A bathroom is not just another room in your house. If you’re going to build or remodel one, you must consider two things: function and design. Better yet, build or remodel where the function serves the design and vice versa.
With that said, the specific needs and preferences of the homeowner must be considered when deciding on a bathroom’s layout. You don’t have the same freedoms you do when building your new home and picking the right design.
It’s for this reason that you’d come across a half-bath, a ¾ bath, or a full bath. You could even come across a ¼ bath. You begin to wonder: What do these terms even mean? What are their differences?
Summary
Adding a shower to a half bath can be done on a budget can be done by using an economical shower kit. The conversion includes preparing the space for the shower addition to the space, including preparing the plumbing.
We also picked the best showers for you, and there is a winner for each category:
- Best value option: DreamLine Cornerview
- Runner-up: DreamLine Acrylic Shower Base
- Best high-end option: Aston Avalux
- Best designed option: DreamLine French Corner
Scroll down and we will cover:
- The cost of the conversion
- The best shower kits that increase your home’s resale value
Continue reading
Since you’re reading this article, chances are you’re thinking of adding a shower to a half bath.
This comprehensive guide’s got all that covered. Before we proceed, let’s talk about the differences between a half-bath and a ¾ bathroom. After all, this guide will only help you if we’re on the same page.
Table of Contents
- How to add a shower to a half bath or bathroom on a Budget
- A single-unit shower stall
- Do you need a permit?
How to add a shower to a half bath or bathroom on a Budget
There are many ways to add a shower to a half-bath. They vary according to the current layout and design. As a point of reference, we’re listing below the general procedures for adding a shower to a half bath or bathroom.
Time needed: 3 days.
Installing a prefabricated shower unit
- Prepare your space
The right installation method will depend on the type you want. As already explained, prefabricated units are so much easier to install. They require only the most basic plumbing and carpentry skills to pull it off.
There are two types of prefabricated stalls: single unit and multi-panel. Installing a single-unit stall requires only a few steps: Secure and connect them to the walls and pipes, and seal the seams. You’re off to the races. Multi-panel units take longer to install because you need to connect the individual panels and seal each seam and joint. - Mark the location of the pipes
Next, you need to determine the location of the pipes. Marking their location will give you an idea of how the shower stall will be attached to the wall and its essential elements. While getting the measurements, start from the floor and then move up to the corner of the walls.
To mark the layout, draw a sketch showing the connections between the shower and the wall. It should include the plumbing. After recording the measurements, mark those same dimensions on the back of the shower unit. It includes the spot that will be connected to your bathroom’s plumbing fixtures. - Start assembling
Now it’s time to start assembling the tools and materials that go along with your shower kit. That said, make sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Typically, you will need the following to assemble a stall:
– Kit
– 1.2 m level
– Tile caulking
– 2-inch hole saw
– Electric drill
– 1/8th-inch drill bit
– Flathead screwdriver - Clean the floor and the walls
You need to clear the work area of dust and debris before proceeding with the installation. Use a broom or a vacuum to remove all the dirt and remove any excess caulking by peeling or prying them off with a putty knife. Lastly, make sure the floors and walls are dry. This is because installing a stall on a wet subfloor may cause water damage down the line.
- Waterproof the surrounding walls
The surrounding walls of a shower stall are often exposed to moisture. You’d do well installing waterproof wallboard or applying water-resistant glues on the walls to prevent water damage. Apply silicone caulking in the seams to make the installation more watertight.
A single-unit shower stall
Adding a single-unit shower stall to a half bath is easy, at least if you’re strong enough to lift it yourself. To ensure an easy and safe installation, seek assistance from an able-bodied friend or family member.
1. Perform measurements
Take stock of the space where the unit is to be installed and then perform some measurements. If the stall has a swinging door, don’t forget to include that in the measurements. If the area hasn’t been set up for plumbing before, you should contact a professional plumber who will do it for you.
You will need to create templates for the drain and faucet areas to prevent potential plumbing issues down the road. If the bathroom in question is in the basement, you will need to install an up-flush system. However, adding a shower to a half bath in a basement is possible.
2. Install a waterproof interior wallboard
The walls surrounding the stall are always vulnerable to water moisture. To prevent water from damaging them, install a waterproof all-board behind the unit. Coat it with latex primer for good measure.
3. Drill holes in the unit
Once you’ve marked the locations of your pipes and fixtures on the back of your shower unit, carefully drill pilot holes at the back. Make sure to do it slowly to avoid cracking the interior.
4. Level the stall
With the help of an assistant, place the stall into the designated area. Put a level on it and make sure it’s lined up correctly relative to the holes.
5. Install the shower unit
Make sure to read and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer before proceeding. Here’s some advice: go easy on the adhesive, or it will lead to swelling and buckling.
Position the unit to its designated area and double-check if it’s on the level. If the kit didn’t come with nails, attach the flanges to the studs yourself by driving galvanized nails into them.
6. Caulk it up
Calk around the drain’s lip and between the wall coverings. Make sure to get around the fixtures with silicone caulk. Once the catch screen is in the proper position, tighten the faucets for good measure.
Do you need a permit?
Most locales require their homeowners to obtain a permit when installing a shower stall to a half bath, even if you’re adding it to the basement. It’s especially when some changes need to be made in the drain.
The likelihood that you’ll need one increases even more if you’re installing a stall where a bathroom doesn’t exist. You may want to hire the services of a plumber, and drains need to be upgraded for them to accommodate the new shower.
Before you proceed with the installation, contact your county officials to ask about regulations in your locality to make sure you’re following building codes.
We strongly recommend that you don’t skip the above step. Suppose you push through with an installation without obtaining the proper permits. In that case, you’re likely to face heavy penalties for project stoppages. It’s even possible that you may forfeit the right to resell your home.
To give you a feel for what to expect, here’s a list of tasks that will most definitely require a permit:
- Water heater replacement
- Any work that involves the sewer line needs a permit.
- New electrical wiring
- Room additions
- New plumbing
- Demolition of load-bearing walls
- Any HVAC system
