“Tammy’s Shower Shake-Up” – Cass County, Nebraska
The Vision
Tammy, a retired third-grade teacher living in a quiet pocket of Cass County, Nebraska, had one clear goal: to make her daily shower something she didn’t dread. “I don’t need fancy,” she said on the phone, “but I’d prefer not to risk a knee injury every time I rinse my hair.” Her existing shower was tight, outdated, and had developed a permanent smell of despair—or so she claimed. After years of dealing with a slick, hard-to-clean tub-shower combo and soap scum that mocked her cleaning efforts, Tammy wanted something simple, safe, and bright. She imagined a place where she could sit comfortably, not slip, and still reach her shampoo without needing yoga-level flexibility.
The Challenge
Tammy’s home wasn’t just any home—it was a 1940s farmhouse with all the quirks you’d expect. The bathroom walls weren’t exactly square, the plumbing had its own personality, and let’s just say that the last time someone upgraded the bathroom, rotary phones were still trendy. The old fiberglass tub was stained and narrow, the shower curtain rod had seen better days, and the floor had just enough tilt to make things interesting. Most concerning of all was the total lack of support—no grab bars, no seat, just a soap dish clinging on for dear life.
The Process
We started by removing the old tub and prepping the space for a low-threshold walk-in shower system—one that would be easy to enter and even easier to clean. Tammy didn’t want tile (“too many grout lines”), so we installed a seamless solid surface wall surround in a soft gray tone that would brighten the space without being too flashy. A built-in corner seat was added for comfort and function, along with a matching wall-mounted shelf and a recessed cubby for toiletries. We carefully installed two safety grab bars—one angled near the seat, and another on the opposite side near the entry—and made sure the handheld shower head had an adjustable slide bar for flexibility.
There was some debate over the finish of the fixtures. Tammy was firm on one thing: “No shiny gold. I’m not the Queen of England.” We all agreed on polished chrome—clean, classic, and complements Nebraska’s hardworking, no-fuss aesthetic.
The Result
The result? A bright, modern, zero-stress shower space that made the room feel instantly larger and more welcoming. Tammy’s favorite part wasn’t the seat or the fixtures—it was how easy everything was to maintain. “I actually like wiping it down,” she said, laughing. “What kind of witchcraft is this?” The grab bars gave her confidence, and the low threshold meant no more circus act climbing over the old tub.
The Verdict
At the final walkthrough, Tammy looked around, nodded with approval, and declared, “This shower is smarter than half the people on my HOA board.” We’ll take that as a win. The best part? She now showers with confidence—and maybe a little sass. Cass County may be known for its cornfields and small-town charm, but thanks to Tammy, we’re pretty sure it’s also home to one of the most practical and polished showers in Nebraska.
