The Best Shower Head Adds Value to your Finished Basement Bathroom

As any good basement remodeler will tell you, it's the little things that really make the difference. Installing a basement bathroom is a great idea, and it pays back for itself by 80% or more when the home is sold. If you could make a major difference in how much you enjoy your remodeled space by spending another $50 or so, wouldn't you choose to?

There are few ways to make a bigger difference with very little money than by choosing the best shower head for your new basement bathroom. Enjoying a relaxing, comfortable shower is a guiltless pleasure. And with a growing family, it can be your few precious private moments alone before a busy day.

To help you make the most of these moments, Total Basement Finishing has this advice for choosing the best shower head:

1. Choose a handheld shower head.

While fixed shower heads that are mounted to the wall may give a sleek designer look to a shower, they can be much more difficult to repair than handheld models and also lack many advantages. A handheld shower head can be mounted in a cradle to operate like a fixed shower head or removed for more convenience for children and seniors. Additionally, cleaning the tub, cleaning items in the tub, or washing pets is much easier with a handheld shower head. Be sure to pick one with a durable, high-quality hose that can stand up to water pressure without blowing out and will endure daily use without kinking or wearing down. If you strongly prefer a fixed shower head for your finished basement bathroom, keep in mind that it's possible to install multiple shower heads in a single shower on one or both ends of the shower area.

2. Find a shower head with flow options that fit your preference.

Shower heads are available to fit any partiality in regards to water flow and pressure. If your basement bathroom is built in a home with very low water pressure and you like the relaxing feel of pounding water, there are shower heads on the market that can increase the volume of water coming through the shower head. More expensive models can adjust the water pressure from a gentle mist to champagne drops (the standard setting), a deeply relaxing massage, or a strong, invigorating jet of water.

If saving water is your top priority, low flow shower heads are available that can save a half gallon of water every minute- or about ten gallons of water during a 20-minute shower. Cut-off valves can turn the water off while you're soaping up to save even more water.

If you live in a home where you risk being scalded by hot water if a toilet is flushed or a faucet turns on, be sure to install an anti scald adapter or pressure balance valve. This can cost as little as $15 and installs between the shower arm and shower head, shutting the water off if it becomes too hot.

3. Pick a shower head that's built to last.

While shower heads can cost anywhere between $6 and $500, you won't need to spend a lot of money to find a high-quality and comfortable one. $30 to $80 should find you a shower head for your remodeled basement bathroom that gives you the best value for your investment.

Brass shower heads are generally considered the best for a remodeled basement bathroom as a reliable, long-lasting option, but they're also much more expensive than other models. Whether you choose a shower head made of brass or of some other metal, check to ensure that it's easy to upkeep and will not tarnish.

If you pick a plastic model, be sure to purchase one that's resistant to lime buildup so it will not easily clog your shower head. No matter which shower head you choose, however, it will eventually develop lime accumulation. When lime buildup slows the shower's flow in your finished basement bathroom, wipe the accumulation on the tip of the nozzle away then soak the shower head in a lime-away solution or a fifty-fifty solution of vinegar and warm water.

4. Add a shower head water filter to your finished basement bathroom shower.

Your shower water comes from the same source as your tap water. During a typical shower, you take in about one cup of unfiltered water and immerse every surface of your body in heated tap water. Any dirt, lime, chemicals, or impurities found in your well water will also be present in your shower. If there's chlorine in the water, it will both dry out and change the color of your nails, skin and hair. Chlorine will also strip the natural oils from your skin and will possibly cause mild skin and eye irritation. Heavy minerals will weigh down hair, and a variety of other health and beauty related effects can occur. Installing a proper shower filter can remove up to 98% of these materials, and because they only need replacement every 6 months or 10,000 gallons, they require minimal personal maintenance.

A basement bathroom is a beautiful addition to a basement finishing plan in your home. Choosing the best shower head for your newly remodeled space is only one step in your exciting basement makeover. Total Basement Finishing would love to plan your basement renovation with you. We have the best finished basement wall products, basement floor products, and basement ceiling products available to fit your remodeling needs. We offer free consultations and written estimates and would love to visit your home to help you with this exciting home improvement step.

A basement bathroom is a beautiful addition to a basement finishing plan in your home. Choosing the best shower head for your newly remodeled space is only one step in your exciting basement makeover. Total Basement Finishing would love to plan your basement renovation with you. We have the best finished basement wall products, basement floor products, and basement ceiling products available to fit your remodeling needs. We offer free consultations and written estimates and would love to visit your home to help you with this exciting home improvement step.