Outfitting Your Bathroom: Shower vs Bathtub

Winter is the time to hunker down, avoid the flurries and, ideally, work on your interior remodel. The best time to undergo a kitchen or a bathroom model is during the months, coincidentally, which is why we’ve been thinking a lot about the bathroom debate: whether to install a shower or a bathtub. We had our experts sound off which they prefer and why it’s the highest line-item on their bathroom remodel wish-list.

Where to start

After choosing the right flooring for your bathroom remodel, then comes another difficult decision: what’s the best bathing option? Is it a shower, is it a stand-alone tub, is a shower/tub combo or both? To begin to whittle down which option is best for you, consider the layout of your bathroom.

Some bathrooms are large enough for both a bathtub and a shower unit. But this also hinges upon what sort of tub and shower you’d like. There are a variety of styles of both. For instance, there are standard, freestanding, soaking, whirlpool, walk-in, clawfoot tubs that also come in a wide variety of materials. Similarly, there are numerous types of showers including walk-in, enclosed stalls or tub and shower combos.

Think of your budget

On average, tubs are cheaper to install. Experts estimated that to fully remodel a 5×7 bathroom with a bathtub and shower cost more than $21,000. The return on investment (ROI) was estimated at 64 percent. To update a 5×7 bathroom with a walk-in shower it cost nearly $35,000 while the ROI was only 62 percent. Unless you are looking to add resale value to your home, our experts agree that you should choose the bathing option that would add more value and happiness to your life.

Other considerations

If you are looking for an eco-friendlier option, a shower might be your best option if you habitually keep them short. On the other hand, if you want your ensuite to be an oasis and you find bathtubs more relaxing, that would be the better option for you. All homes need full-baths, but how you outfit your bathroom boils down to your own personal wants and needs.

Looking for other opinions? Give our experts a ring today to schedule a consultation about remodeling your bathroom.