natural light while also maintaining privacy.

If your bathing space is not against an exterior wall, consider adding a skylight instead. This way you get a beautifully lit space, mitigate privacy concerns, and can add light to your bathroom if it does not have access to an exterior wall. Or, if you already have windows in the bathroom, give their natural light a boost by placing a mirror on the opposite wall. This will reflect light back into your space, making it more brightly lit.

We all love natural light, but it is, of course, not available 24 hours per day. A shower remodel is a good opportunity to make sure you have adequate lighting inside the booth. You may not be able to include a light fixture in or directly above the stall, but it should be near enough to cast ample light into the stall so you can actually see what you are doing in there.

5. Bathtub Conversion

If you live in an older home in Northern Virginia, you might only have a bathtub in your master bath. Increasingly, more and more Americans are choosing to convert their baths, or even get rid of their outdated bathtub entirely, during bathroom remodeling projects. If you don't really use your tub, or are aging in place and need a shower that's easier to get into, our team of expert handymen can help. We can install a replacement—including a walk-in shower or bathtub combo—so your shower remodel is perfectly tailored for your needs.

6. Add a Seat

If you have the extra space for it, consider having your handyman include a seat in your remodel. That typically means a tiled bench across the end of the booth that is farthest away from the shower head, so you can sit on the bench and have the spray on your body—but not hitting you in the face. It is a nice feature because it gives you somewhere to sit or rest your foot while shaving, and it also provides some additional storage options for bottles and other bath products that don't fit elsewhere. And, if you or a loved one have accessibility needs, it goes a long way towards supporting independent bathing for individuals with reduced mobility. It's also just nice to sit down and relax while bathing sometimes, especially if you don't have a bathtub or don't enjoy taking baths.

Pro Tip: Choose a Portable Shower Seat for Versatility

Are there some people in your household who need or want a seat, and others who would prefer to have the extra standing room? You could get a portable seat that is sturdy and waterproof, but can simply be folded up and stowed away when it's not needed.

7. Install Glass Doors

Are you tired of your old shower curtain? Why not install simple glass doors! Not only are glass doors more sought-after by prospective home buyers—should you ever look to sell—but they're also a great way to give your entire bathroom a boost without a large-scale bathroom remodel. Glass doors make your space appear more open. And, if you install a window or skylight by your bathing area, it will help the light illuminate the entire space. Glass door installation also offers a host of remodel possibilities that will dramatically alter the look and feel of your new bathroom. For example, if you are working with a corner shower remodel, you could choose a curved shower door and wall that will break up the monotony of all the straight lines in the room and give it a more organic vibe.

Pro Tip: Eliminate Your Shower Barrier

Don't really like the function and aesthetic of curtains or shower doors? There may be a third shower remodel choice available to you: go barrier-free. A barrier-free bathroom is pretty much exactly what it sounds like—no curtains, no doors, nothing at all between the shower and the rest of the bathroom. That may sound odd, but it is an increasingly popular choice for modern bathrooms. The entire room is waterproof, with a floor drain and a gentle slope to encourage the water to drain out properly. This isn't for everyone in Northern Virginia, but it can be a surprisingly great option for the right room and right homeowners. If you do decide to go this route, you should have textured tile installed on the floor to reduce the risk of slipping.

8. Replace Faucets & Shower Heads

If your entire bathroom is full of outdated fixtures that make it look dingy or out of fashion, why not replace them as part of your shower remodel? Our handyman pros will easily swap out your broken, dilapidated or unattractive faucet and other features and install new ones to give your outdated bathroom a quick makeover or to add those finishing touches on the shower remodel.

Pro Tip: Efficient Shower Heads

Did you know there are energy efficient shower heads that reduce water use? Not only does this benefit the environment and lower your carbon footprint, but it also lowers your energy bill! Save money after your shower remodel by investing in an energy efficient fixture that our handyman experts can happily install for you.

9. Add or Replace Caulk

If you look at grout up close, you'll notice that it looks porous—and that is because it is porous. While it is water-resistant enough to withstand moisture in typical floor and wall installations, the shower is different because it is constantly being pummeled by water. Caulk is what prevents water from leaking between your bath and the wall. It's usually made out of silicone, and while it seems like a small thing, it is very important to prevent water damage from infiltrating your home. During your shower remodel, your handyman professional should caulk over top of the grout lines to make them more water repellent and to avoid having dirt and bacteria work its way into the tiny nooks and crannies in the grout lines.

Pro Tip: Replace Caulk Every Five Years

Caulk only lasts around five years. Over time, it will need to be replaced—but not everybody in Northern Virginia has the skill or expertise required. This is a simple task for our skilled repairmen to complete on your behalf. Fresh caulk will also help make your shower area pop by looking clean, tidy and good-as-new.

10. Hire Our Team for Your Shower Remodel in Northern Virginia!

Are you ready to get started on your next bathroom remodel in Northern Virginia? If you want to convert your average shower to create a more beautiful bathroom, give our pro team a call today. We specialize in creating beautiful shower remodels for clients throughout Northern Virginia, including in Woodbridge, Bull Run and Fairfax Station.

Why Choose Mr. Handyman of Northern Virginia - Arlington to Haymarket?

At Mr. Handyman of Northern Virginia - Arlington to Haymarket, each of our hardworking technicians has years of industry experience, and specializes in a range of trades including bathroom remodeling services.

We value honesty, respect and transparency above all else, and will always treat you, your home and your family with the utmost courtesy during your bathroom renovation project. Our customers are always our top priority, and we aim to give you a positive experience with our company from start to finish.

To get started with your home improvement project, we invite you to give our friendly customer service representatives a call at 703-621-4817 . We look forward to hearing from you and helping with your next shower remodel in Northern Virginia!