A: Well, it is a creative solution, but before you do anything, check your local codes to see if it is allowed.

Of course, the best way to do things would be to open up the back wall and install the new mixing valve complete with a new shower pipe and shower arm through the wall and into the tub/shower stall. Then, patch and rebuild the back wall with perhaps a larger access panel. While more expensive and invasive, if you ever sell the house, this can give you a better resale value. However, I understand that we are all on tight budgets and sometime a quicker, less expensive way out of a problem is appealing.

If you go for the personal shower with the extension hose option, I would spend the extra money for a chrome trim hose, shower head and hanging bracket. This will give you a more finished look than plastic and may actually add more beauty to your tub and shower. Not bad for taking the easy way out!

If you really want to add a nice feature, some personal showers have vertical hanging bar assemblies that would allow you to slide the shower head up and down on the chrome bar for your own custom shower height.

Either way, if you go with opening up the wall or the personal shower solution, make sure your new tub/shower mixing valve has hot water scald protection and meets local building codes.

Finally, I don't want to get personal here but I assume you'll be looking at the inside of your shower stall at least once a day. So, do whatever makes you feel the best, not what costs the less!