Planning to undergo a bathroom construction or renovation and not sure what would work best in your home, Shower or Bath Tub? Wonder no more.
Of all the considerations that go into a bathroom remodel, perhaps none will impact the overall look and layout—not to mention the budget—like the choice between installing a tub or a shower only. Assuming you don’t have the square footage or funds to invest in both, you’ll have to pick one. Would you replace the tub with a shower stall? Or will you make room to go from a shower to a bathtub? Let's take some of the guesswork out of the equation and answer these questions to help make the decision.
Do You Already Have a bath Tub?
If you already have a bath tubs installed, you might want take out all the bath tubs and refresh them with trendy showers. However, most realtor would advise against it if you intend the sell the house. No tub homes would deter expectant couples and families with young children.
For resale purposes, if you have only one full bathroom you should think about invest in a combination shower/tub. If you have multiple bathrooms, you might want consider keeping or updating at least one bath tub.
How Much Space Do You Have?
An average bath tub is 15 square feet vs an average shower is 12 square feet, Given an average bathroom is approximately 40 square feet, If you install a shower you get an 7% extra space. If you are low on square footage in your bathroom you might want to invest in a shower.
Who Is Using This Bathroom?
Showers are more accessible. Family members who are elderly, wheelchair-bound, or have other mobility impairments may find it challenging to climb in and out of a traditional tub. To enter and exit a shower they need only open the door or curtain or, in the case of curbless walk-in showers, simply step or glide in. Features and furnishings such as grab bars on the walls and benches also make showers more user-friendly. Young, busy couples tend to also prefer walk-in showers over tubs.
Whereas if you are planning to start a family, make sure you have at least one tub. Moreover, a bath tub can give you a spa experience at home. Add some bath salts, light scented candles, put on your favourite music and relax. Take a nice long soak. A stand-alone bathtub can easily be the showstopper of the space. You can even look for varieties with jets or internal heaters that help keep the water warm.
Is Energy Efficiency a Priority?
Showers use less water if you keep them short. When it comes to energy efficiency and water conservation, a quick shower virtually always beats a bath. The average bathtub holds 25 to 45 gallons, according to the Alliance for Water Efficiency. Using a modern low-flow showerhead, which uses 2.5 gallons per minute, a 5 minute shower consumes just 12.5 gallons of water. This is a bonus for your wallet and it also makes your property more competitive in the resale market. Energy efficiency is a top priority for today’s homebuyers.
What’s Your Budget?
A tub will cost anywhere from $400 to $8,000, installed, whereas a shower ranges from $450 to $10,000. Standard bathtubs and shower stalls are at the low end, while whirlpool tubs and walk-in showers are pricier. You can have a whirlpool tub installed for an average of $4,500, less than three-fourths of what you’d pay for a walk-in shower, priced at $6,000 on average.
