Bathroom Plumbing Fixtures: How to Select Them for Your Home

Bathroom Plumbing Fixtures: How to Select Them for Your Home

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Choosing the right bathroom plumbing fixtures is a very important step of any bathroom remodeling or construction job. You have already spent the money and time upgrading or adding the correct shower that will fit your need in your bathroom. You want to make sure that the bathroom plumbing fixtures (Learn also: Main Tips on Choosing the Right Bathroom Fixtures) you choose will give you the same quality and years of performance that your new tub or shower will give you. There are many options available for you to make your decision when choosing a sink, faucet, or toilet to add the design and purpose you are looking for in your new bath.

Bathroom Plumbing Fixtures: Sinks

Sinks are available to you in many different sizes, shapes, and finishes. You will want to keep in mind the theme or setting of your bathroom when you make this decision. Your sink will serve as a main focal point in your bathroom. It will be the most used one of bathroom plumbing fixtures so keep this in mind when you make your decision. You will want to use a sink that is easy to use and can accommodate the right type of faucet that will fit your needs. A pedestal sink will save room, will not have a storage option that you will have with a sink that is mounted in a vanity.

Material Options for Sinks

A range of material options opens up a lot of room for creativity in your bath. One of the most common materials sinks have been constructed in the past is china porcelain. This material is commonly white or ivory but can also be found in many other color options. Glass is also another material option but can be more expensive. Cast iron is a heavy duty option while other materials such as copper or bronze or popular but will take more maintenance.

Bathroom Faucets

Faucets are available to you in many different styles. Today’s faucets are designed to be more water efficient than ever before. Most of your faucets are made with built in water savers. The faucets of today are also constructed with materials that are less corrosive that will provide with a longer lifespan. When it comes to design you have more choices available to you than you might think. There are single handle faucets for easy operation as well as your standard two knob function. You can also choose from your standard faucet and faucets that have a longer neck on them that will make them easier to use. You will need to take a visit to your local home showroom to see and try the many options available to you. The style of faucet that you use will need to be determined on your personal preference.

Toilets

Your standard toilets are 14-15 inches tall. You can also purchase toilets that are taller at 16-18 inches tall. You need to take into consideration which height will be a better fit for you. Taller toilets will be a better fit for wheelchair accessibility (Read also: Custom Bathroom and Shower Designs for Elderly and Handicapped). Toilets are available to you in a full range of colors. You may also choose from your standard two piece toilet or a more expensive one piece choice. Today toilets are also designed to use less water helping save money and to conserve water.

Regardless of the choice you make when you choose your bathroom plumbing fixtures you want them to look good as well as functional. Visit www.skywindowsnj.com to learn more.

Tub Refinishing Project: Learn the Main Techniques

Tub Refinishing Project: Learn the Main Techniques

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One of the biggest obstacles we have to overcome in a bathroom remodel nj or upgrade is the decision we make about our bathtubs. You may have an older cast iron tub that would be a major hassle to remove because of the heavy weight of the cast iron tub. Perhaps you have purchased an antique tub and want to refinish or re-glaze it so it can be used in your bathroom project. There is a tub refinishing technique that has been developed and adopted by many companies to help you to save money as well as accommodating your shower and tub needs. Tub refinishing or bathtub reglazing nj has become a very popular alternative. There are a few simple steps that need to be taken in the preparation in order to accomplish this task.

Reasons for Tub Refinishing:

  • Cost: With tub refinishing you will save in several ways. You will not have the cost of a new tub to begin with. You will also save money because you will not have to pay for the time removing your old tub or shower and cleaning up the debris.
  • Choice of colors: There is a variety of colors to choose from so you can choose the colors that are comfortable for you.
  • Ease of Cleaning: A new surface will not have the scratches and chips that are missing. You will have a nice smooth surface that will be much easier to clean. You will not have a buildup in the scratches and dents that could be harmful.
  • Time Involved: We know that any construction project takes time. With bathroom fixtures and tub refinishing you will cut the time involved with your project.
  • Value: You will also maximize and increase the value of your home.

