Installing a Handicap Shower

Installing a handicap shower, while relatively easy to do, is a project that will take a lot of hard work and time. If you do not have the time to do the project yourself, or simply don't want to do the work, I would strongly recommend that you hire a contractor to do the work for you. That way you can be sure that you are getting good solid results, and that it will be done correctly. However, if you are planning on installing a handicap shower yourself, here's how you do it.

1. Measure the space. Begin by measuring the space where your tub or shower is currently sitting. Draw out a rough sketch of the shower area, and write down the measurements that you take next to their corresponding locations. This will allow you to know what size of shower pan that you need to get.
2. Decide on wall material. While you are measuring the shower area, decide on what material that you want to have when you are finished. Some of the common choices are things like porcelain tiles, granite, plastic, fiberglass, and so on. Considering how much the price can change according to the material that you want to use, make sure that you have enough money for the material that you will be using.
3. Remove the wall. After you have decided on the material, it is time to take out the existing shower wall. Start doing this by pulling off the enclosure, or if you have tile, take out the first foot of wall from the tub.
4. Remove the tub and shower. Remove the current tub or shower. Be sure that you have first undone, or unloosened the drain. All you need to do in order to do this is to take two screwdrivers and stick them down to drain. Cross the screwdrivers, and untwist. After you have removed the shower or tub, clean everything up. You will need a properly clean and prepped space to be able to install the new shower pan properly.
5. Install the shower pan. Once you have the work site prepped, it is time to install your replacement shower pan. There should be a plumbing template on the pan of where your drain should go. Once you have that lined up, begin installing the pan according to the directions that came with it. Once installed, be sure that you properly caulk around the drain and the sides of the shower pan.
6. Install handrails. After you have the shower pan in place, and it is caulked, install any handrails that you have decided to use.
7. Replace the walls. Replace the walls with your new material. Ensure that you have properly prepared it to be exposed to water. Once you have cleaned everything up, you are ready to go! Congratulations! You have now installed a handicap shower.