Installing a prefab shower enclosure often proves to be a complicated and time-consuming job that requires a great deal of practical skill, however with sensible pre-planning and the right tools for the job, the average handyman can achieve a professional result. . Allow 3-4 days to complete the job and brush up on your carpentry, plumbing, wall prep and finishing skills because you will need them all.
For starters, make sure you have the right equipment and tools before you start the job. It is important that you purchase your shower enclosure before you build the frame it will fit into to get the exact dimensions.
You will need: a pre-made shower, power drill, plumb level, tape measure, caulk, screws, hole saw, shower/tub adhesive, masking tape, pencil, leather work gloves, hammer, work boots, and an adjustable wrench . Safety glasses are also strongly recommended (wear when using power tools).
Getting the prefab shower into position can be the tricky part. You will need to place it through an existing door or exterior window. In some cases, part of an exterior wall may have to be removed in order to place the unit inside; seek professional advice first if necessary.
Because prefab shower enclosures have watertight walls, cement-based backer panels are not needed.
It is advisable to install insulation between the studs to reduce noise from the pipes.
When drilling holes in the unit walls to accommodate the faucet and shower arm, please measure carefully in advance and always wear safety glasses when drilling.
Lay out the pieces carefully and fix the unit to the frame. The drain piece, shower handle, escutcheon, and shower head must be positioned correctly to prevent future leaks and problems. All seams must caulk efficiently and a close check for any leaks requires careful attention; Post-corrections to any plumbing failure can be difficult to carry out.
Finally, finish the walls and put in a shower door or curtain rod. It is vital that you seal the joints between the bathroom walls and the floor and shower stall with a good quality silicone! Installing waterproof drywall around the top edge of the shower can be a good long-term investment; Tiling the top edge is also a great idea, as it is likely to last much longer than wallpaper or paint.
If you are not adept at skills like demolition, plumbing, and drywall construction, it may be best to hire a qualified professional to carry out these tasks.
As a final reminder, installing prefab shower enclosures can be quite complicated and time consuming. Plumbing especially needs to be completed with some experience to have a sound unit. However, having said all this, a successful shower installation can be achieved if you take your time, check for leaks and consult an expert for advice if the need arises.
Good luck!