3 Reasons Every Birmingham Homeowner Should Have a Barrier-Free Shower

Are you planning a bathroom remodeling project this year? One of the most important decisions you’ll make in the process is how to upgrade your bathing area. One of the trends that we’re noticing with our customers is an increase in the desire for a barrier-free shower. 

If you’re wondering whether to include one in your own renovation, you’ve come to the right place. With events like National Bath Safety Month, we know bathroom safety is a big deal. Below, we’ve outlined some of the top benefits of adding a barrier-free shower to your bathroom.

1. They Can Help You Maintain Your Independence

When you get older, you’ll likely start to notice shifts in your mobility. Daily habits that you used to do with ease will suddenly begin to feel more difficult. Unfortunately, bathrooms, in particular, are one of the most dangerous rooms in the home for seniors. The biggest risk of injury comes when stepping over the high threshold of a bathtub or shower.

A barrier-free shower has a flush entry, so you will no longer have to worry about the risk of tripping and falling. This makes it easier for you to age in place and maintain your independence as you bathe, even as you get older. 

2. They’re Easy to Clean

Are you tired of spending countless hours scrubbing your bathtub? A barrier-free shower can help make your cleaning to-do list more manageable. Traditional bathtubs have numerous grooves and curves which can trap soap scum and other residues. 

Barrier-free showers, on the other hand, have a smoother surface with fewer nooks and crannies. This makes it harder for soap scum and mildew to build up on the surface. As a result, it’s much easier to keep it clean. And, if you add a handheld shower head to your shower, cleaning will be even easier! All you have to do is rinse down the walls after you wash them and your shower will look good as new.

3. They’re Easily Customizable

Here at Express Bath, we believe that your bathroom should be as beautiful as it is functional. One of the many reasons we recommend barrier-free showers to our customers is that they’re easily customizable to fit your family’s needs. 

When you hire our team for your bathroom remodeling project, we can add a built-in comfortable shower seat, non-slip flooring, sturdy grab bars, customizable shelving, and more so that your barrier-free shower has everything you need. 

Beyond those available safety features, we also offer a variety of different styles and colors for your barrier-free shower, so you can create an aesthetically pleasing bathroom that you’ll enjoy for decades. 

Upgrade Your Birmingham Bathroom With a Barrier-Free Shower

After reading more about the benefits of a barrier-free shower, does it seem like the right choice for your family? If so, Express Bath is here to make it happen. Our team has over 35 years of combined experience serving homeowners like you in Birmingham, AL. 

When you’re ready to bring your bathroom remodeling dreams to life, we’re here to answer any questions you have and walk you through the process with ease. Request a free estimate from our team today.

3 Reasons Every Madison Homeowner Should Have a Barrier-Free Shower

When we’re helping our customers plan their bathroom remodels, we usually start by talking about their family’s needs and what they want to get out of their new bathroom. More often than not, our conversations revolve around the bathing area in their space. Many of our Madison, AL customers are opting to add a barrier-free shower to their homes. 

Could that also be the right choice for your needs? We’re here to help. Continue reading to learn about three of the benefits that you’ll enjoy when you install a barrier-free shower in your home. 

1. They Provide Increased Accessibility

As you get older, your mobility needs will likely start to change. If you plan to age in place and stay in your home, you’ll need a bathroom that can accommodate your needs. Many older adults face difficulties when stepping over the high threshold of a traditional bathtub or shower. In the worst cases, this can lead to tripping, falling, and serious injuries. 

The biggest benefit of a barrier-free shower is that it doesn’t have a threshold to step over. Instead, its entrance is flush with the floor, so your risk of tripping is almost non-existent. If you use a wheelchair, we can even create a barrier-free shower that will accommodate your chair for more accessibility. 

2. They Can Make Your Bathroom Look and Feel Bigger

If you’re looking for a way to maximize the space in your bathroom, adding a barrier-free shower is a great way to do it. Thanks to the flush entry and open, glass shower walls, walk-in showers can instantly make your entire bathroom look bigger. 

Beyond that, walk-in showers often have a smaller footprint than bathtubs, so adding one to your space can give you more square footage back in your bathroom. This allows you to add a bigger vanity, more storage space, etc. 