Steps to Refinishing

  • Remove all of the silicone caulk and other types of sealer that may be on the surface of your tub. If possible you need to remove the drain screen as well as the shower faucet and shower head.
  • The surrounding areas need to be covered with a paper or plastic much the same way you would when you are preparing a car for painting. You do not want the refinishing material to get on anything you do not want refinished.
  • A cleaner is used to clean and etch the surface to prepare for the finish. This is an important step because you want the material being used in the re-glazing process to adhere to the surface of your tub. If this process is not done properly your finish could peel off at a later time.

Long Lasting and Money Saving Option

A typical refinish or tile and tub reglazing project could last you up to 15 years. This is a great way to save money so you can use the extra money saved on other projects to help improve your home (read about How to Save Money by Bathtub refinishing). Be sure to take this type of upgrade into consideration before you begin your next remodeling or upgrade project. Be sure to talk to your local contactor, SkyWindowsNJ.com, to see if this tub refinishing technique is a good fit for you!

 

Bathroom Windows: Home Design Ideas to Welcome More Natural Light

Bathroom Windows: Home Design Ideas to Welcome More Natural Light

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If you are looking to add a new bathroom or remodel the bathroom you have, there is one consideration that should really be put to thought. If at all possible there should be a window added to your bathroom. If your bathroom is located on the outside walls of your building this would be a great place to add bathroom windows. If it is located on the inside location of the building where there is no exterior wall, then you should consider a skylight or sky tunnel. By adding natural lighting to your bathroom there are several distinct advantages you will benefit from. We will take a look at some of the ways natural lighting through bathroom windows can add safety and elegance to any bathroom.

How to Remove Bathroom Mold Naturally

The lighting that enters the bathroom is also a great healthy addition to any bathroom. The bathroom is one place where the threat of mold development is a constant problem. A bathroom needs to be cleaned often to keep the moisture level down in the bathroom to prevent mold. Providing natural sunlight through bathroom windows is a way to deter mold development naturally. Developing mold will be slowed down and in most cases completely stopped when natural light is introduced to mold.

Best Lighting for Makeup in a Bathroom

Natural lighting will also provide you with better lighting in your bathroom that will help in the everyday task we perform such as putting on makeup. You will see a truer color with natural lighting versus the lighting from incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. A lot of times when vanity lighting is used you will receive a glare from the bulbs that will make it hard to use the mirrors. You can still use the vanity lighting but with the aid of natural lighting you will be able to use smaller wattage bulbs that will help to keep you from feeling the extra heat that is produced by the higher watt bulbs.

Bathroom Windows Ideas

Privacy could be an issue if you add windows to your bathroom. There are several ways to install windows and still have your privacy. Of course one of the ways is to add blinds to your windows. Bathroom windows are also available with obscured panes. This means that you will receive natural lighting but you cannot see through the window. You can also consider using glass blocks or stained glass windows that will provide adequate privacy.

Why Fixed Pane Windows Are Not the Best Choice

Bathroom windows are available to you in two different ways. They can be fixed panels that can be stained windows or glass block windows. But the best option is using a widow that is operational. If you can open and shut your windows it will help to remove moisture from the room that will help to keep mold development down. Adding windows to your bathroom not only helps to save energy, it is a healthy addition to any bathroom. There are tons of choices to choose from to add a touch of elegance to any room in your house.

 

Visit your local window provider, SkyWindowsNJ.com, to see the many choices you have available to you. SkyWindowsNJ.com also provide, window installation brooklyn, window replacement, glass shower doors.

Frameless Glass Shower Doors in Bathroom Design

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Frameless Glass Shower Doors in Bathroom Design
Frameless Glass Shower Doors in Bathroom Design

Big strides have been made today when it comes to bathroom design. One of the biggest additions to any ideal bathroom is the showers. Showers of today have become an elegant addition to any bathroom. A shower can be added to just about any location and are constructed from beautiful tiles and glass blocks that provide a pleasant retreat from the daily routines we all experience. Along with these fantastic showers come frameless glass shower doors. These doors help to give the shower a great finishing touch while benefiting the shower in several different ways. Not only do they provide great benefits but also great functionality.

