Dear Ed: I have been saving for this year to remodel my bathroom featuring a large custom shower stall. Now that the new year is here, to begin my planning for the shower, what tips and new product info can you give me?

— Brian, New York

Answer: When planning such a shower stall, the good news is “custom” means how you want it. So you can make the job as simple or as complicated as you like.

First, I suggest checking local water use codes and/or meet with your local inspectors. Then you’ll know what your area will allow for custom shower plumbing and shower fixtures. Early information makes planning for any remodeling job easier.

For new products, a lot of rain head showers have been redesigned with new efficiency features. One type is a real rain-style fixture that saves up water in a reservoir and, with the push of a button, delivers a burst of warm summer rain.

But again, check local codes before installing any shower fixture to avoid a storm of trouble.

Ed Del Grande, a master contractor/plumber and LEED green associate, is an author and hosts shows on television and the internet. For information, visit eddelgrande.com or write eadelg@cs.com. Always consult local contractors and codes.