Give Your Bathroom New Life With A Custom Shower

A custom shower can really make your bathroom shine, taking it from blah to beautiful.

Working with a professional, qualified remodeler like ELM Construction is the best way to make sure you get the right custom shower solution for you. ELM Construction has been building award-winning bathrooms for more than a decade in the Birmingham area.

Luxury Showerheads

Installing more than one fixture in your shower can inspire that luxury feeling in your bathroom. These showerheads can be fixed or handheld to give you more water and an upscale appearance. (A handheld showerhead can also give you the added benefit of making it easier to wash a pet if that’s a need.)

Another frequent choice is pairing one or more fixtures with a rain shower. A rain shower is just like the name implies: it is designed to give you the feel of standing outside in the rain. They are much larger than traditional showerheads, providing significantly more coverage. They are available in multi-function models as well to allow you to concentrate more pressure in a smaller spray if the need arises.

Curbless Showers

One popular change is to entirely remove the tub and replace it with a high-end, curbless shower. Most showers, even those without tubs, require you to step “up and in” to the shower. A curbless shower eliminates that step, bringing the shower entrance flush with the floor of the bathroom.

This offers benefits both aesthetic and functional. Curbless showers can give your bathroom an open, more modern look. For homeowners or guests with limited mobility, they are easier to use. This is especially important as we see more multi-generational homes and plan for aging in place. It’s one of many ways we can incorporate universal design without making your home look institutional.

Open Up Your Shower

An open shower offers an airy feel and a more spacious look, but it does require a “splash zone,” to deal with water that may fly out of the shower. An open shower also doesn’t offer the privacy of a traditional shower. If you or your partner is going to feel exposed while showering, it’s probably not the right option for you.

Installing a half wall can offer some additional privacy, as well as keep more moisture in the shower. Frosted glass walls are another good way to compromise between an open shower and a fully enclosed one.

Another alternative is a frameless shower. By eliminating the traditional aluminum framing support, a frameless glass enclosure can help keep water and heat in, but still give you that open look.

Be sure to work with a qualified remodeler to get your properly designed curbless or open shower. Several factors need to be considered, including the slope/drainage of the floor and proper placement of showerheads to ensure water doesn’t splash or flow outside the shower area. For example, a rain showerhead that directs water straight down will work better than a traditional angled showerhead. You can also get creative with drainage by using decorative tile, metal or even wood features that hide the drains.

Body Sprays

Body sprays are another popular option. These are wall-mounted jets that deliver water directly to the body. They are great for massaging sore muscles or other aches and pains. It’s important they be placed properly to maximize pressure and utility. The goal should be to provide coverage for the whole body, with installation of multiple sprays.

Use Proper Ventilation

An important but often overlooked aspect of your bathroom is adequate ventilation. One of our favorite solutions is the WhisperRecessed LED™ Designer Fan. It has the look of a recessed light but functions like a traditional bath fan. With this type of fan / light, you get the benefit of ventilation and lighting without the old-school look of the classic ceiling mounted bath fan. Another tip is to use a timer switch for the bath fan. That way you can leave the room and let the fan continue to work without having to remember to go back and turn it off!  

ELM Construction is ready to help you create your dream bathroom and improve your home.  Contact us today to discuss your remodeling needs!