One of the most tricky questions about bathroom remodeling Corvallis homeowners face is, “Should I have a bathtub or a shower in my new bathroom?” It’s important to understand the pros and cons of each, and to go through some extra questions about how you want to use the bathroom now and in the future in your Benton County bathroom remodel. First, let’s begin with some basic pros and cons of bathtubs and showers, then work through the questions that follow in order to arrive at an educated choice that works for you and your family.
Bathtubs are a bathroom classic.From the traditional alcove tub to the trending freestanding tub and everything in between, you can find a bathtub to fit your space and lifestyle. If you have young children, it’s an absolute bathing essential. This is why realtors say that having at least one bathroom with a tub is important for resale value.
Many people shower far more often than they take a bath. Busy professionals may find it more convenient to rush through a shower, because they simply do not have time to luxuriate in a tub. Individuals with limited mobility may encounter difficulty getting in and out of a bathtub. Tubs can also claim a lot of space in smaller bathrooms where a different use of space might make more sense, either for accessibility or convenience.
Whether you choose a fiberglass or acrylic shower insert or a walk-in tile, these usually inhabit less space than a bathtub. They’re also quite versatile these days; you can add built-in accessible seating, a steam shower or other features that make showering luxurious and convenient. They can also be built with accessibility and safety considerations in mind. If your bathroom remodeling project involves a fairly small space, opting for just a shower here can create room to do other things like adding more storage space, which is always in high demand.
As previously mentioned, a home with just showers can turn off some potential homebuyers, particularly those with small children or those who might potentially want to grow their families in the future—not to mention people who just love a good soak in a hot bathtub to unwind at the end of the day. In addition, showers can be more expensive to install, particularly if you want showers with extra features.
Now that you have a breakdown of the basic shower vs. bathtub pros and cons, you need to ask yourself some questions that will help you determine whether you have to choose one or the other, or whether you can have both in your bathroom remodel.
1. How Do You Use Your Bathroom?
This is your house, and your bathroom needs to fit your needs, and the needs of your family and guests. Do you love taking long, luxurious baths a few times a week? Do you have to bathe small children on a regular basis? Do you have an athlete in the family who needs to soak to relieve sore muscles after competition or training? Or, do you seldom use the bathtub you already have because you’re too busy? Do you have family members who find bathtubs inaccessible? Are you planning on aging in place and wonder if you may have accessibility concerns in the future? So, it makes a lot of sense to sit down and consider each of those questions seriously before deciding to get rid of one or the other bathroom staple.
2. How Much Space Are You Working With?
Cramped spaces cause stress and even injury. So, if you are remodeling a small bathroom, it might make a lot of sense to have just a walk-in shower instead of a tub or both. By eliminating the bathtub in a small bathroom, you can increase freedom of movement and storage space, both of which are beneficial in the bathroom. On the other hand, if you are working with a larger bathroom, you may be able to have both a bathtub and a shower. You might be able to opt for a larger, soaking tub by forgoing the shower, or you can consider a smaller tub that gives you a larger shower space.
3. What is in Your Current Bathroom?
You need to ask what’s there now because pipes and plumbing changes can cost extra time and money. It can be a fairly simple switch if you’re replacing one tub with another tub, but if you are removing a tub and adding a shower, things can become more complicated. If price is no obstacle, then switching one with the other may not be a problem, but making sure to get the plumbing right will take some extra time and work, so it’s important to factor that into the project from the very beginning.
If you’re planning a bathroom remodel sometime in the near future, it’s important to answer these questions at the very start of the project, during the planning phase. Getting an expert opinion to help you evaluate your options will also save you a lot of time, money and hassle. So if you have hard-to-resolve bathroom remodeling questions, the experts at Corvallis Custom Kitchens and Baths are an invaluable resource. Contact us to set up a personalized consultation today, and be sure to peruse our bathroom remodeling portfolio for inspiration: 541.758.6141.