Shower Doors That Look Elegant and Are Easy to Operate

Frameless glass shower doors will provide you with a more open feel. You will not feel like you are confined inside a small shower much like you would in the showers of the past. In the past most showers were made of tub and shower combinations that used sliding glass doors that hung from tracks. These sliding doors were hard to operate and always seemed be covered with soap scum and build up. Frameless glass shower doors will be easier to operate as well as keep clean. With the openness of these doors you will not cover up the beauty of the tiles work and other great shower and bathroom fixtures keeping your shower the focus and showcase of your bath.

Frameless Glass Doors Are Stronger

Frameless glass shower doors are also much stronger than your typical shower doors offerings. These doors offer you a look of elegance with the great quality of toughness. Standard shower doors range from 3/8” to ½” in thickness. This will provide your shower with doors that are rigid and will last for years to come. Frameless glass shower doors are made completely of glass. They do not need frames to support their weight. These doors operate universally by opening and shutting on hinges. This will eliminate any type of track and other hardware that would get in the way as well as take away from the elegant look of your shower.

Safety of Frameless Glass Shower Doors

A question that you may ask as a homeowner when you start looking into frameless glass shower doors is whether the glass is safe if the edges aren’t hidden by a protective frame barrier.  Frameless glass edges are filed down to a smooth surface that presents no danger to anyone climbing in or out of your shower. And since glass showers are made of tempered glass they are also very difficult doors to shatter or break. Glass shower doors are actually much safer than the shower doors from the past. Glass doors can be used in any design situation. These doors can be circular, oval, or triangular in shape allowing you to add the doors to any type of shower design.

Seek Professional Advice

Consider adding frameless glass shower doors to your shower to help upgrade your shower proving you with the look of elegance that will enhance any bathroom. Contact your local contractor, SkyWindowsNJ.com, to have your frameless glass doors measured and designed for your showers and baths. SkyWindowsNj.com also provide shower doors installation. Make your shower standout from the rest.

Handicap Showers and Bathroom Accessories

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Handicap Showers and Bathroom Accessories
Handicap Showers and Bathroom Accessories

Sometimes it is difficult to choose handicap showers that will accommodate loved ones or even yourself. Today it is easy to purchase handicap products that will make life easier. You will find a wide array of handicap products that will include handicap showers. These are the same shower designs that are used in adult foster care homes and nursing homes. Most people find that handicap showers along with the accessories work very nice to accommodate for their needs.

The Right Equipment Reduces Stress

Handicap showers allow those with immobility issues to lie down while showering, rather than sitting up. People that cannot sit up can lie down on a shower bed and enjoy their shower. Most people will use a chair when they cannot stand in the shower. Having the right equipment is essential since it reduces stress. Most elderly people find it difficult to bath and shower without stressing, which is why many elderly people will stop bathing. Handicap showers encourage the person, since they can relax and enjoy a nice bath. The handicap showers are made for shower chairs and beds. These showers make it easier to put the people in and out of the showers. The showers do not have any bumps to go over they are just like a bathroom floor in most cases, the bathroom floor has a drain for the water to drain into.

Safety and Comfort

The shower looks almost like a room of its own. The showers are large, but most caregivers enjoy the luxury the shower brings them. It has the soap dispenser, which you attach on the wall. The dispenser combined makes it easy to store shampoo and get to it with ease. The concept is to save time when showering, since everything you need is at your disposal. The shower is large enough that the caregiver can stand in the shower comfortably without getting wet.

Purchasing Handicap Showers

You can purchase the handicap showers at any medical store. Perhaps your local Home Depot may have handicap products. You may want to go online and check out the different products, since technology has created a number of styles to select, or consult your local contractor, SkyWindowsNJ.com. In most instances, the showers are similar to brick tiles. However, some showers are made of fiberglass.

Maintaining Handicap Showers

You can maintain the shower as you would any other shower. You have to clean the shower by spraying it down with cleaning supplies. The best cleaning supplies is the mildew and mold cleaners, since showers produce moisture. The sprays will help keep mildew and mold away. In addition, there are long brushes used to clean hard spots and above the head. The brushes are great for reaching areas you ordinary could not reach. Like all showers, you have to watch for water under your feet. There is a non-slip surface on the floor of the shower so no one should fall. Most times if you are careful the patient is fine yet in few cases the patient may slip and fall. In this case seek medical care immediately.

