Bathroom remodel - decision paralysis

We went with a Swanstone corner bench in our Swanstone walk in shower. You can put in a built in bench with a shower pan, as the bench bolts onto blocks that are framed in before the shower walls go in.

I have purchased some lamps and decor from Joss & Main, they are pretty much the same as Wayfair.

I’ve found a good solution, and an even better solution to my bench question.

Better Bench - for a built-in bench. A solid bench, but it’s “floating”. Takes up less visual space https://originalgranitebracket.com/collections/shower-bench-and-vanity/products/new-the-original-floating-shower-bench-kit-with-wedi-building-boards-original-shower-bench-bracket

A folding teak bench - Good idea as our shower will only by 60x32. It might feel cramped with a bench. Teak Wall Mounted Shower Benches : Teakworks4u

What I think I am going to do is go with just a movable teak bench to see if I like it before making a decision on the mounted one. Most people say they don’t use them and they are impractical until you need one for something like a broken leg. And even then, it might not be in the right spot. Yet, I feel like we need something just to put a foot up on to give it a good scrubbing or shave. If I hate the movable bench, I just…move it. To another spot. Or the trash. If I love it, I consider the built-in one that can be flat against the wall when not in use. 18" Sumba Teak Shower Bench | Patented Compact Seat | AquaTeak

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We have this one:

https://www.costco.com/p/-/seville-teak-bench/4000276545?langId=-1

It’s pretty sturdy. Good idea to try something out before committing to a permanent bench!

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Husband wants grab bars. I understand the need, but not the aesthetic.

Did a search and I’ve found some that are quite stylish. Haven’t found them in the finish I was thinking of, though.

I also learned that the pole that holds the second shower head on some fixtures is actually a grab bar. Those do come in the fold finish.

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I worked on a project in the 90s where the client spent $40,000 on handmade tiles from Italy. (They were butt ugly too.)

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I have a great grab bar in my shower, and it saved me when my back was in really bad shape. It is an L shaped bar, 24”x48”, so covers the back wall and side wall of the shower, Stylistically, it is very utilitarian, but so useful for hanging wet bathing suits and towels on, and hanging onto if you get dizzy!!!

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Strongly recommend grab bars!

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If you want to age in this house I strongly recommend at least reinforcing between the studs where you might want a future grab bar to go. Also good is a curbless shower. And make sure the tile you use on the floor is not slippery. Mosaic tiles are a help if you like them.

I have a hand shower on a long sliding pole which is our only shower and it works great. My husband likes it really high, I like it medium and if I just want to wash the lower part of my body I can slide it low. It also makes it easier to clean the shower. Around here you need a building permit for any gut remodel, or if anything gets moved.

We opted for a single sink in our masterbath and I have no regrets. We never use the sink at the same time. I find it very helpful to visit all the showrooms and see what appeals. That’s how I got all my cabinets including a cheap one from Home Depot that I put in the basement and has held up just as well as the expensive ones.

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I like that bench—very attractive and doesn’t look ADA.

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We affixed a suction foot rest to the back wall of the walk-in shower at our cabin. It hasn’t come loose in three years but, if it does, you just re-affix it. Works great on smooth walls or large (smooth) tiles. Guests appreciate it.

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You can also build in a niche at a lower level. We had one that we used for shampoo, but was at a height that could also be used for shaving legs.

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Because our shower will have a full glass door (completely open visually) and you will always be looking straight into it from close range, I’m having a hard time putting in anything that isn’t part of the visual design. Everything must pass the form and function test.

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We have one of those as well. Definitely can be used for that purpose. Except I very rarely shave my legs in the shower :laughing: because I mostly wear pants or tights.

Wow Medicine cabinets sure have come a long way. Between the storage and built in outlets, I think we’ve just solved a lot of storage issues if we go with a smaller vanity. The built in lights are quite nice as well.

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Reporting back (tho not the OP of this thread) that we met with another contractor yesterday for the 2nd time and the plan is to go with him/his company. He is meeting with us again on Monday for more formal info on paper. After talking yesterday I already have a few questions and also I could not go to sleep second guessing some of the things we talked about!

Ugh on that decision paralysis! :blush:

His crew should be able to do all the work except for shower door - he calls in a local well respected company for the measurement, purchase and installation of that because he said “precise” is the name of the game with this and they will measure EXACTLY, top to bottom (or side to side!

A long way to go but I’m hopeful. :crossed_fingers:

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Woohoo! :raising_hands:

Yes, glass doors are something best left to professionals specializing in this. If they screw up, they can quickly remedy the problem - by making a new glass set. BTDT! :slight_smile:

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We just had an our plumber here to fix a leak from an upstairs toilet. That toilet had been incorrectly seated in our remodel 7 years ago. It required a special taller gasket because of the new higher tile floor.

The plumber recommended in remodels to have an actual licensed plumber and an actual licensed electrician do those parts of the remodel.

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Although I know it will be expensive, I do believe in spending the money where it’s worth it. I’m starting to think we may need to move some plumbing. In converting the tub to a walk-in shower, we will be adding a glass door. I don’t want to get wet while turning on the shower, not so I want to step directly into the water. I have seen a few remodels where they move the water control to the opposite side of the shower as the shower head. I’m going to look into it.

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For us that was as simple as changing the direction the shower door opened and having the controllers closer to the opening.

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