We already know that kitchens and baths sell homes, and nothing can kill a sale like a grubby shower or bath. Even if you’re not planning to sell, you will likely be happier with an updated shower or bath. The good news is that upgrading your shower or bathtub doesn’t have to be a major ordeal. In fact, you can give your bathroom a whole new look with less effort than you probably think.

The first consideration before you update your shower or tub is your budget. If you’re strapped for cash, but are badly in need, you can elect to update your shower or bath with inserts that will overlay your existing shower or bathtub. This type of upgrade will not require new plumbing and will not disrupt your existing tile work. A trained professional can complete this process in as little as 24 hours and will leave your bathroom with a fresh new look! These tub inlays are resistant to mildew and staining and are easy to clean and maintain. Measurements are imperative for this project, so if you’re in doubt, bring in a professional to make sure the job is done properly.

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If you’re electing to go with a more major remodel, and your budget can handle it, you might want to consider upgrading to a larger tub or shower. But remember, the new model has to fit through your doorway! There are countless horror stories about people who have purchased new showers and baths, only to find they won’t fit through the doorway when they get home. Our advice is to measure, measure, measure…everything. It’s easy to get excited about your new bathroom and forget some of the most important considerations, like room dimension.

Choosing a bigger tub might also mean the need for plumbing work. Large tubs and showers require large pipes. It’s also important to consider the size of your water heater. Make sure it carries enough capacity to fill your new tub before the water gets cold!

You should also inspect the underlying structure of your bathroom prior to installing a larger tub or shower. It’s imperative to ensure that the floor in your bathroom will support the added weight (including the weight of the water and the person bathing) prior to installation. This is especially important if the bathroom is on the second floor. Your pleasant bathing experience will come to a sudden halt if you end up falling through to the floor below! Besides being dangerous, this mistake can be costly in home repair. You may need to do some structure reinforcement prior to installing your new tub or shower.

And last, but certainly not least, you should ensure that your local government will not require a building permit for shower and tub installation. Laws can vary greatly from one location to another and it’s always best to know the guidelines and follow proper procedure for any project. If you don’t, you could end up paying fines, or having to cease work long enough to obtain the proper permits.

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