When you’re refurbishing your bathroom, you want to get all the details right. Perhaps your aim is to improve the market value of the property, or maybe you just want a more pleasant, relaxing, or attractive space for yourself. Whatever the case, there are a few important decisions you need to make regarding fittings and fixtures. One that regularly comes up for debate is whether to install a tub or a shower in the bathroom. There are several factors that might influence your decision; be sure to think them through before making the final decision.
Your Needs
Probably the most important consideration, of course, is how much use you would get out of each option. Do you have children in your household who may need to be bathed in a tub? Perhaps you enjoy an evening bubble bath and a glass of wine to chill out at the end of a hard day. On the other hand, you might be someone who enjoys the convenience of a shower before work and doesn’t like to soak in a tub. It makes sense to stick to the option you will get the most use out of.
Space
A major factor that often determines whether homeowners choose a tub or a shower is space. If there is not enough square footage in your bathroom for a tub, a shower may be the way to go. Conversely, if you have a particularly large bathroom, it may look empty or under-furnished if you only install a shower or don’t install a larger custom tiled shower.
Cost
If you’re constrained by a budget, the cost of your chosen tub or shower unit could have an impact on your choice. However, with prices ranging from as little as $1,000 to $15,000 (or more) and often dependent upon the features you select, you should be able to find options within your price range, regardless of whether you choose a shower or a tub.
Marketability
While many homeowners have been found to prefer a tub-less shower stall, real estate agents still advocate keeping at least one tub in your household. Houses without a bathtub can take longer to sell, especially to families with small kids, ultimately reducing their market price. If you plan to sell or upgrade at some point in the near future, keep this in mind.
Why Not Choose Both?
Some homeowners have waived the decision between a tub and a shower altogether, opting to install both in their bathrooms. Options even exist to have a larger wet-room installed with the tub alongside the shower or a walk in tub with a shower, often a good selection for the elderly who may have difficulty stepping over a normal bathtub’s threshold. If you have the space and the budget, this could be the way to go. Whether you decide to install just a shower, just a bathtub, or a combination of both, ensuring that your new fixtures are correctly installed is vital. A plumber can help you fit your new shower or tub and may even be able to advise you during the decision-making process.