What You Need to Know About a Shower Remodel

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.

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

When it comes to your master bath, the sky's the limit—especially when you partner with the team at Mr. Handyman of Northern Virginia - Arlington to Haymarket. Our team of shower remodel experts can 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, consider the following tips and bathroom design ideas.

1. Establish Your Needs

If you're thinking of remodeling your shower, 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 Are the fixtures outdated or uncomfortable?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 mobility needs—so you need to invest in tub liners and grab bars. Or, perhaps you just moved into a new place and the previous owner put minimal effort into their bathroom's appearance.

Before you upgrade your bathroom design, 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 needs to go.

2. Build Niches for Additional Storage

Particularly in smaller spaces, storage can be an issue. If you find yourself putting shampoo and conditioner 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 shower wall for additional storage? Niches don't take up additional space and are perfect for storing your essentials in an easy-to-reach area.

3. Upgrade Your Tile

One of the easiest ways to give your shower a facelift is to re-tile it. Perhaps the colors have gone out of style, or the grout is looking a little dingy. Time for a change! Tile 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 materials, including:

  • Porcelain and ceramic tile

  • Luxury materials like glass

  • Synthetic tile like vinyl and laminate

  • Natural stone, such as limestone and slate

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 is to maximize natural light. For instance, have you considered installing a window? 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 shower is not against an exterior wall, consider adding a skylight instead. This way you get a beautiful lit shower, mitigate privacy concerns, and can add light to your bathroom if it does not have access to an exterior wall.

Lastly, 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.

5. Tub Conversion

If you live in an older home, you might only have a bath tub in your master bath. Increasingly, more and more Americans are choosing to convert their baths, or even get rid of their bathtubs entirely. 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 shower—including a walk-in or shower-tub combo—so the space is perfectly tailored for your needs.

6. Install Glass Doors

Are you tired of your old curtain? Why not install 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 bathroom a boost without a large-scale remodel. Glass doors make your space appear more open. And, if you install a window or skylight by your shower, it will help the light illuminate the entire space.

7. Replace Faucets & Shower Heads

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

Pro Tip: Efficient Shower Heads

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

8. Replace Old Caulk

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. However, caulk only lasts around five years. Over time, it will need to be replaced. This is a simple task that our skilled repairmen can complete on your behalf. Fresh caulk will also help make your shower area pop by looking clean, tidy and good-as-new.

9. Hire Our Bathroom Remodel Pros Today!

Are you ready to get started on your next shower remodeling project? If you want to convert your average shower into your dream bathroom, give our pro team a call today. We specialize in creating beautiful showers for clients throughout Northern Virginia, including in Woodbridge, Sudley and Fairfax Station.

Why Choose Mr. Handyman?

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 remodeling. We value honesty, respect and transparency above all else, and will always treat you, your home and your family with the utmost courtesy. 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 today, 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 remodeling project!