For families, a shower is essential. When the kids are little, you can easily manage with just a bath. But, as your family grows and the kids get older you will soon start to wish you had a shower.
In the mornings, the bathroom queue always moves faster if everyone can shower rather than take a bath. Plus, usually, it works out cheaper too. Provided nobody spends more than a few minutes in the shower they will use less hot water, which means lower electricity bills.
Where to buy your shower
If you do not want to pay over the odds for your shower, buy online. There are hundreds of retailers selling them on the web. So, you get a far better choice than you would if you simply shopped locally. Plus, it is easier to shop around and get the best price.
Type of shower
When choosing your shower, think about how much it will cost to run. Power showers are great, but they use a lot more money to run than a regular one does. So, often, it is wiser to wait until the kids have left home before you install one.
Adjustability
It is important that you buy a shower that can easily be adjusted to match the height of the person using it. Think about how high up the wall you are going to be installing it. Then make sure that the adjustment bar is long enough to allow the shower head height to be changed to accommodate the tallest and shortest member of the family. Also, bear in mind that once your children become teenagers, the chances are they will quickly become taller than you.
A place for everything
Think about where everyone is going to put their shampoo, shower gel, and soap. When you all use the same products an ordinary wire corner rack will be fine. However, if everyone in the family uses a different shampoo, you will need a bigger shower shelving set.
Safety considerations
Safety is another important consideration. If you are installing a shower tray, make sure that it has a non-slip finish.
It is also a very good idea to choose thermostatic taps. They regulate the temperature of the water to make sure that it is never too hot. Ensure that the taps can be installed high enough up the wall to stop young children from tampering with them.
A shower seat
In some situations, it could be worth your while installing a shower seat as well. For example, if you want your elderly parents to bathe independently when they stay with you. You could install the type that folds up against the wall when not in use. But, for occasional use, a better option is probably the mobile kind. Again, fold up versions of these are available.
Shower tray or wet room
When replacing your shower, consider opting for a wet room, instead of a shower tray. They make better use of the available space and because there is no step are slightly safer too. This comprehensive article will tell you what is involved in installing a wet room.