Thanks I will take a look. My budget is really tight and given that it looks as though I would also need a custom side panel made if I lower the partial wall I'm not sure this will be an option. It looks as though I will have to stick to 32x32 and keep the partial wall full height- which I was really hoping to avoid as that seems so tiny. I appreciate your
suggestion

Stop. Save more money. Do it right once, rather than halfassed a couple of times. It will be cheaper in the long term.

32 x 32 is way too small. Pile up some cardboard boxes to make a 32 x 32 nch space, step inside and see if you can stick out your elbows as if you are washing your hair.

Agreed....I did find two 34x34 trays now so that's preferable. Thanks

This has future disaster written all over it.

Can you elaborate?

• On a budget.
• Changing the layout.
• Worried about leaks.
• Not one mention of waterproofing.
• Not one picture.
• Not one mention of a Pro involved.

A 5 piece master bath costs 35-65K to do correctly, with a Pro contactor who knows what he is doing, uses proper waterproofing, is licensed and insured, pulls permits, and who you'd actually let in your house. A DIY at the same professional level quality can be done, but it takes a 6-8 week project and turns it into a 6 month project, and it's still not done, or not done well. Or both.

OK thanks for your opinion, I think you have misread my intention though. I am simply asking about alternative directions and ideas at this point, so that I am better informed once I get to a point of speaking with different companies. I imagine many people are working on a budget, especially with their first home, and this is a <200k house so there is no chance of me being able to spend that kind of budget on just changing out a bathtub and shower. Perhaps this site isn't meant for my kind of situation.

You have to ground your fantasy in reality. Reality is your want list is the issue. Even a low cost like for like master bath redo, with all cultured marble tub, shower, vanity tops, new vanities, new tile floor, etch, is 25K done professionally. That is as about as cheap as it gets when you replace everything. And you want to start hacking down walls and putting in expensive frameless glass.

Just to be clear, the second picture I uploaded was just to show what I meant by dropping the wall- there will certainly not be marble tub, new vanity or tile floor involved for me, mine will be entry level. I'm not looking to remodel the whole room, just replace the tub and shower. I think I am on the wrong site for this situation. Thanks tho to everyone who took time to try to help

walton - Sophie can be very blunt...but...she is always right. Don't waste your money, a 34x34 shower is only acceptable on a cruise ship. If you don't have "leakage" problems get some new paint & towels and call it a day.

Thanks. The shower that;s there already is only 34 x 36 so there's no way I can make it much larger, there just isn't any more space. All the houses in my community have the same setup so it's typical of the area and price point to have it that size. I guess I'm stuck with what I have, as it would take me years to save up the kind of money that's been suggested, and it just isn't worth it to spend anything like that just to switch out a tub and shower, given the value and nature of the house. Very disillusioned- but so be it. Thanks anyway

Home renovations because of ''fashion'' are for those who stay maxed put on their credit cards or have massive DIY ability. DIY ability can be learned, but you don't start with one of he hardest projects that there is for a Pro to do correctly. Buy a toolbox and a few tools and start off changing out a light fixture, or a kitchen faucet.

If you want to make change happen, you have to be the change.

Found these two HydroSystems shower bases online that are 36 x 34. I don't really know anything about this particular brand, but maybe you can do some research on it. Or maybe someone else has used it?

http://www.efaucets.com/detail.asp?product_id=HPG3634-AL

http://www.efaucets.com/detail.asp?product_id=HPA3634-BS

Right...

Thanks Madden etc. I appreciate you looking into it. I think that based on the input I've received here this isn't the right direction for me. Thanks again

Thanks Dawn, I've worked hard for my first home and it's kind of you to give some practical suggestions that I can start from. I have to replace the shower enclosure regardless since it is damaged, so I will have to get that work done, even though it won't be what most people would find acceptable in terms of size- that's all that will fit in the available space. I've got paint organized and picked up a few accessories so I'll just keep it simple. Again, thank you for your encouragement.

Do not listen to the negativity here. You've used the shower - you know if it's big enough, which I'm sure it is. And I don't think most people would find it too small - I think most people like to think large, but in the end, have to be realistic about space and budget. That's been my experience. If you are upgrading from an acrylic shower surround to tiled walls, it would be money well spent. New frameless shower door - also money well spent. Here are a couple of ideas for working around the venting. I think the window/openings look great and it will make your shower appear and feel larger! And, of course, when you are at the point of talking to a contractor, you will want to ask questions about waterproofing and such. Until then, the more ideas you can show them, the more you know what you want, the better your contractor can help you.

Traditional Bathroom · More Info

Modern Cottage Dream Home in Edina · More Info

Thank you Madden and co. Yes that size is fine for me and I don't really have a way to change that, I guess it just depends what you are used to. Others will have very different expectations but then they really wouldn't be looking at a house in this price range. I'm going to leave it here now and find another route for finding inspiration. Thanks for taking the time to chip in. Over and out