Mobile Home Shower Replacement: Everything You Need to Know
If your personal castle is a manufactured home, then you’ve made a great choice that balances flexibility and affordability. Whether you’ve just moved in or have been living in your mobile home for a while, you may have an itch to spruce it up with a bathroom renovation. And part of that renovation could include upgrading or replacing your mobile home shower.
We’ll help you learn everything you need to know about shower remodeling and how West Shore Home can make this process smooth and efficient.
Why You Should Remodel Your Mobile Home Shower
Like any other part of a home, your shower will age with time. It may be difficult to use or simply not look modern and sleek like you wish. There are many great reasons to upgrade your mobile home shower and tub.
- Improved Functionality: The shower may be your happy place…but only if it works. One of the key benefits of replacing your shower is to enhance its functionality. Older mobile home showers might not perform optimally, leaving you with inconsistent water flow and temperature. Upgrading to a modern system can provide a more reliable and enjoyable bathing experience with better water pressure and greater temperature control. The convenience of new fixtures and features can transform your daily routine.
- Better Look: Replacing your mobile home shower can breathe new life into your bathroom’s aesthetic. Your remodel will allow you to choose from a wide range of stylish designs, fixtures, and finishes that can bring a fresh and modern look to your bathroom space. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also makes your bathroom a more pleasant and comfortable place.
- Enhanced Accessibility: Many mobile homeowners wish to age in place in their home. That may mean making renovations to accommodate you or family members over time. If you or someone in the home has mobility challenges, a shower replacement can improve your ability to bathe. You can opt for low-threshold or roll-in showers, grab bars, and anti-slip surfaces. These modifications can make your bathroom safer and more accommodating, ensuring everyone can use the shower comfortably.
Upgrade Your Mobile Home with a Stylish Shower
How can you create a beautiful and modern shower that looks as great as it feels and increases the value of your home?
Here are a few concepts we love in mobile home showers:
- Frameless glass enclosures: Installing a frameless glass shower enclosure creates a contemporary, open feel in your bathroom. It allows light to pass through, making the space appear larger and brighter. This design works well with various shower base materials, including fiberglass and cultured marble.
- Minimalist fixtures: Consider sleek, minimalist fixtures in finishes like brushed nickel, chrome, or matte black. These modern finishes complement a range of shower surround materials and add a touch of sophistication to your mobile home tub and shower.
- Accent walls: Create a focal point in your shower by installing an accent wall using materials like mosaic tiles, natural stone, or decorative PVC panels. This design feature adds visual interest and texture to your shower without overwhelming the space.
- Niche storage: Incorporate built-in niche storage into your shower to keep your toiletries organized and easily accessible. This practical design element streamlines the look of your shower and eliminates the need for bulky shower caddies.
- Floating bench: If space allows, add a floating shower bench made from water-resistant materials, like teak or composite. This feature provides a convenient spot to sit or place toiletries, while maintaining a clean, modern look.
- Lighting: Enhance the ambiance of your shower by installing LED lighting along the perimeter of the shower or within a niche. This design element creates a soothing, spa-like atmosphere.
Use these suggestions as a jumping off point as you consider how to decorate a small bathroom.
Choosing the Perfect Walk-In Shower for Your Mobile Home
Manufactured homes are a unique type of dwelling, and their characteristics can impact the types of materials you can choose for your mobile home walk-in shower. It’s important to pick materials that can work with your home so that your shower operates well and lasts as long as possible.
Fortunately, you still have many great options for your mobile home shower. Let’s look at some factors that can affect your shower material choice.
- Weight Restrictions: Manufactured homes have specific weight restrictions and load-bearing limitations due to their transportation and installation process. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose lightweight shower materials. For example, heavy materials like natural stone or cast iron are not good choices.
- Durability: Manufactured homes endure structural stress during transportation and installation. To ensure the longevity of your shower, pick materials that can stand up to transportation disruptions, especially if you plan to move your home in the future.
- Aesthetics: Aesthetic appeal is essential to make your shower feel like a comfortable and inviting space. You can achieve this by using materials that are not only durable but also visually pleasing.
Materials that Work Well for Mobile Home Showers
It’s essential to balance aesthetics with functionality and durability in mobile home showers. While you can achieve a stylish look, make sure the chosen materials can withstand the unique challenges posed by transportation and installation.
Some materials we’d suggest include:
- Acrylic: Lightweight, strong, and cost-effective, acrylic is available in many designs and is also resistant to chipping and fading.
- Fiberglass: This lightweight material is durable and easy to install. It comes in various colors and patterns and is a popular choice for mobile home walk-in showers.
- Culture marble: This man-made material mimics the look of natural marble but is light and more affordable. It’s non-porous, stain-resistant surface is easy to clean.
