Not too long ago, it was considered essential to have at least one bathtub in the house—otherwise, resale value would take a hit. But as present-day lifestyles become more hectic and fewer people find the time to soak in the tub, many homeowners wonder whether bathtubs are becoming obsolete. Increasingly, people are deciding to get rid of their tubs for sleek, sophisticated walk-in showers. In this post, bath renovation experts at The Bathroom Store discuss several reasons to ditch your bathtub and take a closer look at other relevant questions.
Reasons to Ditch the Bathtub
- You are turning a closet into a bathroom. Similar to revamping a small-sized bathroom, converting a closet or one section of an existing room into a bathroom requires specific accommodations. A shower stall or walk-in shower will fit better into a reconstructed space without creating cramped conditions.
- You want to increase the energy efficiency of your home. Compared to bathtubs, showers consume less energy. In an average household, a shower with an efficient showerhead only requires 17 gallons of water, whereas a tub typically spends 25 to 45 gallons of water. Saving water does not only cut costs for your home and benefit your wallet but is also helpful for the environment.
- You want greater accessibility. Elderly people and individuals with limited mobility often have a difficult time getting in and out of a bathtub. An old-aged homeowner, for example, may require a shower with a roll-in or curbless design to facilitate their movements and ensure their safety as they continue to live independently.
- You care about safety. One thing about bathtubs is that climbing over them creates opportunities for trip-and-fall accidents to occur. A walk-in shower installation, on the other hand, can include modern, safety-boosting features such as seats and grab bars. If safety is a primary concern for you and your family, building a shower in place of a traditional bathtub will offer several advantages.
- You want a fixture that is easier to clean. In a shower, a handheld showerhead makes rinsing off dirt and debris easier and faster. When cleaning a walk-in shower, all you need to use is simple soap and water. If there is a lot of soap scum, thoroughly scrub the shower with a long-handled brush to get the shower squeaky clean and ready for your weekly routine. Do not forget to inspect the space from all angles to make sure you reached every spot.
- You prefer taking showers to baths. For every individual who appreciates a long, soothing soak in the bathtub, there is another who favors a quick, convenient scrub in the shower. If a walk-in shower fits your daily schedule better than a bathtub, it only makes perfect sense to choose it for your bath renovation.
How Much Space Do You Have?
One fixture that takes up the most space in an average-sized bathroom—about 40 square feet—is the bathtub, which is at least 15 square feet in size. Bathrooms see a lot of fast-paced activities, like washing hands, brushing teeth, and applying cosmetics, and cramped, ill-lit spaces can induce stress, something you do not want to deal with when trying to relax after a long, tiring day at work. If your bathroom has limited square footage, installing a walk-in shower may be the best solution because it only takes up an average of 12 square feet of floor space. While the number is not too drastic, acquiring that extra floor space during the bath renovation can make a huge difference in your day-to-day life.
Do You Already Have a Bathtub?
While it is tempting to simply rip out all bathtubs and install ultramodern walk-in showers for a lavish, high-end look, there are a few factors to take into account. If you are going to sell your home in the near future, for example, removing bathtubs will isolate families with small children and expectant couples.
If there is a small tub in your guest bathroom, consider replacing it with a shower-only unit to allow them valuable space to prepare, get dressed, and run other personal errands. If there is a tub in the owner’s suite, consider revamping it for resale purposes. If moving out is not in your plans and you never use your bathtub, it may be time to swap out the fixture for a luxury shower or sauna.
Who Is Using the Bathroom?
Think about the people currently living in your house or potential buyers, should you decide to sell down the line. Young people wrapped up in their nine-to-five jobs tend to prefer walk-in showers over bathtubs. The same is true for many elderly and disabled homeowners because getting into and out of walk-in showers is more convenient and trouble-free. These individuals, however, usually require a place to sit and railings for mobility assistance and overall safety. On the other hand, parents of babies and toddlers may find managing bath time in a shower stall a bit complicated. One way to circumvent this problem is to build a spacious walk-in shower with a bench and several showerheads, including a handheld shower. It leaves plenty of room for the parent and child to move around and, more importantly, there is no back-breaking bending over the rim of a tub.
If you are taking on an aging-in-place bathroom remodel, installing a shower is a good investment. If you are planning to start a family, it is recommended to have at least one bathtub.
In a primary suite, the bathroom is usually only used by adults. If you are contemplating keeping or installing a bathtub, consider purchasing a deep, stand-alone model. This provides a luxurious option for those who like to self-indulge or sink in fresh-scented bubble baths while relishing in comfort and peace. There are also models that can be easily incorporated into every aesthetic, from neutral and modern to romantic and Mediterranean. You may also look for units with jets or internal heaters that keep the water warm for extended periods.
What Is Your Budget?
A tub installation costs $3,000 on average, while it costs an average of $6,000 to build a walk-in shower, according to HomeAdvisor. However, you should not let the upfront price deter you from making the switch from an outdated tub to a modern shower during the bathroom remodel. Homeowners are increasingly opting for upgraded showers when undertaking bathroom remodels. In fact, an upscale bath renovation can recoup around 58% of the cost in resale value, according to a report by Remodeling Magazine.
If a walk-in does not fit your budget, a standard shower stall, which costs around $3,500 to install, is an appropriate alternative to explore. If you prefer a bathtub, however, and have more space in your bathroom and budget, you may look into air-jet and whirlpool types.
Contact The Bathroom Store for Your Bathroom Remodeling Needs
Do you have an outdated, ill-lit, shabby bathroom? You can count on The Bathroom Store for high-quality bathroom remodeling solutions, including vanity and sink addition, shower installation, and shower-to-tub conversion. We are committed to delivering industry-leading products and outstanding workmanship to ensure the comfort and satisfaction of our clients in North Dakota. To set up an appointment or request a free, no-obligation quote, call our professional team today at (701) 248-7420 or fill out our online contact form. We will be back in touch with you as soon as possible!
