After remodeling in Orange County for close to four decades, there are common questions we get from our clients, and one of them is this: “Should you trade your bathtub for a shower when planning a bathroom remodel?”
Of course, the answer is different for everyone. Homeowners with small children, for example, might actually need a bathtub for everyday bathing tasks. On the other hand, busy millennials or aging seniors may find that tubs are more of a hassle than they’re worth.
Today, we’ll walk you through a few reasons why a walk-in shower might be a better choice than a tub when planning your bathroom remodel. Then, you can decide for yourself what makes the most sense for your home and family.
Why Should You Consider Trading Your Bathtub for a Shower?
1. Showers are more accessible than bathtubs.
Accessibility has long been important for homeowners with mobility challenges or other disabilities. But in recent years, we’ve also seen an emerging trend of homeowners choosing to age in place. That means that when possible, they stay at home as they age or live with family members instead of moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility. With universal design, including an accessible walk-in shower, aging in place is possible and safe.
2. Trade your bathtub for a shower to make better use of space.
Your home’s bathrooms see a lot of traffic on a daily basis. That’s why it’s critical to make good use of every available inch of square footage you have. And sometimes, a bathtub just doesn’t cut it.
While a tub may be useful for small children, they quickly turn to showering as they get older. Change out your tub for a shower, and you may just have something that everyone in the household can use for longer. Plus, some tubs simply take up a lot of space. If you have a small bathroom, a shower tucked neatly in the corner could actually make the best use of your available space.
3. Remove the tub to make room for a bigger shower.
The reality is that most homeowners today lead very busy lives. With both partners often working outside the home, it’s not uncommon for them to be getting ready for the day at the same time. But building a bigger bathroom to accommodate two people isn’t always possible. Sometimes trading the bathtub for a shower will do the trick and enable more than one person to shower simultaneously.
4. Increase the resale value of your home.
Unless your current bathroom features a tub that’s super relaxing and more reminiscent of the local spa, there’s a good chance that it could actually detract from your home’s resale value. According to a recent home design survey from the American Institute of Architects, bathrooms remain a significant focal point for homeowners, and size matters!
This means that the more aesthetically pleasing and functional you can make your bathrooms, the better potential you could have for selling your house quickly and at top dollar. If you trade your bathtub for a shower, it’s possible that your family’s current needs might be better met while setting yourself up for better resale value down the road.
5. Trade your bathtub for a shower and save water.
According to industry estimates, the average bath can take anywhere from 30 to 50 gallons of water. The actual amount used, of course, depends on bathing preferences as well as how big the tub is. On the other hand, a 10 minute shower with a 2.5 gallon-per-minute showerhead takes only 25 gallons. Shorter showers or more efficient showerheads can further reduce water usage.
If you don’t pay directly for your water usage or you live in an area where water is plentiful, water savings may not be that important to you. If you live in areas like drought-ridden California, however, deciding to trade your bathtub for a shower could help save on your water bill but also help save the environment.
6. Upgrade your bathroom design with stunning tile work and shower built-ins.
In the olden days, homeowners cared more about function than aesthetics in almost every area of their home. Today’s modern bathrooms are all about both, however. With current bathroom design trends and a wide variety of materials on the market, there’s no reason to sacrifice beauty simply to get a functional bathroom.
That means there are plenty of ways to have a stylish bathtub, too. In fact, many of the master bathrooms we’ve remodeled in Orange County have gorgeous tubs that make you feel exactly like you’re in an at-home spa.
Some homeowners choose to trade their tubs in for a shower to take their bathroom design to the next level. Showers can be lined with stunning tile work, often making their own statement. In addition, custom built-in shower niches offer a convenient but beautiful place to store bathing essentials. Include a built-in shower bench, and you have the perfect combination – a space that’s aesthetically pleasing but also functional and accessible.
Quality Bathroom Remodeling in Orange County
At Sea Pointe Design & Remodel, we believe in combining the latest in bathroom design with homeowners’ wants and needs. When we do this, you are left with a highly functional and aesthetically pleasing space.
To get a closer look at the quality of our work, check out our online portfolio of completed projects. Or, register for one of our upcoming remodeling webinars to learn helpful remodeling tips from the pros.
Then, when you’re ready to start planning your bathroom remodel, call us at (949) 861-3400 or fill out the form below to schedule your complimentary design consultation.