Do-It-Yourself Bathroom Remodeling: Shower/Tub Improvements

Do you want to improve the appearance and functionality of your Northern Wisconsin or Upper Michigan home’s bathroom and shower without committing to an entire bathroom remodeling project? By making some small, quick, and affordable improvements to your bathtub and shower, you can see immediate results in the appearance, bathing experience, and energy-efficiency of your bathroom. Check out these bathroom improvement suggestions from North Twin Builders.

Prefer to leave bathroom improvements and remodeling to the professionals? North Twin Builders provides professional home remodeling services throughout Northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan- Contact us today to schedule your home improvement project!

Shower Improvement #1: Replace your shower rod

Your shower rod is the easiest, and most likely cheapest, part of your shower to replace but the impact it has on your showering experience and the overall appearance of your bathroom can be huge. This is especially true if you feel your shower is cramped and lacking room. Installing a bigger tub is costly and time-consuming, but purchasing and installing a curved shower rod is a simple solution to make your shower feel roomier.

The options in shower curtain rods, as with any bathroom fixture, can be endless. Don’t feel limited to the standard white plastic rods. Curved shower rods can be just as cost-effective, and are available in a wide variety of colors and designs. Most are adjustable to fit your shower, and can be installed simply by placing into position and adjusting the length until the ends are tight against the walls of your shower. Bonus tip – look for a double curved rod that allows for your liner and curtain to be separate to prevent mildew buildup or extra towel hanging space.

Check out this chrome curved double shower rod from Lowe’s to increase the size of your shower.

Shower Improvement #2: Upgrade your shower curtain and liner

We have all seen how cruddy and ugly plastic shower curtain liners become after only a short period of time. Washing them can be a hassle, and often makes no difference in appearance, and the feel of the plastic is unpleasant on top of it. Available in an assortment of colors, fabric liners reduce mold and mildew buildup because they dry quickly, are machine-washable for an easy clean, and are soft to the touch.

Shower curtains are more than a water barrier for your bathroom, they make a major impact on the overall appearance and feel of the room. Think of your shower curtain like your window curtains – it is a functional, changeable part of your bathrooms design. Have a mostly white or one-toned bathroom? This is an affordable way to quickly add a splash of color or fun pattern to the room, or make your bathroom design match that Northern Wisconsin feel of your home. Make sure to find easy to use rings that will go well with both the curtain and the shower rod.

Shop a variety of shower curtain designs at a reasonable price at Bed Bath & Beyond.

Shower Improvement #3: Invest in a new shower head

Nothing makes a bigger impact on your shower experience than your shower head. Whether you are unsatisfied with your current shower head’s water output or are looking for a more spa-like experience, you can find an option to meet any budget and complete this bathroom improvement in under two hours.

Multi-setting shower heads allow you to control and change the water flow, and many include a hand-held addition. An added bonus of replacing your shower head, which is especially true if you haven’t upgraded for awhile, is that newer models are required to be more energy efficient. Find a low-flow shower head to really save on water use or an aerating showerhead that mixes air with the water to make a misty spray that maintains water temperature better.

Visit Home Depot’s website for step-by-step instructions on installing a new showerhead for your Northern Wisconsin or Upper Michigan DIY bathroom improvement project.

Shower Improvement #4: Install a new faucet

Installing a new faucet in your bathtub gives you the option to improve the look of your bathtub, stop pesky leaks and make all of your shower components match. All you need to replace the nozzle is a screwdriver, an allen wrench, putty knife, and a tube of caulk. Make sure to scrape away all old caulk to ensure that you will get a solid hold for the new faucet. New models even have an anti-scald protection feature to control the temperature of the water.

Shower Improvement #5: Refinish or reglaze your bathtub

Refinishing, or reglazing, your bath tub is a more cost-effective option to restore the appearance and functionality of your bathtub than replacing the whole unit. Although this blog is about DIY bathroom improvements, this task is best left to professionals. However, if you complete shower improvement steps #1 through #4, the appearance of your tub may leave you unsatisfied with your project. Having your tub refinished will complete your shower improvement project, while extending the life of your bathtub and can be done for under $500.00.

A slightly cheaper, more DIY option, would be to install a bath wrap or lining. This involves vacuum forming an acrylic product into your tub and on the wall panels and accessories. Professionals agree that, although it does improve the appearance of your shower, this option is not long-term and allows for mold and mildew to be trapped in your shower. North Twin Builders doesn’t recommends a cover-up or quick fix in lieu of an actual improvement, so take the time and a few extra dollars to find a real professional to restore the appearance of your shower and make sure it lasts.

By following these (mostly) do-it-yourself tips, you can improve your home’s bathroom appearance and comfort, no matter your budget. Interested in a professional bathroom remodel? North Twin Builders has the experience to meet your vision for your Northern Wisconsin or Upper Michigan home improvement. Check out our client testimonials to learn how our quality makes the difference!

If you want to do more to your bathroom than you are comfortable with you can also hire a professional as well. Please contact us here at North Twin Builders for more information. 715-545-2510

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