Remodeling your bathroom is an exciting project. It’s an opportunity to design a space where you can relax and unwind after a long day. However, creating the right layout and choosing the best amenities for your bathroom remodel project can be challenging.
Are you hesitating between a walk-in tub and a shower? Read on to learn more about these different amenities.
The Benefits of a Walk-in Tub
A walk-in tub, or accessible tub, is a bathtub with a few features designed to enhance comfort and safety. One of these features is the addition of a door that eliminates the need to climb into the tub, and most walk-in tubs also come with a built-in seat or bench.
Compared to a traditional shower, a walk-in tub allows you to sit and relax while you bathe. There are other key benefits to consider, such as adding value to your home.
Comfort
Most walk-in tubs are deep enough so that your lower body and torso are underwater when you bathe. If you need to soak in warm water to relieve sore muscles or chronic pain, a walk-in tub is by far the best option.
Depending on the tub you choose, you might also benefit from an ergonomic sitting area that provides support and contributes to relieving back pain.
Safety
Getting in and out of a traditional tub can be challenging. Slip-and-fall accidents account for over one million emergency room visits every year, and many of these falls happen in the bathroom.
A walk-in tub greatly reduces risks by letting you walk in and out of the tub thanks to the door feature. You can also customize your walk-in tub installation by adding some grab bars in strategic spots.
Whether you have reduced mobility or live in a multi-generational household with older family members and young children, a walk-in tub will make your bathroom a lot safer.
A Luxurious Bathroom Amenity
Compared to a shower, a walk-in tub can make your bathroom feel a lot more inviting. If you’re investing in a bathroom remodel to enhance the value of your home, a luxurious bathroom amenity like a walk-in tub will immediately make your home more appealing to potential buyers.
Why Many Homeowners Opt for a Traditional Shower
Walk-in tubs can make your bathroom safer and more welcoming, but many homeowners prefer traditional showers when planning a bathroom remodel. Here’s why this classic amenity remains a popular choice.
A Space-Saving Amenity
Showers have a much smaller footprint when compared to tubs. Standard sizes range from 32×32” to 36×60.” Tubs typically measure 30×60,” but you need to account for additional clearance to open the door of your walk-in tub and get in and out of the tub comfortably. For small bathrooms, a shower is often a more realistic option compared to a walk-in tub.
Flexibility
Another advantage of choosing a shower for your bathroom remodel is flexibility. If you opt for a walk-in tub, you might have to arrange the entire layout of the bathroom to fit this amenity. You might even have to do some significant plumbing upgrades to connect your new tub.
A shower is a flexible option due to its smaller footprint. You should plan on having at least 30” of clearance to get in and out, but you can install a shower in a corner or opt for a three-piece shower if you have a nook with a plumbing hookup.
Budget and Water Consumption Considerations
Showers are the go-to bathing amenity for a reason. The initial price tag and installation costs are typically less expensive compared to bathtubs, and they help reduce your water consumption and energy usage.
Filling up a bathtub can take as many as 70 gallons of water while showering for five to ten minutes only uses 10 to 25 gallons. You also have to consider the energy needed for your water heater to fill up a bathtub with 70 gallons of hot water.
Plus, installing a tub might require a water heater upgrade if your current appliance can’t keep up with this new amenity, which will increase your renovation budget.
Upgrade Your Bathroom With a Walk-In Tub or Shower
At A to Z Construction, our customers are our priority. We approach each bathroom remodel with the same level of care and consideration to create a personalized space that meets your expectations.
Contact us today to tell us more about your project! Our experts can take a look at your existing bathroom and discuss different options with you, including whether it’s best to upgrade your bathroom with a new walk-in tub or shower.
