As any good basement remodeler will tell you, it’s the little things that really make the difference. Installing a basement bathroom is a great idea, and it pays back for itself by 80% or more when the home is sold. If you could make a major difference in how much you enjoy your remodeled space by spending another $50 or so, wouldn’t you choose to?

There are few ways to make a bigger difference with very little money than by choosing the best shower head for your new basement bathroom. Enjoying a relaxing, comfortable shower is a guiltless pleasure. And with a growing family, it can be your few precious private moments alone before a busy day.

To help you make the most of these moments, Total Basement Finishing has this advice for choosing the best shower head:

1. Choose a handheld shower head.

While fixed shower heads that are mounted to the wall may give a sleek designer look to a shower, they can be much more difficult to repair than handheld models and also lack many advantages. A handheld shower head can be mounted in a cradle to operate like a fixed shower head or removed for more convenience for children and seniors. Additionally, cleaning the tub, cleaning items in the tub, or washing pets is much easier with a handheld shower head. Be sure to pick one with a durable, high-quality hose that can stand up to water pressure without blowing out and will endure daily use without kinking or wearing down. If you strongly prefer a fixed shower head for your finished basement bathroom, keep in mind that it’s possible to install multiple shower heads in a single shower on one or both ends of the shower area.

2. Find a shower head with flow options that fit your preference.

Shower heads are available to fit any partiality in regards to water flow and pressure. If your basement bathroom is built in a home with very low water pressure and you like the relaxing feel of pounding water, there are shower heads on the market that can increase the volume of water coming through the shower head. More expensive models can adjust the water pressure from a gentle mist to champagne drops (the standard setting), a deeply relaxing massage, or a strong, invigorating jet of water.

If saving water is your top priority, low flow shower heads are available that can save a half gallon of water every minute- or about ten gallons of water during a 20-minute shower. Cut-off valves can turn the water off while you’re soaping up to save even more water.

If you live in a home where you risk being scalded by hot water if a toilet is flushed or a faucet turns on, be sure to install an anti scald adapter or pressure balance valve. This can cost as little as $15 and installs between the shower arm and shower head, shutting the water off if it becomes too hot.

3. Pick a shower head that’s built to last.

While shower heads can cost anywhere between $6 and $500, you won’t need to spend a lot of money to find a high-quality and comfortable one. $30 to $80 should find you a shower head for your remodeled basement bathroom that gives you the best value for your investment.

Brass shower heads are generally considered the best for a remodeled basement bathroom as a reliable, long-lasting option, but they’re also much more expensive than other models. Whether you choose a shower head made of brass or of some other metal, check to ensure that it’s easy to upkeep and will not tarnish.

If you pick a plastic model, be sure to purchase one that’s resistant to lime buildup so it will not easily clog your shower head. No matter which shower head you choose, however, it will eventually develop lime accumulation. When lime buildup slows the shower’s flow in your finished basement bathroom, wipe the accumulation on the tip of the nozzle away then soak the shower head in a lime-away solution or a fifty-fifty solution of vinegar and warm water.

4. Add a shower head water filter to your finished basement bathroom shower.

Your shower water comes from the same source as your tap water. During a typical shower, you take in about one cup of unfiltered water and immerse every surface of your body in heated tap water. Any dirt, lime, chemicals, or impurities found in your well water will also be present in your shower. If there’s chlorine in the water, it will both dry out and change the color of your nails, skin and hair. Chlorine will also strip the natural oils from your skin and will possibly cause mild skin and eye irritation. Heavy minerals will weigh down hair, and a variety of other health and beauty related effects can occur. Installing a proper shower filter can remove up to 98% of these materials, and because they only need replacement every 6 months or 10,000 gallons, they require minimal personal maintenance.

When you decide to remodel your bathroom, one of the things you might want to consider is getting a new shower. There are several factors which will help you to narrow down your options, and with a careful examination of your home and lifestyle, you can find the perfect shower for your remodeled bathroom.

The first thing that you need to do is to take some measurements of your bathroom. You will need to be sure that you will have enough room for whichever shower you choose. Your new shower should go into the same space as your current shower since it will have to be near the water pipes. There are two main types of shower from which to choose: pre-fabricated and custom tile or stone showers that are built in place.

Taking measurements you take will be especially important if you choose to purchase a pre-fabricated shower stall for your bathroom. These all in one units are typically made of fiberglass and are available in a variety of colors and styles. These are by far the cheapest and easiest shower type to install, but depending upon the size and design you choose, they could still be expensive. In order to cut your remodeling costs, you should find a simple pre-fab shower and install it yourself, but if money is not a factor, you might prefer a customize built shower.

Custom built showers are constructed in place. These are very expensive to have installed and it is best to hire a professional to do the job. That will ensure that the job is done correctly. By having a custom built in shower you can choose the tile or stone to match the rest of your bathroom. This can overcome the most common complaint about pre-fab showers that the fiberglass clashes with the rest of the bathroom design.

When making your decision for a shower, you should do it as a part of your overall bathroom plan. Have an idea in mind of what you want your finished bathroom to look like, and choosing the right shower to match will be much easier.