 

Main Tips on Choosing the Right Bathroom Fixtures

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Main Tips on Choosing the Right Bathroom Fixtures
Main Tips on Choosing the Right Bathroom Fixtures

Choosing your bathroom fixtures can make or break a bathroom remodeling project. There are so many different types as well as different colors and finishes available to make your decision harder. Knowing how each finish will age and react to years of exposure to water and steam will have a determining factor on your choice of bathroom fixtures. The color scheme of your project will also determine the choice you will make when it comes to your fixtures. Paired together with the right bathroom hardware you will create some of the best looking effects that you have ever seen in baths today. We will look at some of the most popular choices available to you to help you with your decision.

Polished Brass Fixtures

Polished brass is one of the most popular choices.  This type if finish is more suited for a vintage look. It is a durable finish that is easy to clean and it can easily be found. Polished brass can easily match other types of bathroom fixtures. Polished brass is one of your more expensive choices. Satin Brass is much like the polished brass except it doesn’t appear as bright of a finish as polished brass. It will offer a nice accent without overpowering the color in your bathroom lavatories and showers. However satin brass is usually harder to find therefore making it more expensive than polished brass.

Oil-Rubbed Bronze Bathroom Hardware

Oil-rubbed bronze is another option that is growing in popularity. If you are looking for a more traditional feel and look in your bathroom then oil-rubbed bronze is for you. This type of fixture is durable and easy to clean. This type of finish will also not show water and fingerprints like other finishes. It is however more expensive than your standard chrome and brushed nickel finish. This is a great choice for traditional and Mediterranean themes. It is also one of the harder finishes to find in the fixture type you may need.

Copper Bathroom Fixtures

Copper fixtures are definitely a unique choice. It goes really great with materials such as a marble top. One thing about copper is the fact that it gets better looking as time goes on. Copper patina is fast becoming one of the favorite options of bathroom fixtures today. It is also harder to match accessories to copper fixtures.

Less Costly Options

There are other very popular choices such as polished nickel, brushed nickel, and chrome that are more common and will be less costly. These fixtures can easily be cleaned and they are also less expensive that other fixtures. The reason they are less expensive is because they are the most commonly used finishes for bathroom fixtures, faucets and shower head fixtures.

There are shops and stores that deal strictly with bathroom and kitchen fixtures. When you visit their showrooms you will see some of the best displays of fixtures available to you today. If you are considering to build a new bathroom or are now ready to upgrade the fixtures after tile and tub reglazing you now have to take the time needed to contact your local contractor, SkyWindowsNJ.com, so they can get you headed in the right direction. SkyWindowsNJ.com also provide, glass shower doors installation, glass shower enclosure.

 

4 Things You Can Achieve by Tile and Tub Reglazing

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4 Things You Can Achieve by Tile and Tub Reglazing
4 Things You Can Achieve by Tile and Tub Reglazing

Tile and tub reglazing is often used in bathroom and kitchen remodeling. The bathroom is the second most remodeled room in your home. The kitchen is the most frequently upgraded and remodeled. There can be a lot of money sunken into a bathroom remodeling or upgrade. No matter how much money you have saved just for the purpose of the dream project you have in mind there is always something that comes up that will require you to spend more money than you wanted to spend. There are ways that you can remodel a bathroom and cut the cost putting some of the money back into your pocket. One of those ways is tile and tub reglazing. There are some distinct advantages that you will see when you choose to remodel your bathroom by tile and tub reglazing.

Change the Color Theme of the Room

The main issue when we decide to remodel is changing the whole theme or color of a room. This can be done by choosing from colors such as white, bone, biscuit, or almond for some of the basic glaze colors. These particular colors tend to blend well with some of the more popular choice for your ideal bathroom colors. You can also choose from a line of designer colors that the innovations of today have given us. Much like a fresh paint on an old car a fresh color on your tubs and tiles will make your project standout.

Save Your Time and Effort by Tile and Tub Reglazing

Another great advantage of shower, tile and tub reglazing is the less demolition you have to take part in. Some of the older tubs are made of cast iron and can be very heavy to move and relocate. If you had to carry this tub up or downstairs, you would probably reconsider replacing the tub and move towards the bathtub refinishing. Another advantage of tile reglazing in your shower also has to do with demolition. If you have ever tried to tear down a shower that is made of plaster and tile you know how big of a task this is. Reglazing the tiles you already have in your shower will save you a lot of time and work. Not to mention how much more the cleanup from a tile and tub reglazing job would be.

Give Your Tub and Tiles a Renewed Look

A lot of times you may not be looking to remodel the whole bathroom you just want to do some cosmetic work. Older tubs do obtain scratches over the many showers they are exposed to. Glazing can fill in the scratches and chips giving your tub and tiles a renewed look.

Get Rid of a Dull Finish on Tub, Shower and Tiles

Another thing that will dull the finish on tubs, showers, and tiles is the constant cleaning that these items will endure. The cleaning solutions that are used to clean your tubs and tiles over the years will dull the finish in a big way. Not only does the finish appear dull there are also minor scratches that develop with the use of some cleaners that contain abrasives. The next time you are considering remodeling your bathroom to upgrade consider taking advantage of tile and tub reglazing to help you save time as well as money.

Custom Bathroom and Shower Designs for Elderly and Handicapped

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Custom Bathroom and Shower Designs for Elderly and Handicapped
Custom Bathroom and Shower Designs for Elderly and Handicapped

Becoming older is one of the changes that that will come our way that we have no choice but to accept. Not only do we grow older we are also faced with some life changing situations that we have no control over. Regardless of the situation we are involved in it will require some changes to be made in the home we live in. One of the first places that will need to be changed for our adaptability as well as our safety is our bathroom and shower. We will take a look at some of the necessary changes in bathroom and shower design when constructing custom bathroom and shower to help you decide what you will need to do.

Custom Bathroom Door

The first place we come to when we enter the bathroom is the bathroom door. This has to be adapted to be accessed by wheelchairs and walkers. Most of the times when we construct our homes in the earlier years, we do not look ahead to the needs we will face down the road. Most of the doors we install are much too narrow to enter with a wheelchair.

Handicapped Toilet

After a custom bathroom access is made wider we will then take a look to make sure a handicapped toilet is installed. A handicap toilet is taller than a standard toilet to allow for easier access. This taller toilet is easier to access from a wheelchair and is also easier to get up and down when using a walker.

Grab Bars and Handrails

Placement of grab bars and handrails need to be carefully considered beforehand. Make sure that the person can easily access these rails from the most vulnerable situations that they can find themselves in. Not only should they be easy to access you have to make sure they are properly installed to carry the weight load and pressures that the handrails and grab bars will be exposed. Make sure that these are also not too big in diameter to be comfortably gripped by the weaker hands.

Custom Shower for the Disabled

The most important aspect that needs to be considered is the handicapped shower. Careful consideration needs to be taken to make the shower access as easy as possible. There is a big advantage of having a walk-in shower conversion. A custom shower can be constructed just about any location that is needed. Custom shower doors can be built to allow for access with wheelchairs and walkers. Benches can also be placed in location that can be easily accessed from wheelchairs and walkers. Bathroom and shower fixtures can be conveniently placed to allow for the person to have access to the water in a comfortable and safe position. You can also place the grab bars and guardrails anywhere you need them in the shower.

Your local shower and glass contractor, SkyWindowsNJ.com can help you with any type of custom bathroom and shower that need to be made. SkyWindowsNJ.com also provide, tub conversion, glass shower doors installation.

Glass Innovations | Glass Countertop and Walk in Shower

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Glass Innovations | Glass Countertop and Walk in Shower
Glass Innovations | Glass Countertop and Walk in Shower

Glass has been around for centuries even before the BC times. In those days glass occurred naturally and it was used in ways that were looked at as precious commodities. The first thing that comes to our minds when we think of glass is windows. Windows have helped us to look through walls as well as helping us to feel more comfortable in the different weather climates we live in. Today techniques have been developed to help us use glass in many ways that were not conceivable in the past few years. Glass and architecture are combined in ways today that allow for some really awesome designs. We will take a short time to look at the ways glass is being used today in a glass shower enclosure and for a glass countertop.

Glass Shower Enclosure

Glass allows for the development and construction of walk-in showers in places that you have never dreamed that you could put a shower. Glass shower enclosures can be made almost any size and shape to accommodate for a shower to be constructed almost anywhere. There are several different types of glass available to you for the creation of almost any type of ambience you prefer in a shower. Clear and tinted glass is available for you as well as obscured glass choices for people that prefer more privacy. Smart glass technology of today allows for glass to go from clear to obscure by the flip of a switch. You can pair your glass showers with the many types of hardware that is available for you to create your own one of a kind shower.

Coated Glass Countertop/Vanity Top

As the years have past our countertops have been through many years of abuse as well as many different types of materials that have been adapted for use on our countertops. I can remember the days when laminated countertops were the way to go. These countertops were available to you in any color imaginable. Laminated countertops needed replacing after a few years. The development of stone and granite tops gave us a longer lasting option. Today there is a glass countertop option that is available for you to consider. With the development of laminated glass you can obtain a glass countertop that is much like the glass top stoves we are using today. Not only are these glass countertops strong they are much easier to keep clean. The ease of cleaning that the glass countertop provides makes it an excellent choice for use on bathroom vanity tops.

Implement Glass in Your Project

These are only a couple of ways that glass in being developed and used in many different ways in today’s architecture and design. There are many ways that glass is being developed for use to give us the elegant choices we have from glass today. If you are deciding on a remodeling or a new construction project it is time you visit your local glass contractor, SkyWindowsNJ.com, to be sure to see the many ways glass can be used today in your shower enclosure and for your glass countertop. Not only does glass look amazing it will also last you for years to come.

Walk in Shower Conversion: Why It’s Better Than a Tub

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Walk in Shower Conversion: Why It’s Better Than a Tub
Walk in Shower Conversion: Why It’s Better Than a Tub

A bathtub to a walk in shower conversion can be easier than you might think. There is a number of reasons why we decide to upgrade our bathrooms. One of the most popular upgrades in bathroom remodeling is a tub to a walk in shower conversion. Our life needs change as we get older. We may also have a family member that can no longer sit in a tub or may also be in a wheel chair and a walk in shower has become a necessity for us. Before you consider removing the existing tub you have you can save money by tub to shower conversion. You may be surprised at the many options you will have available to you. You may also be surprised at the advantage that a tub conversion can provide for you.

Walk in Shower – Safety Aspect

This is one of the most important advantages that a walk in shower will provide for you. You will eliminate stepping into a high tub and the danger of slipping as your enter the tub. Wet surfaces and floors are one of the main safety hazards we have in the bathroom. With a walk in shower the water is confined to one area to help eliminate the wet spots. There is also a variety of other safety options such as seats and handrails that can be added to your walk in.

Walk in Shower Is More Spacious

Your walk in shower will provide you with more freedom to be able to move around in your shower and not feel as though you are in a smaller confined area. You will also have the extra room to add other features, like the extra shower head, storage for soap and other cleaning essentials.

Cleanliness in Your Shower Area

With the extra room you will also be able to keep your shower area cleaner and you will not have to clean the hard to reach spots that a tub will have. With a more open area you will also not have the moisture that will get into tiny corners and remain that could create mold and other unhealthy situations. With the larger area your shower will dry out and remain much cleaner.

Walk in Shower Conversion Options

There is a number of options available to you for a walk in shower conversion. A lot of considerations need to be looked at when you decide on the options available. You can set your shower up for any type of physical situation you may need. There are many different types of seats and hand railings that are available to you in just about any finish imaginable. Another great thing about the shower options is the amount of shower heads and faucets that are available for you to choose from. There are shower heads that can be placed in any location in you shower that will accommodate for almost any physical situation that you may have.

Before you get rid of the tub you have or before you destroy your existing bathroom, be sure to do your research and check with a contactor in your area, SkyWindowsNJ.com, that will show you how you will benefit from a walk in shower conversion. SkyWindowsNJ.com also provide, custom shower doors installation, glass shower doors design, installation.