Thinking about replacing your tub with a shower? Maybe your kids are long past the bathtub stage, and you think a walk-in shower would be nice to upgrade your bathroom. Or maybe you want to modernize the space and create a more luxurious look and feel.
Today's homeowner has a myriad of choices when it comes to the showers, bathtubs, and combinations in their home. As with any home remodel, there is a lot to consider. Let’s look at the pros and cons of tub to shower conversions to help you make the right decision for your bathroom.
Pros of Tub to Shower Conversion
1. Add Value to Your Home
Renovating your bathroom is one of the best ways to add value to your home. Converting your tub to shower is a great modern upgrade that many buyers will flip over! That might be why tearing out the tub and installing a shower is one of the most popular bathroom remodels.
Some remodeling projects never allow you to recoup your money when you sell your home. This is one that, in most cases, repays you more than your investment.
2. A Shower Takes up Less Space Than a Tub
You may not realize it but turning your tub into a walk-in shower can greatly increase the space of your bathing area. You’ll no longer be “boxed in” by the chunky rim of your old tub. It’s a surprisingly freeing experience! If your tub takes up most of the space in your bathroom, converting it to a shower makes a lot of sense.
A square shower unit can be installed in a space as a small as 30 inches by 30 inches. Your current tub might be 6 or more feet in length. This project gives you more room to move around, and you can use that extra space to make your bathroom more functional.
3. You’ll Save Money on Your Water Bill
It takes a lot of water to fill up a bathtub. You can’t really bathe effectively unless the tub is full. This is obviously not a requirement of a shower. Showering can save you hundreds of dollars a year over the cost of bathing. Some people don’t think about this aspect of a tub to shower conversion, but it’s always nice to save some money.
4. A Shower is Better for Mobility Issues
For older adults who have mobility issues, having a shower rather than a tub is often a safer option.
If you have mobility issues, replacing your tub with a shower can greatly improve your safety and peace of mind. It is easier to slip in a bathtub than in a shower. You have to step up and over the side of the tub, sit, stand up and do it again providing many opportunities for a fall or pain from joint issues.
A tub to shower conversion can make your home, and especially your bathroom, a safer place.
This homeowner decided to not only replace their tub with their shower for safety, but they also installed a home sauna for health reasons.
5. The Perception of More Space
Showers with clear doors make your bathroom look bigger. They look roomier and you don’t feel as cramped. Your shower might take up more room than your tub, especially if it’s a luxury model. Even so, the room will look bigger.
6. You Can Still Sit Back and Relax (if you want to)
Your shower can be a place to relax and unwind. It can be so large that a bench is placed into the shower, allowing you to have a place to sit if you just want to enjoy the steam and hot water for a while. Plus, it looks amazing! The options for turning your shower into a retreat are endless from steam showers to surround sound and Bluetooth features.
The Cons of a Tub to Shower Conversion
1. Kids Love Baths
This isn’t a big deal if you have a bathtub elsewhere in your home. However, if you are remodeling your only bathroom this could be a problem. You definitely need a bathtub in your home if you have young children.
2. You May Remove the Only Tub in Your Home
Families with young children might not be too keen on buying your home if you don’t have at least one bathtub making it less desirable to certain buyers if you decide to sell.
Ready to Convert Your Tub to a Shower?
If you are thinking about converting your tub to shower, then you’ll need to work with experienced bathroom designer who knows how to get the job done the right way. We’d love to talk with you and help you explore the options for your bathroom.