Bathroom Remodeling – How a Shower and Bathtub Upgrade Can Revitalize Your Bathroom
While a full-scale, complete bathroom renovation requires tearing out walls, floors and fixtures down to the framing, a minor tub and shower update can have just as big an impact on the room’s overall look and feel. Whether it’s installing a new bathtub, shower enclosure, or both, you can choose from many different sizes, styles and colors to create a fresh, updated look that will boost the bathroom’s aesthetic value while adding functionality.
When it comes to bathroom remodeling, choosing low-maintenance materials and fixtures will save you time, effort, and money over the long run. Investing in a new tub and shower with water-efficient faucets and short durations will lower your utility bills, while low-maintenance surfaces like tile and quartz are easy to keep clean and hygienic.
One of the most popular and cost-effective upgrades for homeowners is switching out their old tub for a new freestanding tub or a shower enclosure. Even a modestly sized bathroom can fit a new neo-angle shower and a freestanding or soaking tub. This type of tub-to-shower conversion also eliminates the need for a tub door, and it can open up more floor space.
To make the switch, you’ll need to carefully measure the dimensions of your existing tub and frame, as well as the space where a new tub will sit. You’ll then need to purchase a new tub basin, which may come in rectangular, square or pentangle (one corner cut off) shape, and a new surround, which is installed on top of the existing tub tile and can be made out of a variety of materials. Most surrounds can go directly over drywall, but some require a special mastic or cement. Be sure to read the installation instructions closely, and always have a professional plumber install your new tub and shower faucet and fixtures.
A tub-to-shower conversion is often a better option for homes with older plumbing, which can be more difficult to repair than newer fixtures. It’s also a more affordable choice than a total bathroom revamp, and will add value to your home.
If your family includes children, opting for a shower may be the best option, as a deep soaking tub can be challenging for toddlers to get in and out of safely. It’s important to consider all of your options carefully before deciding, and be sure to consult with a contractor with years of experience in bathroom layout design and plumbing renovations.
Lastly, don’t forget to address the finishing touches of your bathroom, such as stylish storage solutions and décor. Revitalize the space by removing clutter, and swapping threadbare towels and mats for plush cotton options, replacing worn rugs, or placing a potted plant on your counter or bathtub ledge to add texture, warmth and color. Having a trusted and knowledgeable Los Angeles bathroom remodeling expert by your side will help to make the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible.