aharami
New Member
Hi, I am new here and looking for some advice. I am DIYing a shower remodel and need some help planning out what products to get. This is going to be a walk in shower and I want a rain shower head and separate handheld shower head. My goal is to not spend top dollar because this is for a townhouse and I won't get the return for spending top dollar on high end products. Pardon my lack of knowledge as I am learning as I go.
That said, I came across the Hansgrohe iBox universal rough in. What purpose does this serve? What are the benefits of this product? If I get this, what other parts do I need? Obvious things that I can think of are the two shower heads; some kind of knob to turn on the water and direct it either to the overhead or handheld shower head (or both simultaneously), control the temperature, pressure, volume, etc. What other major components would I need that would go behind the wall/tiles?
Looking at rain showerheads, this Hansgrohe Raindance AIR showerhead seems to be very well reviewed, and I realize Hansgrohe is a high end brand, so it must be a quality product. But I am a little wary about spending $300+ on a showerhead alone. Is there something similar on the market that is at a lower pricepoint? How are some cheaper ones like this AKDY or this Delta ones?
I also came across thermostatic shower valves, but doing some research into what function it serves, I think it might be overkill for a townhouse. Correct me if I am wrong, but all it does extra is that is maintains optimal temperature and prevents burns in case cold water flow is cut. I've never had temperature change problem when flushing toilet or turning on faucet while the shower is on. So I don't think I need this. Or do I? I would like to be able to regulate the volume of water diverted to either head though. What type of control system would I need?
Finally, I was initially thinking about building a tiled shower floor and even did some research into it. But talking to a plumber he cautioned me that grouts always discolor with a shower floor and it is lot harder to keep clean than a premade shower base. Does anyone know anything about the DreamLine shower pans? Or is better to go with a name brand like this Kohler one?
Thanks much in advance!
That said, I came across the Hansgrohe iBox universal rough in. What purpose does this serve? What are the benefits of this product? If I get this, what other parts do I need? Obvious things that I can think of are the two shower heads; some kind of knob to turn on the water and direct it either to the overhead or handheld shower head (or both simultaneously), control the temperature, pressure, volume, etc. What other major components would I need that would go behind the wall/tiles?
Looking at rain showerheads, this Hansgrohe Raindance AIR showerhead seems to be very well reviewed, and I realize Hansgrohe is a high end brand, so it must be a quality product. But I am a little wary about spending $300+ on a showerhead alone. Is there something similar on the market that is at a lower pricepoint? How are some cheaper ones like this AKDY or this Delta ones?
I also came across thermostatic shower valves, but doing some research into what function it serves, I think it might be overkill for a townhouse. Correct me if I am wrong, but all it does extra is that is maintains optimal temperature and prevents burns in case cold water flow is cut. I've never had temperature change problem when flushing toilet or turning on faucet while the shower is on. So I don't think I need this. Or do I? I would like to be able to regulate the volume of water diverted to either head though. What type of control system would I need?
Finally, I was initially thinking about building a tiled shower floor and even did some research into it. But talking to a plumber he cautioned me that grouts always discolor with a shower floor and it is lot harder to keep clean than a premade shower base. Does anyone know anything about the DreamLine shower pans? Or is better to go with a name brand like this Kohler one?
Thanks much in advance!
Last edited by a moderator: