Prefabricated Showers vs Custom-Built Showers

“In 2022, the study reports, the average full bathroom remodel costs $26,574, for which homeowners can expect a return on investment upon resale of roughly 60 percent — about $15,944. In all 50 states, an average bathroom makeover increased a home’s resale value by more than enough to pay for the renovation.” – New York Times

A bathroom makeover is an easy way to increase the value of your home, while also enhancing your living space significantly. However, when you start on this path, you soon realise that there’s a lot to consider along the way. One of the decisions you will have to make is whether you’re going for a prefabricated or custom-built shower for your bathroom. Here’s a look at the two and what they offer.

What is a custom-built shower?

As you might expect, a custom-built shower is constructed for you from scratch, using the specified materials you choose. You can choose between solid surfaces such as porcelain sheeting, tiles, natural stone, glass, and ceramics – whatever configuration you prefer.

What is a prefabricated shower?

A prefabricated or ready-made shower unit is constructed by professionals ahead of time using predetermined materials and designs. Where prefabricated showers can be mass-produced in factories, many are now more unique with high-end offerings – just without the hassle.

How the custom-build differs from the prefabricated shower

If you’re torn between whether to customise a shower or go with the  prefabricated unit, here’s an overview of how the two compare on several fronts.

1. Installation

If you need a shower that is quick and easy to install, then the prefabricated shower is the preferred option. They will arrive as a complete shower unit, complete with walls, base, showerhead, and fixtures which can then be easily integrated into your bathroom setting.

2. Time

Where there are time constraints with your bathroom remodel, you might want to consider the prefabricated shower option as these can be installed much quicker than the custom-build options. Building a custom shower involves more steps such as designing the space, sourcing materials, and coordinating labour, all of which will extend your project’s timeline.

3. Price

The abovementioned design, labour, and specialised material of a custom-built shower come with a much higher price tag than the prefabricated shower, so if you have a large budget, then you might want to go with the customised option. However, if you do have a budget that has to consider other pricey items, then a prefabricated shower is a much more cost-effective option. This is because the item comes as a complete package, and less cost is required for labour when installing the unit – in fact, you can even do it yourself with the DIY options.

4. Quality

When you’re building a shower with high-end materials and hiring a renowned industry expert to make your shower, then you can be assured your custom-made shower is a quality installation. However, you might end up paying a higher price for inferior quality service. With a prefabricated shower, you can be assured of consistency in quality because they are manufactured in a controlled environment with rigorous checks in place and guarantees.

5. Design

With a customised shower, you can incorporate whatever design you prefer, selecting the size, material, and layout suited to your space. A prefabricated shower will have less design flexibility, however, it’s worth noting that many suppliers offer an expansive range of options, so it’s likely you will get as close to your personal design choice as possible.

6. Waterproofing

When it comes to shower installations, you need to ensure there is sufficient waterproofing to prevent water waste and hazards related to slips and falls. A custom-made shower will require specialised waterproofing to be made so that the shower doesn’t leak. With a prefabricated shower, there are built-in waterproofing systems that reduce the complexity of installation and reduce the costs involved.

7. Sizing

Prefabricated showers are available in a range of standardised sizes which makes planning your bathroom renovation a lot simpler. You know exactly what you’re getting and that it will fit the space. However, if you’re designing a really unique shower space that requires something outside of the standard fit, then rather go with a custom-made model.

You now have a good overview of how custom-built showers differ from prefabricated options, and which would work better for you. If customisation is too much hassle and cost, then get in touch with the industry experts in affordable, quality bathroom solutions – Geza. They manufacture and install a fantastic range of products, with exceptional after-care service to ensure you’re 100% happy with the product!