3. You Can Add Extra Safety Features to Them

As we mentioned above, barrier-free showers are an accessible option. But beyond the zero-entry feature, they’re also easily customizable for adding extra safety features. Here at Express Bath, we offer a variety of different bathroom safety features to help you customize your barrier-free shower so that it best fits your needs. 

 

This includes comfortable built-in seating, grab bars for extra stability, handheld shower heads, customizable shelving that’s easy to access based on your mobility, and more. When you hire our team for your bathroom remodeling project, we’ll work with you to discuss your current and future needs for your bathroom, using your feedback to create a functional, beautiful barrier-free shower that your whole family will love. 

Add a Barrier-Free Shower to Your Home

After learning more about the benefits of a barrier-free shower, consider adding one to your Madison, AL home this year. Regardless of your mobility needs and design preferences, we’ll help you create an updated bathroom that will boost your home’s value and improve your daily bathing experience. 

Ready to get started? Request a free estimate from our team today!

Why You Should Use Acrylic Instead of Tile for Your Huntsville Bathroom Renovation

When planning your bathroom renovation, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is picking which materials to use. When it comes to your bathtub and shower area, most Huntsville homeowners end up deciding between two popular materials: tile and acrylic. 

 

Keep reading to learn about the difference between these materials and why the Express Bath team prefers acrylic for our bathroom remodeling projects.

Tile vs Acrylic Walls

Tile has long been a popular shower wall material because it comes in a variety of different styles and it’s aesthetically beautiful. During installation, tile and grout are applied to the wall, sealing them in place. 

 

Acrylic walls, on the other hand, are large sheets of plastic that installers glue to the wall. Like tile, acrylic is available in a number of different colors and styles. In fact, it can even be designed so that it mimics the look of tile walls if you prefer!

Benefits of Acrylic vs Tile

Here at Express Bath, we love using acrylic for Huntsville bathroom renovations and our customers do too. Here are a few of the reasons we recommend choosing acrylic for your shower walls. 

Durability

Unfortunately, tile is prone to cracks and chips over time, which can lead to water damage behind the tiles. Acrylic walls are made to be much more durable, with a longer lifespan than tile. They are also resistant to chipping and scratching, even after years of use. 

Cost

When planning your Huntsville bathroom renovation, budget is another important component to consider. If you’re looking for a wallet-friendly material, acrylic fits the bill. Acrylic walls tend to be less expensive than most tile materials. Plus, you won’t have to pay for grout or mortar, like you would with a tile shower.

 

Tile also tends to be more difficult to install, which can result in higher installation costs. All in all, acrylic is the more budget-friendly option. 

Maintenance

Let’s be honest. No one wants to spend more time cleaning their bathroom. When you choose acrylic for your shower walls, you won’t have to! While tile and grout are prone to mold and mildew growth, acrylic showers are made with a special antimicrobial material that prevents mold. 

 

With a tile shower, you may have to dedicate time to deep scrubbing. However, to keep your acrylic shower looking good as new, all you have to do is wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and soap scum. What could be easier than that?

Start Planning Your Bathroom Renovation with Express Bath

Now that you know more about the differences between tile and acrylic and the benefits of choosing acrylic, you can start thinking about your own bathroom remodeling project. Our team here at Express Bath has helped countless Huntsville homeowners like you design a more functional, beautiful space, using only the best materials. 

 

Contact us today to learn more about our acrylic shower options and to request a quote for your project. Your new bathroom is just a click away!

How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost?

When you’re planning your bathroom remodel, creating a budget you’re comfortable spending is often one of the first steps you’ll take. So, how much does a bathroom remodel cost? How can you create a realistic budget and still get the bathroom of your dreams?

We’re here to help! While the simple answer about bathroom remodeling costs is that it depends. Let’s explore some of the average costs and the different factors that will impact your budget. 

Average Bathroom Remodel Cost in Alabama

Bathroom renovation with a walk in shower shower, mirror, and cabinetsFirst, it’s important to understand that bathroom remodeling costs can vary greatly by region. Here in the East South Central part of the country, the average cost of a mid-range bathroom remodel is around $23,000, according to Remodeling magazine. 