- Laminate walls: High-pressure laminate walls are durable, moisture-resistant, and come in many designs. They’re also lightweight and easy to maintain.
- Ceramic or porcelain tiles: While heavier than other options, small ceramic or porcelain tiles can be used in mobile homes if the structure is sound. They come in a wide range of design possibilities. You can also use them as design accents in your shower.
Combining Functionality with Style: Bathtubs and Showers for Mobile Homes
In many manufactured homes, space is at a premium, especially in the bathroom. A great way to save space while expanding functionality is to choose a mobile home shower and tub combo. This option allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds — a relaxing bath and a practical shower. It’s also a great choice if you have young children or pets that do better washing in a tub.
Some other benefits of installing a mobile home tub and shower combo include:
- Versatility: A combined bathtub and shower cater to different preferences and needs. You can take a quick shower in the morning and unwind in a relaxing bath in the evening.
- Cost-effective: Installing a single unit that serves both purposes can be more cost-effective than purchasing and installing separate fixtures.
- Easier maintenance: A combined shower and tub means fewer surfaces and crevices to clean compared to separate fixtures.
Cost Considerations and Financing Options
Cost is an important factor when considering your mobile home shower replacement. With some careful planning you can upgrade your shower space without overspending. Begin by setting a clear and realistic budget, which will help you prioritize your expenses. Next, consider whether you want to perform the remodel on your own or hire a professional.
If you have DIY experience, you may be able to install a mobile home shower kit on your own. However, a professional can ensure a watertight, safe, and code-compliant installation. Try to obtain quotes from several contractors to get a competitive price.
Finally, if you can’t afford the shower remodel upfront, consider financing options, which allow you to spread out the cost over time. Some contractors offer financing deals to their customers.
Replacing Your Mobile Home Shower: A Step-by-step Guide
If you have your heart set on a new mobile home shower, you might be interested in the tear-down and installation processes. How do you get from your old, worn-down shower to a brand-new shower? These are the steps you or a professional contractor would take.
Removing Your Old Shower
- Turn off the water supply to the shower.
- Remove the shower fixtures, including the showerhead, faucet handles, and any accessories.
- Disconnect the drain assembly.
- Remove the old shower surround. (Note: Be careful not to damage the wall behind the shower.)
- Remove the old shower pan or base.
- Repair any damage to the framing or subfloor as needed.
Selecting the Right Replacement
- Measure the dimensions of your shower area to ensure a proper fit.
- Choose a material that suits your mobile home’s structural limitations, like the options we listed earlier.
- Consider the style and color of the new shower and how they will look in your existing bathroom.
- If you’re replacing a mobile home shower and tub combo, decide whether you want to keep the same configuration or switch to a mobile home walk-in shower.
Installing the New Shower
- Install a moisture barrier on the walls and floors to prevent water damage.
- Place the new shower pan or base and secure it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Install the new shower surround, starting from the bottom and working your way up.
- Install the new drain assembly and connect it to the plumbing.
- Install the new shower fixtures.
- Apply silicone caulk around the edges of the shower surround to create a watertight seal.
A Quick Review of Permits
To comply with local building codes and regulations, you’ll need to navigate your local permitting requirements for your shower replacement project. If you’re working with a professional installer, they will handle the permitting for you. If you plan to go the DIY route, you’ll need to manage the permit process on your own.
Start by researching the building codes and regulations specific to manufactured homes in your area. Check the official website of the city or county government for information on building permits and codes. You can also reach out to the local building department or permitting office in your area.
Depending on the scope of your shower replacement project, you may need one or more of the following permits: building permit, plumbing permit, electrical permit.
Obtain and complete the necessary permit applications and provide all the required information, including project details, materials, and plans. Once your permit applications are complete, submit them to the local building department and pay any permit fees.
The building department will review your permit applications, which may take several weeks. Once your permit applications are approved, you will receive the necessary permits, which grant you permission to proceed with your shower replacement project.
Depending on your project, you may need to schedule inspections at various stages of the project to ensure it meets code requirements. Once your project is completed, schedule a final inspection. Upon a successful inspection, you will receive final approval for your project.
Mobile Home Shower Replacement Options
Manufactured home shower remodeling is a practical and effective way to upgrade your living space and improve your daily routine. You just need to make sure to choose the right materials and configuration to fit the unique requirements of your mobile home. Within these boundaries, the sky is really the limit for what your new mobile home shower can be.
Need help with your new shower installation? West Shore Home has the expertise and experience to help you through this process seamlessly, from material selection to design planning and installation. Let us assist you in turning your mobile home bathroom into a comfortable and beautiful space.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.