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 and attractive space for yourself. Whatever the case, there are a few important decision to make along the way 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.
Space
A major factor that 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.
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.
Your Needs
Another 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 once in a while. On the other hand, you might be someone who enjoys the convenience of a shower before work and never steps into a tub. It often makes sense to stick to the option from which you will get the most use.
Marketability
While many homeowners have been found to prefer a tub-less shower stall, estate agents still advocate keeping at least one tub in your household. Houses without a bathtub can take longer to sell, ultimately reducing their market price. If you plan to sell up 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. 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 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.