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What Local Homeowners Should Know About Wichita Shower Remodels
Showers are necessary to our comfort and happiness—whether you like it nice and warm to unwind after a long day, or refreshingly cool to help wake you up in the morning. Getting the most out of that experience is easiest for local homeowners who’ve completed a Wichita shower remodel.
More than just a fixture to keep you clean, a beautiful shower is a place where you can relax, have a moment of peace and quiet before getting back to your busy life, or even practice your karaoke skills. For some, a stunning shower remodel can improve mental health. You should enjoy your space, rather than stepping into a dark and dingy area simply because you have to.
Showers that aren't designed to meet your needs can be frustrating to use. Maybe you find it hard to reach toiletries, and are worried about slipping as you grab the shampoo. Or perhaps the fixture is outdated and ugly—it's showing signs of age and rust, and needs a facelift.
Alternatively, maybe the area is simply not suited for your changing needs. For instance, it's common for seniors to find it increasingly difficult to step over a bathtub to get in the shower. Or perhaps the tub was helpful when your kids were small, but now everyone's grown up and a walk-in shower would be preferable.
Whether you're looking to increase your comfort, boost the room's aesthetic, or to reconfigure the area for your changing needs, a shower remodel is the way to go. And when you need an expert team to help you, look no further than the Wichita handyman pros at Mr. Handyman of the Wichita Metro Area. Each of our technicians has the skills, expertise and experience to bring your dream bathroom to life—no matter what type of Wichita shower remodeling services you need.
Since planning a remodel can be a lot of work, we put together this guide. Use this resource to plan out your renovation, so all goes smoothly.
1. What Are Your Needs?
Before starting a shower remodel, it's important to establish what you need and what you want out of the renovation. While there may be some crossover between the two, they are fundamentally different. Needs include things you can't go without, whereas wants tend to be add-ons that are not necessary.
Consider why you're remodeling. Is the purpose of your remodel purely aesthetic? Then you should do your research to figure out what style you'd like in the space. The more photos you have of the aesthetic you're going for, the easier it will be to make your vision happen.
Or, are you remodeling because the space isn't very functional? How have your needs changed since you moved into your home, or since your last renovation? For instance, do you need grab bars and tub liners if you're planning to age in place, or if an elderly relative is moving in with you? Or do you want to transform your powder room into a second bathroom for guests? Maybe you want additional storage for bath products?
It's important to be as clear as you can regarding what you want done with your bathroom. This will help you communicate with your contractor and ensure you're not disappointed with the final product.
2. Be Intentional With Storage
Tired of putting your body wash and shampoo on the floor? Or maybe your partner just moved in and you don't have enough space for all your products? Renovations are the perfect opportunity to reconfigure your storage. One popular choice in Wichita is adding a niche to the shower wall. A niche is preferable to hanging shelves or adding a bath rack, which can take up a lot more room—especially if your bathing area is narrow. By adding a niche during the remodel, you gain storage without compromising space. Not to mention, it won't come crashing down each time you reach for the soap.
3. Upgrade Your Tile
One of the easiest ways to give your shower a new lease on life is to retile it. Perhaps the original color scheme isn’t your style, or the grout looks worn-out or dingy. Maybe there’s damage to the original tile, and you need it repaired. Whatever the case may be, the pros at Mr. Handyman can update your tile so your bathroom looks completely refreshed. Tile is a beautiful material made in a variety of colors, textures and patterns. Whether you want a clean, modern look, or a completely unique aesthetic, our hardworking team has it covered.
Materials We Work With:
Porcelain & ceramic tile
Luxury materials like glass
Synthetic tile like vinyl & laminate
Natural stone, including granite & slate
Replace Old Grout
If you still like your original tile but feel like it could use a little pick-me-up, then your best option is to replace the grout. This is a sure way to refresh the appearance of your space without a complete overhaul. Grout replacement is a quick job any of our skilled technicians can complete.
Bonus Tip: Neutral Tile
Thinking of selling your home? Then you should consider how a Wichita shower remodel might increase its resale value. For example, neutral tiles such as white, gray and beige are ideal in the bathroom. These shades will help your home sell quicker, as opposed to styles or patterns that might be more individual and specific to your tastes. Subway tile in particular is trending these days. It offers a classic look that will last through the years—and it appeals to Wichita home buyers.
