The Shower Tub Combo VS The Walk-in Shower

If you're a fan of home improvement shows, you have probably noticed one popular emerging trend – the growth of homeowners ditching the traditional shower tub combo for a luxurious walk-in shower. It seems like the alcove bathtub is rapidly becoming a thing of the past. They are still common in houses, but people aren't using them much.

Many homeowners are choosing to remove the shower tub combo and upgrade their personal space by installing a spa-like walk-in shower and a standalone tub if they have the space. The biggest question we're often asked is about resale value after removing the tub. While real estate professionals typically suggest that homeowners have a least one bathtub in the home for the highest resale value, today, it depends on your situation.

View Our Bathroom Remodeling Portfolio

Removing the shower tub combo and installing a walk-in shower is an important decision that goes beyond just your return on investment. This appliance is used every day by you and your family, so your choice should reflect the practical needs of your family.

In this post, we will examine the pros and cons of the walk-in shower.

The Pros and Cons of a Walk-in Shower

For many homeowners leading busy lifestyles, time is at a premium. There's often not a lot of time to relax in the tub. Getting into and out of the tub with sore knees or a bad back can be difficult for older homeowners. Many of our clients seek to remove their shower tub combo and replace it with a luxurious, low-threshold walk-in shower.

As with any home renovation project, there are both pros and cons to replacing the tub.

these aging-in-place clients eliminated their jetted tub in favor of a curbless walk-in shower with a generous window to the private backyard

The Pros

Mobility - Getting into and out of a low-threshold shower is much easier than getting into and out of a tub. As we age and for homeowners choosing to age-in-place, a walk-in shower might be a better and safer choice.

Creating A Large, Luxurious Shower - Removing the shower tub combo allows you to create a 5-foot wide walk-in shower.

Room for a Bench - A large walk-in shower has plenty of room for a bench. This is great for shaving your legs and is the perfect spot for shampoo or a place to sit when needed.

Creates a Beautiful Focal Point in Your Design - A beautifully tiled walk-in shower is the focal point of any bathroom design. Including a glass wall can open your space up and improve the light in the room.

Modernize your Design - Removing the shower tub combo and replacing it with a luxurious walk-in shower creates a modern, updated look for your bathroom.

A Selling Feature for Future Buyers - Today, tastes are changing. Walk-in showers are high on buyers' must-have lists, so adding one (especially in the primary bathroom) can make your home more appealing to buyers, especially if it's an oversized shower.

Learn The Cost Of A Bathroom Renovation in Greater Madison, Wisconsin

The Cons

There are a couple of cons to consider.

Not Ideal if it's the Only Tub - If you only have one bathroom or one tub in your home, removing it can affect resale value. Young homebuyers often need a tub for bathing children, so removing the tub may shrink your potential buyer pool. If you live in a neighborhood that does not attract young families, it may not matter. You might want to consult a real estate professional before removing the tub.

It Can Be Costly - Depending on the design, and scope of work involved, completing this type of project can be costly, so you need to be sure that this decision is the best one to meet your family's lifestyle needs.

Key Considerations: Shower or Bathtub

this beautifyl shower is also is a budget-friendly tub-to-shower conversion. it uses simple tile, a prefabricated base, and a 2-in-1 shower head.

Along with the pros and cons, here are a few key considerations when making your decision. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your priorities and specific needs.

The Price

Overall a tub shower combo can be more affordable, ranging from $400 – $8000 installed, while showers can cost anywhere from $450 - $10,000 or more depending on the amenities. On the higher end of the range, you'll find whirlpool tubs and large walk-in showers. Pro tip: The cost of labor will add up above and beyond these prices, especially when you add in the cost of plumbing updates. Expect to spend double the basic prices listed here.

Advantage: Shower Tub Combo

Size

The standard-sized tub will take up more real estate than a standard shower (13 square feet versus 9 for a shower). If you have a smaller bathroom, replacing the tub can give you additional storage space or room for a larger shower.

Advantage: Shower

Resale Value

If your home only has one bathroom, it's probably wise to stick with a shower tub combo. That said, consider your target resale market. If you live in a condo or neighborhood with younger residents having a shower instead of a bathtub might not be a deal breaker. However, if you live in a suburb with many young families, not having a bathtub might be an issue.

Best ROI

It's a tie that depends on your neighborhood's demographics and your home's footprint.

