JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – If your bathroom could use a little love, it's a smart place to spend money. Behind kitchens, bathrooms provide the second best return on investment when remodeling. But is swapping your tub for a shower right for you and your family?
Removing the bathroom tub and adding a walk-in shower caters to homeowners of all ages. Those wanting to age in place choose them for functionality and accessibility, while other homeowners favor the sleek, modern design and extra space.
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While those big soaking tubs may look glamorous, Angie's List has found people aren't really using them much. In fact, they're replacing those tubs with luxurious showers.
Showers can give homeowners more space and because they're more convenient and safer than a deep tub – showers are a great idea for people who plan to grow old in their homes.
Angie's List asked highly rated bathroom remodelers about the popular trend of replacing tubs with a shower.
- Think ahead: If your home has more than one bathroom, removing the tub may not be a big deal, but if your house has just one bathroom it may hurt your value and also make it less child-friendly to potential buyers if you decide to sell it down the road.
- Plan ahead: Start with the fundamentals. Now is the time to measure, plan and research what you want.
- Customize: No matter how small the space, walk-in showers can be customized to just about any size and shape. A walk-in shower can be built without a door, but there are many door styles available.
- Select your fixtures: Consider what faucet options you want. There are a variety of materials and finishes to choose from.
- Waterproofing & drainage: Proper installation will help ensure the shower doesn't leak. Sealing the shower floor from leaks will help protect your home. Select a high quality and durable drain.
- How much? Converting a standard 5-foot tub into a shower typically starts around $4,500 and price can go up depending on materials and options you choose.