10 Mistakes to Avoid When Installing a Walk-In Shower in Your Utah Home

Are you thinking about installing a walk-in shower in your Utah home?

That’s a smart choice. Walk-in showers look great and make your bathroom feel bigger. It’s also one of the most popular upgrades for aging-in-place bathroom remodels, particularly walk-in showers with a seat. 

But like any other bathroom remodel, you will need to plan this one carefully. One small mistake can lead to leaks behind walls, mold, and a shower that’s of little use. 

Here are ten mistakes you must avoid when installing a walk-in shower. 

1. Measuring Your Space Incorrectly

Let’s start with the most common mistake homeowners in Utah might make. Your job starts with the right walk-in shower dimensions. While local building codes may allow for a 30” x 30” shower, ADA-compliant bathrooms require at least a 36” x 36” walk-in shower. 

Double-check your measurements, or better yet, call a bathroom remodeling contractor to measure your space correctly. If you get this wrong, your shower will either take over the bathroom or it will be too cramped, especially if someone in your family uses a wheelchair, walker, or crutches.

2. Selecting the Wrong Location

Be sure to check the location, especially if it’s a bathtub to walk-in shower conversion. You will end up spending money on new pipes and fixing water damage if you solely focus on style and not the location of the existing plumbing. It’s the easiest way to get a new walk-in shower and still save money. 

3. Using Cheap Materials

Cost is one of the most critical factors in any bathroom remodel, and a walk-in shower installation is no exception. You will be looking at a new upgrade in a few years if you choose the cheapest tiles, fixtures, or wall surround materials.

In Utah, hard water can lead to mineral buildup in pipes, bathroom fixtures, and showers. Your shower will develop clogs, leaks, and cracks if you use cheap material.

Instead, use high-quality wall surrounds, vinyl plank flooring, and shower fixtures for your bathroom. They might cost a little more upfront, but your new walk-in shower will pay for itself. 

4. Ignoring Proper Drainage 

One of the most common mistakes in a walk-in shower remodel is failure to slope the floor correctly. The industry standard is a quarter-inch drop per foot. But if you get this wrong, you will end up with a puddle after every shower. 

Worse still, constant water pooling can lead to leaks and damage under your flooring. The seeping water can lead to mold, mildew, and rot even in Utah’s dry climate. It can eventually damage your flooring, requiring a replacement. 

5. Not Paying Attention to Waterproofing 

With Utah’s dry climate, you might think you don’t need waterproofing. But that’s a costly mistake. Constant splashing or leaks can lead to serious damage without proper waterproofing measures. 

Many Utah homes develop issues like warping, rot, and mold. You should plan to waterproof all the surfaces in your bathroom. It includes using waterproof backer boards behind tiles or panels and sealing every seam.  

Skipping any of these steps may save you some money now, but you might have to spend thousands on water damage later. If the damage is limited, it could cost around $500, but repairing extensive structural damage can set you back by up to $16,000. 

6. Lack of Accessibility and Comfort

You may not need an accessible walk-in shower now, but what about 10-20 years down the line? An accessible shower is all about warmth and comfort. When installing a walk-in shower, think about how to personalize it for your comfort. 

For one, you can consider adding a walk-in shower with a seat, grab bars, or a bench. It’s great for anyone. A bench, for instance, can make washing your dog so much easier. And yes, it will help those with limited mobility take a shower in comfort. Second, install heated floors. Heating bathroom flooring can be a godsend in harsh Utah winters. 

7. Overlooking Lighting and Ventilation

Lighting and ventilation shouldn’t be an afterthought when planning a walk-in shower remodel. The right lighting not only helps you see properly but also creates a cozy, inviting environment. Use moisture-safe recessed lighting or LED strips inside the shower area. You can also use dimmable or daylight bulbs for ambiance. 

Good ventilation keeps your bathroom dry and reduces the risk of mold. If possible, add a shower window to let out the moisture. If you don’t have one, install a quiet but powerful exhaust fan. 

8. Skimping On Shower Storage 

Even if you have a vanity and plenty of storage in the bathroom, it’s still a good idea to install shower storage. Maybe not for you, but your wife, who will most probably have several lotions, shampoos, loofahs, and conditioners. 

Add built-in niches or corner shelves during the walk-in shower installation. It will make your wife happy and keep your shower area organized. Just be sure to use waterproof or water-resistant materials for floating shelves or niches. 

9. Forgetting to Plan Your Walk-In Shower Remodel 

You have plenty of walk-in shower remodel options, ranging from same-day upgrades to more detailed designs and layouts. But none of these can work if you don’t plan your job. 

First, decide what you want to do. Are you converting a tub into a shower, or simply replacing an old shower with a new one? How big a shower do you need? Do you want a prefabricated shower or a custom solution? 

Second, know your walk-in shower installation cost. Walk-in showers can cost between $6,000 and $12,000, depending on size, materials, and other factors. Whatever your budget is, leave a 10-15% buffer to cover unexpected issues. 

10. DIY It Without Experience

DIY is an attractive option for Utah homeowners because it saves money. But installing a walk-in shower is a major bathroom remodel that requires structural changes, building permits, and proper planning. It’s not as simple as replacing a showerhead. 

Don’t start a walk-in shower remodel without knowing the local building codes or having proper construction experience. Hire a licensed, insured, and experienced contractor for the job. They will do it the right way and avoid costly mistakes and safety issues. 

Need A Walk-In Shower Remodel? Call Us Now! 

If you do it right, installing a walk-in shower can change the look of your bathroom. Avoiding these mistakes can help you do just that. Remember, it’s a major structural upgrade, which requires permits, code-compliant changes, and proper planning. That’s why hiring a professional can save you time, money, and frustration down the line.

At Lifespan Bath Remodel, we turn your walk-in shower ideas for small or large bathrooms into reality. From planning to final finishing, we will help you with everything. 

Call (801) 532-2000 or fill out our online form now to get a free estimate.