The bathroom is one of the most frequently used rooms in a house, so it is important to keep it in good working order. If you’re thinking about bathroom refurbishment, whether to help sell your house or just allow you to enjoy the space, you may need to decide between a shower or bathtub. Which should you choose? Here are a few pointers to help you decide.
1. Goals
The first thing to think about is your intention for the refurbishment. Is your goal to improve the overall aesthetic of your home, adjust the room to make it more suitable for your family’s needs, or simply increase the market value of your property? Once you know this, you can consider cost and space restraints to help you reach your decision.
2. Budget
The cost of installing a shower unit ranges from about $1,535 to $6,819, but what you pay will depend on the specific features of the appliance you choose. Installing a tub can run very slightly cheaper but largely falls within the same parameters, with costs starting around $3,500. The good news is, there are likely options available to fit your price range, whether you prefer a shower or a tub.
3. Existing Features
If you already have a bathtub in your house, you might not need a second one. If not, however, it might be worth including one, especially if you are aiming to improve the marketability of your property. This is because it is generally advised to have at least one tub in your home if you plan to sell it.
4. Family Needs
One of the most critical factors, of course, is what your family actually needs. For example, if you enjoy an occasional bubble bath or you have young children to bathe, a tub may be an important feature for you. On the contrary, if you or a family member struggle to get in and out of bathtubs, a walk-in shower might be more beneficial.
5. Space
Of course, another major consideration is the amount of space you have for such features within your bathroom. A smaller space or a room with an unconventional layout may only be suitable for a shower. Even a larger room does not necessarily mean a tub is the best option. In fact, larger walk-in showers and wetrooms are becoming increasingly popular in lieu of bathtubs. Ultimately, the right answer to this question, bathtub or shower, is what’s best-suited to your and your family’s needs! However, whatever you decide, you can benefit greatly from the support of a professional plumber to help ensure that your new fixture is safely installed. With the choice made and the installation accomplished, you can relax in your new shower or tub.
