If you’re ready to remodel your bathroom or you’re just thinking of ways to improve your bathroom’s functionality, you’re probably wondering whether a shower is better than a tub.
The tub vs shower debate has been long going in the remodeling industry, and no one can tell for sure which one is better.
The reason?
It all depends on your changing needs, your preferences, and, of course, your budget.
In this article, we’ll give you some insights that’ll help you choose between a tub vs shower, and which one of these upgrades will end up in your new bathroom.
Think Of Your Changing Needs
Pros Of Having A Bathtub
When you’re remodeling your bathroom, always think of your changing needs. If you have young children, for example, you’ll probably want to have a bathtub so that you can bathe them conveniently.
Also, think about how you usually use your bathroom. If you like to soak in the tub after a long day at work, then a tub is definitely the better option for you.
A tub is also great to fill up some empty, unused space in your bathroom. This might not be a problem in small baths but in larger spaces, you don’t want your space to look empty.
Lastly, a bathtub can complement the style of your new bath. If, for example, you have an old victorian home with a traditional bathroom, a stylish bathtub will add to it and make it look even better.
Cons Of Having A Bathtub
It’s a well-known fact that tubs will take more water, increasing your water bill. If you want to save some money or you’re more environmentally friendly, a shower will be the better choice.
Besides, quick showers are a great way to start a day and get straight to work and get stuff done.
Another thing worth considering is how accessible the tub will be. We know for a fact that senior homeowners have issues with getting in and out of their tubs, creating trip hazards and putting their lives in danger at times.
Walk-in showers are way more efficient for older homeowners, as all they need to do is walk inside and shower. You can even have a built-in bench so you can sit down!
Showers are also more energy and water-efficient, so you’ll get to save some extra cash on your water bills.
If you lack too much floor space, adding a bathtub can break the vibe of the room and make it look like it’s crowded. Moving around will also become more difficult. Both a shower and a tub does this, but a large walk in shower can also give the appearance of a more airy space.
Cost Of A Bathtub Vs Shower
One of the main concerns of our customers when it comes to the bathtub vs shower debate is their cost.
People know that showers are expensive, but that’s not always the case.
Installing a walk-in shower costs an average of $1,000 to $12,000. A pre-fabricated unit is less expensive at around $1,000 while a custom-made unit can be upwards of $6,500 to $12,000. The most expensive part of the project itself will be the tiling. The plumbing installation can also cost quite a lot sometimes, and then the water fixtures and the lighting if need be.
A showerhead with all the bells and whistles can cost as much as $500, and glass shower doors will cost you around $1,000.
At JN Tiling And Construction, we’re building some of the best glass walk-in showers in Northeastern Indiana. We’re professionals that dedicate themselves to delivering top-notch quality on every project we work on!
In comparison, a typical soaking tub costs about $1,000 for a low-end tub and can be as high as $13,000 for a high-end tub, like a modern freestanding tub. The most expensive thing will be the tub itself, and then its installation, plumbing (if necessary), and water fixtures.
The ROI Of A Tub Vs Shower
As per Remodeling Magazine, bathroom remodels that included a porcelain tub brought back an ROI of 70.1 percent, whereas a remodel that featured a curbless walk-in shower had a 70.6 percent ROI.
So, both a tub and a separate shower bring back the same value when it comes to selling your property or increasing its value on the market.
Of course, the ROI of your master bathroom remodel will be different depending on what upgrades you’re looking to add. For the highest return, we recommend not breaking the bank on tile flooring or other expensive items, but focusing on mid-range quality that looks good and stylish.
Conclusion
So, what will it be? The tub vs shower debate is a discussion we have with most of our customers.
Are you looking for the functionality and accessibility of a shower or the comfort and elegance of a tub? Or maybe you’re looking for both, and in that case, all you need to do is budget a little bit more to get both of them!
Or, you can get a tub and shower combo! It’s true that the shower tub combo doesn’t look as good, but they’re highly functional, so who cares?
From our experience, you’ll want to have at least one tub in your home. A stand alone tub where you can take a warm bath after a long day of work will make your day so much better!
If you’re ready to start your bathroom remodel with the best pros in town and get more insights into your tub vs shower situation, we’re ready to help! Give us a ring at (260) 316-4537 or request a free quote today!