Anyone who has tried to remodel a home on a budget knows that adding a shower to a half bathroom can be a great way to save money. Converting your half bath into a full bathroom with a shower can add significant value to your home, and it can be done relatively cheaply if you know where to look for the best deals. This blog post will show you how to add a shower to a half bathroom using affordable and easy-to-find materials. So whether you’re looking to update your home for sale or want some extra functionality, read on for our tips on adding a shower.
Why Add a Shower to a Half Bathroom?
There are many reasons why you might want to add a shower to your half bathroom. For one, it can add significant value to your home. A full bathroom is always worth more than a half bathroom, so if you’re considering selling your home in the future, this is a great way to make some extra money.
Additionally, if you have a large family or often entertain, having a second bathroom can be a huge convenience. No one likes waiting in line for the bathroom, so having an extra one can really come in handy. Finally, if you’re simply tired of your half bathroom and want to update it, adding a shower is a great way to do so.
Things You’ll Need
- Tub
- Shower curtain
- Showerhead
- Tiles
- Grout
- Caulking
13 Step by Step How to Add a Shower to a Half Bathroom
1. Remove the Existing Tub
The first step in how to add a shower to a half bathroom is to remove the existing tub if there is one. This will make it much easier to install the new shower. To do this, simply turn off the water to the bathroom and unscrew the tub’s drain pipe. Next, use a pry bar to remove the trim around the tub. Once the trim is removed, you should be able to pull the tub out easily. If you have a tile surround, you will also need to remove the tiles. Finally, use a hammer and chisel to remove the old tiles, careful not to damage the drywall behind them.
2. Choose Your Shower Curtain
Now it’s time to select a shower curtain. There are many different styles and materials to choose from, so take some time to browse through your options. If you’re on a budget, you can find a basic vinyl shower curtain for under $20. However, if you want something more stylish, you can find fabric shower curtains for around $50.
3. Install the Shower Curtain
Once you’ve selected your shower curtain, it’s time to install it. Start by attaching the shower curtain rod to the wall. Next, hang the shower curtain on the rod. To do this, thread the top of the curtain through the rod and pull it down until it is the desired length. Finally, use shower curtain hooks to secure the bottom of the curtain to the rod.
4. Install the Shower Head
The next step is to install the shower head. If you’re replacing an existing shower head, simply unscrew the old one and screw the new one in its place. Starting from scratch, you will need to drill a hole in the wall for the shower head. To do this, use a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the shower head’s diameter. Drill slowly and be careful not to damage any pipes behind the wall. Once the hole is drilled, screw the shower head into place. If there are any gaps around the shower head, use a plumber’s putty to seal them.
5. Add Tiles to the Walls
If you want your new shower to look its best, you should add tiles to the walls. Tiles can be purchased at any home improvement store and come in various colors and styles. To install the tiles, simply spread adhesive on the back of each tile and press it into place. Once all tiles are in place, use grout to fill the gaps between them. If you’re not confident in your tile-laying abilities, you can always hire a professional to do the job for you.
6. Grout the Tiles
After the tiles are in place, it’s time to grout them. Grout is a cement type used to fill the gaps between tiles. It comes in various colors, so you can choose one that matches your tiles or goes with the overall theme of your bathroom. To apply the grout, simply spread it over the tiles with a rubber float. Once the grout is in place, use a wet sponge to remove any excess.
7. Caulk the Shower
Once the tiles are grouted, you will need to caulk the shower. Caulking is a type of sealant that is used to fill gaps and prevent water damage. To apply caulk, simply run a bead of sealant along the joint between the shower and the wall. Use a wet finger to smooth out the caulk and remove any excess. If you’re not confident in your caulking abilities, you can always hire a professional to do the job for you.
8. Install the Shower Door
If you want to enclose your new shower, you must install a shower door. There are many different types of shower doors to choose from, so take some time to browse your options. Once you’ve selected a door, install the door frame according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Next, attach the door to the frame. If you’re not confident in your ability to install a shower door, you can always hire a professional to do the job for you.
9. Add a Bathmat
This will help to prevent slips and falls, as well as protect your floor from water damage. There are many different types of bathmats, so take some time to browse your options. You can even find some that are specifically designed for use in showers. If you can’t find a bathmat that you like, you can always use a regular bathmat and cut it to fit the shower.
10. Add Bathroom Accessories
Once your new shower is complete, you can add bathroom accessories to make it more functional and stylish. If you want to be able to hang towels in your shower, you can install a towel rack. If you want to be able to store shampoo, soap, and other shower essentials, you can install shelves or a shower caddy. You can also add decorations such as soap dishes, shower curtains, and towels to make your new shower more inviting.
11. Paint the Walls
You can paint the walls if you want to add a pop of color to your new shower. You can either use waterproof paint specifically designed for bathrooms or regular paint if you seal it with a waterproof sealant. If you’re not confident in your ability to paint the walls, you can always hire a professional to do the job for you.
12. Update the Lighting
You can add some if your new shower doesn’t have any lighting. You can either install recessed lighting or use a waterproof fixture specifically designed for showers. First, turn off the power to the bathroom at the breaker box. Next, remove the old light fixture and install the new one according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the new fixture is in place, turn the power back on and test the light to make sure it works.
13. Add Ventilation
You can add some of your new shower doesn’t have any ventilation. This is especially important if you’re adding a shower to a half bathroom that doesn’t have any windows. Ventilation will help prevent mold and mildew from growing in your new shower. To add ventilation, you can either install a shower fan or leave the door open when you’re not using the shower.
How Much Does It Cost to Add a Shower in a Half Bathroom?
Adding a shower to a half bathroom can be a relatively inexpensive project. The cost will depend on the size of your bathroom, the type of shower you choose, and whether or not you hire a professional to do the work for you. On average, you can expect to spend between $500 and $1,500 to add a shower to a half bathroom. Of course, if you’re on a tight budget, you can always opt for a less expensive shower, such as a shower stall or a prefabricated shower. You can also save money by doing the work yourself.
Conclusion
Following these simple tips, you can have a beautiful and functional shower in your half bathroom in no time! If you are unsure how to add a shower to a half bathroom or have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us for help. We would be happy to walk you through the process step by step. Thanks for reading.