Accessibility and Comfort

If accessibility is an issue, a low-threshold walk-in shower is probably the best choice, with amenities like a bench, grab bars, and non-slip tiles. You might also want to consider the cost of a walk-in tub, depending on your needs and preferences. Many of us enjoy a relaxing soak after a tough workout or long day at work, so if this is you, the cost can be worth it!

Most Comfortable: Bath

Water Use

The average shower (under 12 minutes) uses about 2.1 gallons of water per minute or 21 gallons for a 10-minute shower. A standard bathtub requires 25-40 gallons, or if it's a whirlpool tub, 80 to 100 gallons. If you are concerned about your environmental impact, a shower is better.

Advantage: Shower (more environmentally friendly)

For Most People, Replacing A Shower Tub Combo Makes Sense

The decision to convert your shower-tub combo to a walk-in shower can be tricky. Consider how many years you expect to live in your home, weigh the costs, and how this will fit into your lifestyle now and into the future. The object of any home renovation is the enjoyment and functionality of your living space. If you want to convert your shower tub combo into a walk-in shower, do it! While resale value is a consideration, it's more important to do what makes sense and makes you happy!

If you're considering a bathroom remodeling project, and live in the Greater Madison area, call the experts at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel at (608) 846-5963. We can help you to take your kitchen to the next level of comfort and function! If you'd like to know more, we're always happy to answer all your questions.

Bathroom Design Articles You May Have Missed

Featured

Bathroom Design

Which is Best For Bathroom Remodel Porcelain or Ceramic Tile?

Bathroom Design

Choosing the best materials for wet surfaces is critical in a bathroom remodel. In this article, we compare the pros and cons of porcelain and ceramic tiles.

Bathroom Design

Doorless Walk-In Shower Ideas for Small Bathrooms

Bathroom Design

If you live in an older Ranch, cape, or Colonial-style home and want the modern look of a doorless walk-in shower, we have ideas for your bathroom remodel.

Bathroom Design

Bathroom Design, Master Suite Design

How To Avoid Bathroom Design-Build Remodeling Mistakes

Bathroom Design, Master Suite Design

We highlight common mistakes homeowners should be aware of and recommendations they can make when undertaking a bathroom design-build remodeling project.

Bathroom Design, Master Suite Design

An Above the Garage Master Suite Addition Remodeling Project

We recently completed an addition for our clients, John and Amy, a professional couple with young children living in the Blooming Meadows neighborhood in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.

Their home featured three bedrooms on the second floor. The existing master bedroom was outdated and impractical for modern living, and with three young children, two needed to share one of the two remaining bedrooms, and all three kids shared the second-floor bathroom. Another problem the family needed addressed was that John needed a private home office, and the one they currently had was a shared space that did not work well for his job.

Let's take a look at our creative solution for this young family!

A New Private Bathroom for the Adults!

One of the major elements on John and Amy's wish list was a private bathroom space just for them. They wanted plenty of space to get ready in the morning, away from the kids, and we delivered! The bathroom features a handcrafted Amish custom double vanity with a tower cabinet in alder wood, stained Carbon Gray. The contrasting Linnstone Quartz Calcutta pattern countertop brightens the space and ties in visually with the elegant tile work in the spacious walk-in shower. We added custom alder wood framed mirrors stained in the same Carbon Gray as the cabinets to complete the vanity. Over each of the mirrors, we installed Quoizel 2 light vanity fixtures to provide plenty of warm light.

In the shower, the 21st Century Tile 12x24 floor-to-ceiling tiles in Tivoli Silver give the room a bright and modern feel, and the low entry shower makes entering the shower safe and easy for the couple. We included a helpful niche in the shower for shampoo and other toiletries and, for contrast, used a beautiful hexagon mosaic accent tile. The glass doors give the space an open feel, making it bright and inviting. The Arbor Hills luxury vinyl plank flooring in timber adds a warm feel, giving the room a natural look with the benefit of waterproof LVP.

The Result

The final result of this second-floor master suite addition is a home that fits John, Amy, and the kid's needs and lifestyle perfectly. John now has the perfect private office space. Since John and Amy now have their private master suite, and each of the kids has their own bedroom giving them their own space to grow as they grow, their home is more comfortable and functional. And on the exterior, you can't even tell there's been an addition!

Are you considering an addition or other home improvement project? Let us help you design the perfect finished space! If you live in the Greater Madison area, call the experts at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel at (608) 846-5963. We can take your home to the next level of comfort, design, and function! Ready to learn more? We're always happy to answer your questions.