New bathrooms and renovations are very complex. Almost every trade is involved and as most of their work is behind the walls, you need to have a very good idea of your final room layout before you start.
By not restricting yourself to the dimensions of an off the shelf shower box you can increase the size, and even use an odd shaped corner or nook with a custom made shower. Size is important, as you may be designing for someone who cannot stand. Another advantage of a custom shower space is that you can build in a ledge or seat. This is great for extra stability when cleaning your feet if standing, or if the ledge is wider it can act as a seat for even more safety.
No-Step Shower
A custom shower enables you to have a level entry. Often this is done by cutting the floor beneath the shower to get a slope towards the drain. There are also flooring systems that can be installed over the existing floor which gently raise the floor level towards the shower so the water can drain inside the shower. This will allow a user to slide or roll into the shower. Remember to position the shower mixers lower than usual so they can be accessed from a lower level. The key to getting this right is making sure you have the position of the shower head and ledge or seat worked out and installed before the waterproofing is done.
If access to the shower is the greatest importance, consider making your bathroom a wet room. In here the waterproofing encompasses the whole area and enables several bathers in at once. Great for owners of dogs who need regular bathing, (for the dog not the owner), or if the bather needs an assistant or care giver with them.
Wall Hung Toilets
Another place where preparation may be needed is the toilet. If you are doing a wall-hung toilet, additional fixings behind the wall will be needed before mounting, and plumbing may need to be changed to use an in wall cistern. A great benefit of a wall hung system is the height of the pan can be adjusted. A higher pan is easier to get on and off if you have an injury or ailment that restricts movement.
Also items that are wall mounted, such as vanities or grab rails, need additional bracing behind the walls and cannot be retro fitted once the wall linings are in place.
Remember, always work to a plan, and consult your builder, plumber and bathroom professional.
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