We've talked about floors, now let's conquer showers!
A nice, hot shower is like a bookend for your day. Whether you have one at the beginning of your day or at the end, it adds some stability for your peace of mind. It can wake you up when you're sleepy, soothe you when you're not, and wash away the any stress you've been carrying on your shoulders. So our question is, why do people settle for crumbling, mildew-infested walls and tubs in this household sanctuary? Is it because it's too expensive to replace? Too time consuming? Or is it because they haven't thought about what kind of shower is best for them in the long run? Whatever your answer may be to that question, we're here to help.
Let's start with your budget. The first question you have to ask yourself is if you want to purchase a custom shower or one that is pre-fabricated. Both have their advantages. For instance, the pre-fabricated shower is great for those who are looking to stick to a tight budget. Not only is the shower itself less expensive, but it is relatively quick and easy to install, so you can technically do it yourself if you'd like. Made from synthetic materials like fiberglass and plastic, these self-contained units come in one piece that ranks high for water tightness. You'll be getting a functional shower if you choose a pre-fabricated unit, but understand that it comes with its downsides as well.
With pre-fabricated showers you have to be extra careful about measuring the space you plan to put your shower in. They only come in a limited number of sizes, so you could end up with a mess on your hands if you don't plan ahead. Beyond that, they are not made for their aesthetic. Like we said before, you'll be getting a functional shower, but chances are it will not be particularly pleasing to the eye.
Custom showers, on the other hand, give you the freedom to make your shower work with your bathroom, not the other way around. You can get super creative with custom showers and will undoubtedly want to show off this masterpiece to your guests. Just imagine how impressed everyone would be if they saw a unique, spa-grade shower in your bathroom! Not to mention how nice it would feel every time you stepped into your bathroom for a rinse. Absolutely luxurious!
If the looks of your bathroom are not a high priority for you, remember that they might be for someone else. A custom shower can really boost the resell value of your home. They add character, are built to fit your bathroom perfectly, are more energy efficient, and last longer than their pre-fabricated counterparts. The benefits that come with custom showers are hard for homebuyers to ignore.
Of course, quality does come at a price. You will spend a decent amount of money to install a custom shower in your home. Not only are the materials a bit more pricey, but custom showers are not easily installed, so your best bet will be to hire professionals, like our Floor It team, to install your shower for you. Just remember that a custom shower is an investment. It will require time and money from you, but if you can find it in your budget to have a custom shower installed we know you will be exceptionally pleased with the results.
So, which of these two types of showers do you think is best for you? Let us know in the comments! And as always, feel free to message us with any questions you may have about showers, floors, or other home improvement projects!