Quite honestly, a majority of people use standalone showers. There are those few, mostly elderly and children, that still take baths. For some elderly getting in and out of those showers can be challenging. Either way, we want to consider the options to give our bathroom a new look by eliminating the bathtub and adding a shower. We want to give our shower a whole new look, something fresh and modern. For most of us, nothing is more relaxing than a hot shower, and it’s one of those investments that families will enjoy for many years. For some people, taking a bath has even been described as unsanitary. A bath can also use more water compared to a shower. For example, on average, a bath uses 35 gallons of water, whereas a shower with a low-flow showerhead uses 25 gallons.
You’re not alone when desiring a standalone shower. In 2015 the American Institute of Architects completed a survey. In that survey, they asked homeowners if they preferred a shower with or without a tub. A resounding 65% preferred no bathtub, and in 2014 the number was 56%. So it appears that not having a bathtub is becoming the trend.
The Pros And Cons Of Converting Your Tub Into A Standalone Shower
Pros:
- Increased Accessibility: A standalone shower offers improved accessibility for people with mobility issues or disabilities.
- More Space: A standalone shower offers more space in the bathroom, making it feel more open and less cluttered.
- Easy to Clean: Cleaning a standalone shower is typically easier and less time-consuming than cleaning a bathtub.
- Energy Efficiency: Showers use less water than baths, which can result in lower water and energy bills.
- Stylish: Standalone showers can add a modern and stylish look to your bathroom, increasing your home’s value.
Cons:
- Reduced Resale Value: Some homebuyers prefer a bathtub to a standalone shower, which can decrease the resale value of your home.
- Higher Cost: Converting a bathtub into a standalone shower can be expensive, especially if plumbing or electrical work is needed.
- Limited Use: A standalone shower does not offer the same relaxation and soaking benefits as a bathtub.
- Requires Drainage: Standalone showers require proper drainage to prevent water damage to your bathroom.
- Limited Bathing Options: Standalone showers do not offer the same bathing options as a bathtub, such as adding bubble baths or bath salts.
What Do Real Estate Professionals Have To Say About Standalone Showers?
Real estate professionals generally agree that converting a bathroom from a bathtub and shower to a standalone shower can have both advantages and disadvantages for homeowners who are considering this renovation.
Advantages:
- More space: A standalone shower can create more space in a bathroom than a combined tub and shower, making the bathroom feel larger and more spacious.
- Modern appeal: Many homebuyers prefer standalone showers because they look more modern and stylish than traditional tub and shower combinations.
- Accessibility: Standalone showers can be more accessible for people with mobility issues or for older adults who may have difficulty stepping over the edge of a bathtub.
Disadvantages:
- Resale value: Some homebuyers may prefer a bathtub in a home, especially if they have young children or enjoy taking baths themselves. Removing a bathtub could potentially decrease the home’s value in some buyers’ eyes.
- Limited functionality: A standalone shower may not be as versatile as a bathtub and shower combination, especially if someone in the household enjoys taking baths regularly.
- Cost: Converting a bathroom from a bathtub and shower to a standalone shower can be expensive, especially if it requires significant plumbing or structural changes.
Ultimately, whether or not to convert a bathroom from a bathtub and shower to a standalone shower will depend on a homeowner’s personal preferences and plans for selling their home in the future. Consult with a real estate professional or a home renovation expert to discuss the potential impact of this renovation on the home’s value and functionality.
A Bathtub Can Still Add Value To A Home
The impact of a bathtub on a home’s value will depend on several factors, such as the home’s location, the type of bathtub, and the preferences of potential buyers. Generally, having at least one bathtub in a home is considered a standard feature. It can be seen as a positive for potential buyers, especially for families with young children or those who enjoy baths. If your home has multiple bathrooms, it is less likely that the absence of a bathtub in one of them will significantly impact the home’s overall value.
However, in some cases, the absence of a bathtub could negatively impact the value of a home, particularly if it is the only bathroom in the house. Additionally, if the bathtub is outdated or in poor condition, it could negatively impact the home’s value. Ultimately, whether or not a bathtub will keep or lose value in your home will depend on the specific circumstances and preferences of potential buyers in your local real estate market. Therefore, consulting with a professional real estate agent for guidance on maximizing your home’s value is always a good idea.
Factor in Years Of Enjoyment From Your Standalone Shower
Like any upgrade or remodel, your decision needs to be thought out. Do you want to go without a bathtub completely? Real estate professionals recommend leaving at least one tub in your home. Your final decision for a walk-in standalone shower should come after you factor in the year’s use and enjoyment. Of course, another factor is cost, which will depend on various things, such as the quality of fixtures, faucets, shower fixtures, etc. Another question is labor. Will you do it yourself or hire a contractor?
Don’t Nickel And Dime Your Standalone Shower Remodel
While budgeting for your new shower, consider taking a few extra steps to improve the remodel. For example, change your old pipes, especially if your home is over thirty years old. Your bathtub has been there for many years and may have some existing dry rot or other issues. Replacing it before your new shower goes in is critical. While most of us are on a tight budget, your new shower is a luxury, and you’ll enjoy the benefits for years to come. With that in mind, get the tiles and fixtures you want without nickel and dimming them. Enhance it with a luxury shower head–––it’s easy to spend other people’s money.
At Big B’s Plumbing, We Have You Covered
Your next step is finding the professional to put it all together. At Big B’s Plumbing, we’ve been providing bathroom remodels for many years. As a result, we have thousands of reviews across Google Business, Facebook, and Yelp. We also pride ourselves on an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. So if you’re converting to a shower-only bathroom, we got you covered!