How to improve this old school shower on a budget?

[RookieRenovator]

Hey all! I'm a newbie here just chasing some ideas for this shower. We have no cash for a full bathroom renovation (and to be honest, outside the shower it's actually not too bad). The shower door sticks, the frame is loose and the shower head is too low. Is there anything I could do on a reaaaaaaal shoestring budget? Or is this going to be a case of save the cash and do it right?

Rock on 🤘

[JacobZ]

Hi @RookieRenovator,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

It's a bit of a tricky one because with bathroom renovations, it's not always easy to change just one thing. As wet areas have a waterproof membrane beneath, removing a few tiles here and there isn't really possible without damaging this membrane.

Unfortunately, it would not be possible to move the supply pipe for the shower head without removing and replacing at least one tile and the assistance of a plumber. A simple solution might be using something like this Flexispray All Directional Chrome Shower Arm to raise the height of the shower head to give you a more comfortable height.

Depending on the dimensions, you could potentially replace the shower screen with something like this Smart Pivot Front & 2 Returns Shower Screen that can be ordered through the Special Orders desk at your local store. Otherwise, you may need to look into a custom frame that will match up with the dimensions of the hob.

I could certainly help to troubleshoot the sticking door and loose frame if you could live with the height of the door. Some details of the issues, such as where the frame is loose and where the door is sticking would go a long way in helping me help you.

Allow me to tag some of our helpful members to see if they have any ideas, @Dave-1, @Noyade, @robchin.

Let me know what you think and if you've got any further questions.

Jacob

[Noyade]

Hi @RookieRenovator 

I have a similar shower. My plan is to go back to the old curtain/shower-rail style - but I want the rail to be at least 50 mm in diameter, without any ceiling support.

Cheers.

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @RookieRenovator 

Yeah I think we are all at the ppoint of not wanting/being unable to spend a bunch of money. I have a similar shower enclosure tho mine is into a half bath.

When you say that the shower frame is loose, what part is loose? I replaced one of the runners on the door (at the top) and the door ran easier. 

Potentailly you could talk to a glazier and see if they can offer a new shower screen but figure the dollars will be high. As @JacobZ said I wouldnt be touching the tiles as the waterproofing is working now, no way would I want to introduce issues.

Maybe you could paint the actual frame? You would have to go down the route of lightlly sanding the painted area of the metal. My only concern is the silastic seal the shower has atm. It may look a bit messy after the paint job. Potentialy you could dismantle the actual shower screen and work on it outside. Id use that as a last resort as the existing screws/bolts may not want to move easily. 

Last check of the photo and the thought that went with it. Maybe paint the exterior of the shower only, adjust the door so it runs smoothly (Bunnings have fittings and if not glaziers will) and fix the loose frame. Go with a taller extension on the showerhead and change the taps inside the shower to match it. Keep the dollars for a more involved reno when you are ready.

Dave

[RookieRenovator]

Awesome, thanks guys. I'll definitely look into that extension arm. 

Other than that, yeah I was thinking about removing the sliding door and replacing with a curtain.

Definitely don't want to touch the tiling. 

Might look into those things first. Thanks for the tips 😁

[Jason]

Hi @RookieRenovator,

Let me also extend a very warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's great to have you join us. 

My two cents is to save your money for a more comprehensive renovation. We'll be here to help when you have the budget.

Jason