However, the reality is that your specific project could be much less (or more) than that figure. Why is it so hard to give a solid answer about how much a bathroom remodel costs? It’s because each project can vary so much. 

Factors That Determine the Cost of a Bathroom Remodel

When you’re planning your budget, these are the factors that have the greatest impact on the total price you’ll end up paying. 

Changing the Layout of the Space

Simply put, the more elaborate your remodel, the more expensive the project. If you plan to significantly change the layout of your bathroom by moving walls or moving your shower to a different part of the room, this will be more expensive than simply replacing your bathtub or choosing the best bath for the elderly.

The Materials You Choose

One of the best parts of remodeling your bathroom is creating a design that reflects your personal style. This is easier than ever thanks to all of the different material options available. In most cases, tile is a more expensive material, and using it throughout your bathroom can quickly drive up the price of your project. 

Here at Express Bath, our goal is to offer high-quality, yet affordable products for customers. We proudly offer acrylic showers and tubs, which tend to be more durable than tile and easier on the wallet. We also offer luxurious Jacuzzi® tubs and showers for a spa-like experience in your own home at a price that won’t break the bank. 

The Contractor You Hire

Finally, the bathroom remodeler you hire will have a significant impact on how much you’ll have to pay. Certain contractors charge more for labor costs than others, so you may need to shop around until you find a remodeler that works with your budget. Remember to consider the type of remodel and if you intend to renovate a bathroom for seniors.

Here at Express Bath, we believe that everyone deserves a bathroom they truly love, which is why we do everything in our power to offer high-quality, affordable services. One way we do this is by offering special offers and discounts to our customers. 

Request a Quote for Your Bathroom Remodel

The easiest way to determine how much your bathroom remodel cost is to request an estimate that factors in the specifics of your project. When you’re ready to take that next step, the Express Bath team is here for you! Contact us today to tell us more about your project ideas and request a free quote as you determine your remodeling budget. 

Shower Remodel Ideas for Your Small Bathroom

Did you know that the average person spends about 190 days of their life in the shower? That’s the equivalent of over 6 months! You deserve to spend that time in a beautiful yet functional shower. If you have a small bathroom, a full-scale shower remodel might not seem possible, but truly, it is.

Continue reading to learn our best tips for a small bathroom shower remodeling project. 

Opt for a Light and Bright Design

Here at Express Bath, we know that there’s no “one size fits all” bathroom solution for our customers. That’s why we offer a variety of different styles and colors for customers looking to remodel their showers. In a small space, we recommend using light and bright colors, which can visually make your bathroom look bigger than it is.

Replace Your Tub With a Standalone Shower

Have you thought about converting your existing bathtub into a standing shower? Since bathtubs have a larger footprint than most showers, you can open up your bathroom’s floor plan with a conversion project. Opening up this extra room in your bathroom can give you more space for storage, helping to make your small space more functional as well. 

Choose a Glass Door

Want to make your whole bathroom look bigger? Installing a glass door on your new shower is a simple way to do the trick. Since a glass door draws your eye to the back of the shower, it will make the whole room look larger. As a bonus, glass shower doors are easy to keep clean! 

Add Shelving to Your Shower

Most small bathrooms don’t have a lot of storage space, so the bathing area quickly becomes a “catch-all” for products. This clutter can make your small bathroom look even more cramped. When you’re remodeling your shower, consider adding built-in shelving as part of a thoughtful design that keeps your bathing area looking clean and open. 

Be Strategic About Where You Place Your Showerhead

Finally, when remodeling your shower, give some extra thought to where you place your showerhead. Putting it a bit higher on the wall can draw the eye up when you walk into the space. This can trick your mind into thinking your ceiling is taller than it actually is. As a result, your whole bathroom will look a bit bigger.

Start Planning Your Shower Remodel to Transform Your Small Bathroom

Here at Express Bath, we’ve worked on just about every type of bathroom remodeling project that you can imagine. That means we’ve got experience in transforming your Birmingham or Huntsville shower into a space that better fits your needs. 

Over the years, we’ve tackled our fair share of small bathroom projects, making strategic design decisions that will make your space look bigger. A shower remodel is the first step toward maximizing the space in your bathroom. When you’re ready to get started, trust the Express Bath team to get the job done right. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and request a free estimate!