Are you ready to Remodel your Bathroom?

Jamie & Kelson Carter
Licensed Plumbers

LIST of 7 good ideas when considering a bathroom/shower remodel by Jamie & Kelson Carter:

1. Budget for the unexpected
Hidden water damage is a common problem in bathrooms, whether it comes from a leaky shower pan or running toilet.  Other issues are truly hidden, for example a vent stack inside a wall that was supposed to be taken out, or a weight supporting wall.

2. Hide the toilet
A master bath that’s stylish and functional can also be discreet. That’s why it’s nice to hide the toilet away for privacy, either in its own “room-within-the-room” or behind a half wall.

3. Do choose appropriate surfaces
A bathroom’s surfaces do more than just contribute to the overall aesthetic, along with taking a lot of abuse. It’s worth investing in a surface that will last and be durable for wear and tear.

4. Splurge on the shower
Consider using extra space to create larger showers, often with his and her shower heads, body sprays, and even steam generators.  The shower is a sensual experience and it’s important to leave proper space especially if planning for a frameless door.  Don’t eliminate the bathtub if there isn't another bathroom in the house with a tub.

5. Consider water efficiency
Shower heads, toilets, and faucets have all become more water-efficient in recent years, thanks to the EPA’s voluntary WaterSense program, which labels products that are 20 percent more efficient than federal standards. Low-flow shower heads will deliver a satisfying pulse while meeting the flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute. Low flow toilets are water saving devices reducing from a 3 gallon to 1.5 gallon flush.

6. Make room on the vanity
Grooming is the main task at the vanity, so it’s important to have plenty of surface area to put things down. While the double sink configuration has been popular in the past, it may make sense to have a single sink and more counter space.

7. Provide adequate ventilation and light
Moisture not only breeds mold and mildew, it can take a toll on finishes and painted surfaces. A bathroom fan is the best defense.  The National Kitchen and Bath Association call for a ducted system that’s at least 50 cubic feet per minute, and some bathrooms may need twice the amount of ventilation if the space is larger than 100 square feet or if a steam shower is installed. There are humidity-sensing units that will automatically turn on and off depending on the amount of moisture in the air.

Kelson Carter installs a new tub unit

Tub to Shower Conversion

      The standard five foot bathtub gets very little use as a tub anymore these days. Because of this, many customers are opting to convert the standard bathtub into a stand up shower.

If there is only one bathtub in the home, it’s best to keep it, because it’s a desirable feature for the resale of the home, or if there are pets or small children. But if the home has at least one bathtub here are some conversion options to consider:
1.  Straight forward: replace your tub with a shower pan
2.  Custom shower: benches & storage
3.  Add spa touches

Straight forward: new conversion shower pan

A standard shower pan drains in the center of the shower, a bathtub drains either on the right or left. But they make conversion shower pans that contain a left or right drain. These pans are slopped differently and eliminate the need to move the rough plumbing that is currently installed. This is the least cost option and is often cheaper than replacing a tub. 

Custom shower: benches & storage

The second option is to convert a bathtub to a shower and a bench. Another reason to convert a bathtub is to get rid of the tub ledge as a shelf and replace it with shower niches large enough for two three shampoo bottles, and a soap shelf which is out of the way of the water spray.

Add Spa touches 

Now that you have decided to convert your standard bathtub to a shower, adding a few spa amenities will really take the showering experience to the next level.

1.       Add an eight inch rain shower head mounted on the ceiling in the center of the shower. This can be the only shower head in the shower or it can be in addition with the installation of a diverter valve.

2.       Add a series of body sprays. There are numerous options: delta has standard shower valves that contain two body jets, or go with a total custom installation of three to six body jets.

Shower Stalls, Doors & Fixtures

Shower enclosures, sliding shower doors, frameless glass shower doors, corner shower enclosure and neo-angle shower stalls can all add a lot of personality and style to your bathroom no matter what individual layout you may have.

Your bathroom shower can be the ultimate luxury: an everyday space that feels like a retreat. The right shower design can make your morning routine feel more like a spa getaway. Find inspiration and advice on creating a bathroom shower to suit your taste and lifestyle.

Shower doors are manufactured in many sizes, styles and designed for installation inside the shower stall opening so they must fit perfectly. It’s important to make sure to accurately measure the shower stall opening. Many older homes don't have parallel walls and the wall-to-wall distance may vary from the top of the stall to the bottom. It’s important to measure in three places: the top, middle and bottom, and use the smallest of these measurements when ordering the door.

About Carter’s My Plumber:

Carter’s My Plumber is a local, family-owned, 3^rd generation plumbing company located in Greenwood, Indiana, providing plumbing service to the Indianapolis, Greenwood, Whiteland, Franklin, Bargersville, Trafalgar, Mooresville, Wannamaker, Beech Grove and Southport areas.  Carter’s My Plumber has a special menu of services designed to meet the needs of every homeowner to provide a complete solution to their home’s plumbing system.  With over 30 years of plumbing experience, their trained plumbers meet the plumbing need of every residential and light commercial need.  

Visit our website for more information and to schedule a Free Estimate:  http://cartersmyplumber.com/lp/shower-replacement-and-remodel/