4. Make Use of Natural Light
In any Wichita home, natural light improves the look and feel of many rooms—and that includes the bathroom. Maybe you're lucky enough to already have a window. In this case, you should maximize the space’s natural light by placing a mirror on the opposite wall. This will bounce light back into the room, making it feel brighter and more open.
If you don't have a window in the bathroom, then it might be time to install one! Why not put a textured or sandblasted window in the bathroom to add a little more light, while maintaining your privacy? If you think having natural light spilling into the shower sounds inviting, then you could always opt to install a skylight.
5. Shower Door Installation
Shower curtains are increasingly becoming a thing of the past, and for good reason. They look dated, require more maintenance, are prone to mildew, and will deteriorate as time goes on. Many Wichita homeowners are switching to alternatives.
Simple glass doors are significantly more luxurious, on-trend and easier to clean. This update will also contribute to boosting your home's resale value, because shower doors are far more desirable to prospective Wichita home buyers than curtains. Also, if you have access to natural light in the space, glass doors will open up the entire room and illuminate your shower.
Types of Glass:
The world is your oyster when it comes to installing a new door! There are many different styles and types of glass available for Wichita homes. A few popular varieties you could consider integrating during the remodel include:
Tinted
Rain glass
Clear
Frosted
6. Replace Shower Heads and Faucets
If your bathroom looks dingy, old-fashioned or unattractive, it could be because the fixtures are outdated. Updating old fixtures is super easy and can make a world of difference to the space. If you're remodeling your bathroom on a budget, installing new fixtures is a great way to refresh the space without breaking the bank.
Our expert technicians can easily swap out your rusted, damaged or just plain ugly fixtures and install brand-new ones perfectly suited to your sense of style. Not to mention, there are so many amazing features with modern shower heads and faucets, including touchless faucets and built in soap dispensers—which might be a great option if you have kids.
Pro Tip: Efficient Shower Head
A great way to lower your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint is to invest in an energy efficient head. These models reduce the amount of water you use, which is much less wasteful, and will work wonders on your water bill. This is especially helpful if you have a big family or live with lots of people.
7. Replace Old Caulk
Caulk is what prevents water from leaking between your bath and the wall. It's usually made out of silicone. Although caulk may only seem like a small thing—after all, it’s just a thin strip of sealant—this detail is actually very important. It prevents otherwise devastating water damage from seeping throughout your home, and mitigates mold and mildew growth. Also, caulk helps a room look more put together—like the frame around a picture.
However, caulk tends to last only around 5 years. Naturally, around that time it will need to be replaced. You'll be able to tell it needs replacing because it will start to peel and become stained. Replacing old caulk is a simple task that any of our experts can complete on your behalf. As an added bonus, replacing old caulk will help your tiled area pop by looking clean and tidy. With minimal effort, your entire room will look refreshed.
8. Install a Shower Seat
Are you or one of your family members aging? Or maybe you want to relax while enjoying a warm shower? A seat might be a great option to add during a shower remodel. Often, older individuals have a harder time standing in the shower. It's slippery and could be tiring for anyone with limited mobility. While adding a seat means you compromise a bit on space, you could prevent a fall—giving your aging relative comfort and peace of mind.
9. Add a Steam Shower
If you want to go big or go home during your Wichita shower remodel, or if you simply want a touch of luxury, install a steam shower. You'll essentially have your own steam room at home, which can be a perfect place to relax after the gym or a home workout. Even if you don't use it post-workout, you may enjoy spending a chilly day warming up in the steam, or have a quick steam before heading to bed.
Hire Our Pro Technicians for Your Wichita Shower Remodel Today!
Whether you want a tub to shower conversion or need a few updates to get the bathroom looking top-notch, we've got it covered. Our highly skilled technicians have years of experience transforming out of date bathrooms into spaces you can enjoy for years to come. We've helped countless homeowners throughout the Wichita Metro area with their shower remodels, including in Augusta, Haysville and more.
Start your Wichita shower remodeling project by calling one of our friendly office staff today. Not only can our team revamp the bathing area, but we can also help you with custom cabinets and other aspects of a bathroom remodeling project—if you want to revitalize the entire space. We also have the capacity to complete a wide range of other home improvement services.
To get started today, we invite you to give us a call at 316-285-1217. We look forward to helping with your next home improvement project!
