Bathroom Remodel: The Shower Makeover

The combination showerhead, hand spray and body spray system is the ultimate in the luxurious shower experience. Waterworks The shower's water delivery system should not be overlooked. In addition to playing a significant role in the comfort and luxury of your shower, the showerhead (or heads) or jets can have an impact on aesthetics as well as the heat and water bills. Again, the finish of the heads, knobs and jets should be taken into consideration. Fixed showerheads attach to the wall or ceiling and can be replaced easily to update the shower look without invasive renovation. Options can include multi-function showerheads that offer a range of delivery methods from a rain-like effect to pulsating, hydro-massage spray. Removable handheld showerheads are useful and convenient, allowing the user to easily spray and rinse hard-to-reach areas on the body as well as easier washing of long hair, children and even pets. It also allows for easier washing of all areas of the shower. The vertical shower spa rests at the luxury end of the water delivery options. In a typical system, multiple jets lining the shower stall wall shoot water horizontally while an overhead showerhead cascades water down on the user. Ultra-luxury systems like the Toto NEOREST Shower Tower incorporate all of the delivery methods: the overheard showerhead, a handheld showerhead and multiple body spray jets. Homeowners in the market for such a system will want to consider the accompanying heat or hot water bill as vertical shower spas will increase these utility costs. Water-efficient showerheads and delivery systems are gaining ground as conservation and environmental concerns continue to drive consumer decision-making. The industry standard showerhead delivers 2.5 gallons per minute, but newer designs can cut that by up to 30 percent. Moen's new Water Saving showerheads deliver 1.75 gallons per minute and rely on an innovative design to concentrate the flow of water, ensuring a quality shower experience. "The challenge is to have a product that uses lower water volume accomplish the expected shower tasks without requiring more usage time," says Lenora Campos, Public Relations Manager for TOTO USA. Consumers can expect more manufacturers to start offering more water-efficient products, which are crucial to the new home looking for LEED-H certification. For additional reading on shower systems, read "Power Showers." Accessories With big decisions like the enclosure and showerhead made, it's time to accessorize. Towel holders, handles to aid entrance and exit from the shower, and additional knobs and hooks can improve upon the shower's look of luxury. Accessories should match or complement the finished faucets, frames and showerhead elsewhere in the bathroom. "Homeowners add additional shower accessories to make use of the space in the shower," says Garman. An easy way to complement a chosen water delivery system's showerhead and valve trim is to select accessories within the same company and product line. Many shower product manufacturers will offer "suites" or lines of products that are meant to work well together from a design and aesthetic perspective. "Families today are tremendously busy and don't have the time to shop around a great deal," says Campos. "A designed ‘set' of products will coordinate together and will save consumers time and stress." When evaluating the shower space for a potential remodel, it is wise to spend quality time examining all the options. The right investment can enhance the shower experience, tie the room together and create the warm and unique shower that everyone is looking for.

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