Bathroom Shower Upgrades

When it comes to home improvements, most people are focusing their efforts (and their budgets) on two particular areas of the home – the kitchen and the bathrooms. The logic is simple: Since every homeowner is bound to use his kitchen and at least one bathroom on a daily basis, it makes sense to create spaces that are comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. Of course, for some people, the kitchen is generally reserved as an area for reheating and microwaving more so than preparing and cooking. If you have limited funds and you’re one of those people who usually spends more time in the bathroom than in the kitchen, then it might be wise to tackle your master bathroom improvements first. And if you’re going to concentrate on remodeling your master bathroom, then you ought to make shower upgrades a true priority.

When most people decide that it’s time to renovate their bathrooms, they tend to focus on the more obviously visible aspects, such as countertops, fixtures, and flooring. However, from a functionality standpoint, it’s also important to have a shower that is spacious and conducive to cleansing as well as relaxation. Mario Rappa is the owner of A-Z Nassau Construction Corp., a family-owned general contracting company that has been serving Long Island and New York City since 1999, and according to him, there are lots of ways to go about upgrading an existing shower without necessarily having to replace it.

One worthwhile shower upgrade can come in the form of a glass door enclosure. Shower curtains can be pretty and decorative, but they can also be a true pain to have to deal with. Not only do shower curtains tend to get grimy and even moldy over time, they also tend to not do the best job at keeping shower water tucked inside your shower walls. If you’ve ever had the experience of emerging from the shower to find a puddle on the floor that needs to be mopped up, then it’s probably clear why glass shower doors are a much more appealing option for most people, including potential buyers. With a glass door enclosure, you won’t have to worry about leaks or flooding on your bathroom floor, and since glass is relatively easy to clean, the addition of a glass door won’t make your life more difficult on the bathroom maintenance front.

Another great option for upgrading your shower could come in the form of adding a high-end showerhead. When it comes to showerheads and faucets, hundreds of models are on the market that you can choose from. A nicer showerhead with all of its fancy massage-type settings can turn the act of showering into a soothing, relaxing experience. If your shower is big enough, then you might also consider installing dual showerheads to make it easier for two people to shower at once without having to commit to the same water temperature or spray setting.

One final way to upgrade your existing shower is to have a seat installed for maximum comfort. For women, a shower seat can come in handy when it comes to shaving one’s legs. And while most people don’t tend to find the act of showering too tiring, it’s always nice to have the option of sitting down for a minute and taking a load off.

Of course, if you have the money to spend and you’re really looking to go all out, then you might want to consider replacing an older shower with a newer, more spacious model. Over the past number of years, homeowners with enough room in their master bathrooms (and budgets) have been jumping at the opportunity to get rid of smaller, simpler showers in favor of oversized, spa-style showers. While this option certainly isn’t for everyone, it’s something to consider if the circumstances allow for it.

Remember, as important a role as the kitchen might play within your home, you’re probably likely to use your master bathroom more consistenly. And since showering is something that you do frequently, you might as well focus your renovation efforts on improving your shower and making it a more pleasant place to cleanse away.