Replies

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Aug 31, 2004 03:42pm | #1

   Why do you want to install an ADA shower?  Is there an immediate need, or are you planning for the future?  If space is a problem, why not build a roll-in shower of slightly smaller dimensions.

   Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!"  Then get busy and find out how to do it.  T. Roosevelt

1. 
   user-178462 | Aug 31, 2004 08:06pm | #4

   Whoa...that was a quick set of responses.  We need a wheelchair compatible shower unit...the individual is confined however, he is capable of transfering to a seat in the shower from the chair.  Ultimately, the goal will be a roll in unit.  We've seen ADA compliant units but they included fold down seats.  We plan on a tile floor with regard to water and a long shower curtain.  The units we looked at were too large for the space and we will loose needed closet space in the adjoining bedroom.  We thought that perhaps by tiling the existing space and customizing it, we could resolve the issue.

   We are renovating our house and are working in other areas until we resolve this...the bathroom is being expanded into adjacent kitchen area to allow for the wheelchair.

   Does this help?

   Thanks for your responses.......

1. 
   calvin | Aug 31, 2004 10:05pm | #5

   This shower we built for a wheelchair bound customer who needed assistance in the shower.  We had the benefit of new construction, since this was an addition.  We pitched the floor to a floor drain tapering the joists and heading off as needed.  A membrane, mud base and cement board readied the area for tile.  The track was custom bent by a window treatment supplier that does some hospital work.  Also shown if I can find it will be the sink/counter, also ADA compliant.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   Quittin' Time

1. 
   user-178462 | Aug 31, 2004 10:44pm | #6

   Thank you Thank you Thank You!!!!  This is exactly what we were thinking of....you totally rock.

   This design is so important especially as the population ages.  This is just what we needed...

   What material did you use to build the sink unit (another bone of contention).  We were thinking MDF...

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Aug 31, 2004 10:53pm | #7

   Gunney, find a counter manufacturer near where you live, and they can easily make a custom counter to your specs.  They will probably use mdf, but you could specify plywood, which would be stronger and more durable.  Or, if you like the looks of Calvin's counters, that's the kind of thing you could do yourself with some formica, contact cement, and a small router or laminate trimmer.  Small square edged counters like that are a great way to learn about formica.

   Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!"  Then get busy and find out how to do it.  T. Roosevelt

2. 
   calvin | Aug 31, 2004 11:22pm | #8

   gunney.  If you were addressing this to me.  The sink bowl was a 10 yo Kohler meant to protrude from the counter.   This detail and the curved/beveled cut in the counter to produce it was a bit complicated, but worked well.   Base of laminate counter was AC plywood, due to the proximity of the shower.  The lady of the house used bleach alot to sanitize, so the original dark green laminate (faded) was replaced with this bright yellow.  My supplier hadn't seen a pc. of that color go out in years.  Shower head was a hand held on a sliding rod.  Toilet sat to right of shower area.  In the wall electric space heater for aux. heat.  Anything else I can help with?Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   Quittin' Time

3. 
   user-178462 | Sep 01, 2004 05:14am | #9

   You've been great.  Thanks so much for your help and especially the pictures, Calvin.  I'll have to let you all know what we decide to do...

   MK

2. 
   Dinosaur | Sep 01, 2004 06:17am | #10

   Calvin, that is one sharp looking set up. Thanks for posting that one.Dinosaur

   'Y-a-tu de la justice dans ce maudit monde?

1. 
   calvin | Sep 01, 2004 01:29pm | #11

   These folks are very nice, we remain friends still.  A pleasure working for them over the years.  They were dealt a bad hand, but they perservere.

   Thanks for the kind words.

   Gunney.  Not installed in the sink shot are covers for the supply lines/stops and the drain to prevent burns.  And in the shower besides the pressure balanced valve is a tempering device, keeping the hot water side from getting too hot.  You can get much help from local organizations re. set up for the handicapped.  The Eastern Paralyzed Veterans also offer some good information on their site.

   http://www.unitedspinal.org/Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   Quittin' Time

2. 
   RichBeckman | Aug 31, 2004 04:42pm | #2

   MK,

   I once did a job of replacing a bathtub with a roll-in shower unit for a wheel chair bound customer. It was all very clear that the tub was to be removed and the pre-fab shower unit that took up the same amount of space (30" x 60") was to be installed.

   The work was done while the customer was out of town. He got home and was really pissed. The 30" was simply not wide enough for the chair. He could get the chair in there and he could've showered, but not without a lot of water spilling out onto the bathroom floor.

   I forget how much room I ended up arranging for him, but six more inches would certainly have been significant.

   Don't know how applicable to your situation this is, but there it is.

   Rich Beckman

   Another day, another tool.

3. 
   CapnMac | Aug 31, 2004 06:09pm | #3

   First off, Welcome to BT.  (And, at a guess, a Semper Fi is in order, too.)

   "We" may need a few more details on the shower question.  BT has a number of artisans who are just magic with tile (go check out Dinosaur's Hand built basement in the Photo Gallery).

   A one piece unit makes for an efficient installation--if that is what is needed.  A build-to-suit is much better since it is specific to "some one."

   Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)