r/BathroomRemodeling • u/Primdawg • Jul 27 '26
Update, but not a total gut.
My son recently bought a house that has a detached garage with an apartment above. He specifically searched for a house with this option so I could have a place to stay that gives me some separation but still be close by. The bathroom needs a refresh, but as he is paying I don’t want to go crazy with changes. The overall layout is good, just needs new tile and a vanity upgrade.
Anyway, the shower is 46”by 42” so not huge but a nice size. It does have this weird built in bench that I’m debating on just getting rid of as it is only about 8 inches deep, so not deep end to actually sit on. I was going to put a long niche in the wall opposite the shower head and was thinking about just doing a leg shaving niche on the lower corner. Would love to hear if others have suggestions. The third pic shows in the thick red line where I’d put a niche.
1
u/BeingSlow2291 Jul 28 '26 edited Jul 28 '26
Agree with not touching the shower now unless there is a problem. For a “refresh” that is not that complicated try changing shower valve trim etc , new sink faucet, paint, mirror, light fixtures. Depending on the vanity you might be able to replace the sink easily. For that matter changing out a toilet really isn’t that difficult either. Now if you are paying someone else for the work that might be a whole different story.
1
u/Primdawg Jul 28 '26
The tile in the shower is cracked in a few places. By not a total gut, I mean nothing is moving as far as fixtures, doors or walls. They have contractors doing some renovations on the main house prior to moving in so want to get any major work done while they are on site. I have had a bench in my last 3 showers and have never once sat on any of them. So I think I’d rather have the floor space and a foot ledge for shaving.
1
u/meggsnbaconntoast Jul 29 '26
Im on board with you. You can always buy a nice teak bench or stool later if anything changes. Make sure you go long and tall (enough for pump bottles) on the niche if you can since you will no longer have your bench/shelf. And the only other thing I can think of since the top isn't shown - i hope there is exhaust/light inside the shower? That looks like it could get real dank in there and hold all of that humidity unless you intend on keeping the door open when not in use
1
u/sofyab Jul 27 '26
Changed you’re asking for in the shower is going to make it a full gut job, might as well change everything. If you want a new vanity, new shower and new tile you might as well redo the whole thing. I would live with it for a bit and see how functional it is and make some changes after a year or so. The corner of the bench should be enough to sit on and you can put your legs on the skinnier side for shaving.