Planning Your Shower Renovation
This past week I was very fortunate to attend a Kohler educational event hosted by Robinson Bath and Lighting on spa inspired shower solutions. Please note, this is not a sponsored post. The opinions in the blog are my own thoughts from this learning event. I have been specifying Kohler faucets, bathtubs, toilets, etc. since I stared in this business and was pleasantly surprised to learn that Kohler is celebrating their 140th year as a privately owned family business. Not only are they in the plumbing industry, they also have holdings in the furniture and textile business, engine and generator business as well as golf and resort destinations! "There are 50 manufacturing locations on 6 continents, more than 30,000 Kohler associates are able to present the concept of gracious living in every corner of the world".
Planning Your Shower
I've designed a number of bathroom renovations and as a life long learner, I was interested in learning about Kohler's spa inspired shower solutions. So what did I learn that I can pass onto you if you are looking to renovate your shower?
Planning Your Shower: Step 1
Your Experience
According to the statistics:
- 93% of consumers bathe in a shower,
- 74% shower every day and
- 60% of consumers shower on a daily basis as part of their routine.
Knowing that consumers are looking at a shower for a variety of functions, the first question you need to answer is: What type of shower experience are you looking for? Are you looking to:
- energize yourself (in the morning or at another time of the day)?
- have your shower assist you with your own well-being?
- relax and unwind in your shower?
- all of the above?
By taking time to answer those questions, you will be able to determine the function of your shower in your home. Many consumers see a new shower design as an upgrade. If they can replicate a spa experience in their own home, many will opt for some of the features that will bring them just that!
Planning Your Shower: Step 2
Design
Once you figure out the function for your shower, then you need a design for your shower (and your bathroom)! When planning a new shower, the first step is to figure out where it's going to be. Most people will place the shower in the same place as the old one and most are increasing the size of the shower. Once the placement of the shower is solidified, then I start looking at taking that space and making it functional (see step 1) and then pretty. Kohler offers both functional and many, many 'pretty' options such as:
- digital and intuitive control options
- water conservation options (replicating a spa like experience with less water consumption)
- chromatherapy options (the use of colored lights)
- steam options
- hydrotherapy options
Of course, the overall budget will need to be taken into consideration and not everyone can afford all of the options.
Planning your Shower: Step 3
Behind the Wall
Although everyone only sees the 'pretty' when a bathroom renovation is complete, there are a lot of 'behind the scene' things I need to take into account when designing a shower (as part of a larger bathroom renovation). Once your design is created, it is so important that you have the correct plumbing requirements. Here are some things to think about:
- What is the current plumbing like? Is it up to code?
- What kind of hot water and water pressure is required with the new design?
- What is the current drainage like and can it accommodate the new design?
- What is the hot water tank size and is it large enough to meet the capacity of the new design?
- What is the water pressure required for the new design?
Planning your Shower
As you can see, if you are going to upgrade your shower in any way, there are many factors to consider. The keys to remember are:
- Figure out how you wish to use your new shower.
- Design the shower (including all the 'upgrades' that you wish).
- Ensure your plumbing can accommodate the new upgrades.
If you could change one thing in your shower, what would it be?
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