Integrating a walk-in shower within the primary bathroom suite is known to attract buyers, thanks to their modern design and accessibility. In fact, for every dollar spent on adding a walk-in shower, the increase in home value can average $1.71, a return that's hard to ignore.
Potential Drawbacks of Walk-in Showers
Excess Water: Because of the functionality of a shower (pressurized water falling from a high point to the surface) and fewer barriers (like tub walls and curtains), they are more susceptible to water splashing throughout your bathroom.
It is unlikely to decrease value directly, but it may decrease due to less competition - people with small kids are going to be more likely to walk away from a house without a bath. More likely than not it's not an issue.
If so, it might be worth considering adding a full bath or a shower during your bathroom renovation. According to recent data, homes with at least one tub tend to sell for more money than those with showers – and the difference can be quite pronounced in some parts of the country.
You can either pick a prefabricated design to save money or can design the customized shower of your dreams. Due to the wide range of options, the cost of a walk-in shower spans from $1,000–$15,000, with an average cost of $6,700.
Is a walk-in shower a good investment? Yes, a walk-in shower is a good investment as it can increase the value of your home, especially if you already have another bathtub. So, it's important to consider the existing features in your bathroom.
Generally a lot more expensive than a walk-in shower. Everything can get wet if completely open plan. The whole room can get steamy and damp.
It's important to account for additional costs, like demolition and permits, which can impact the budget. Several key factors impact the cost of a walk-in shower. Shower size is one of the primary considerations: larger showers naturally cost more than standard size due to the extra materials and labor.
Replacing an existing tub with a luxurious walk-in shower can cost about $15,000 or higher depending on the complexity of the project. The amount you pay may vary depending on whether you choose a custom design or a one-piece stall.
Real estate professionals typically suggest that homeowners have at least one bathtub in the home for the highest resale value: a recent study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) found that over 50 percent of home buyers prefer a master bath with a bathtub and a shower as opposed to just a shower stall.
According to a recent survey, only 23 percent of homeowners actually use their bathtubs on a regular basis. This means that the vast majority of bathrooms have tubs that just take up space. If you aren't using your bathtub, you can have it removed and give yourself a bigger and more comfortable bathroom.
A downstairs toilet can add up to 5% to the value of your property. Properties however with only a downstairs bathroom actually go down in value. On the other hand, if you already have a bathroom on the first floor and are planning to add a toilet downstairs, it's a great way to boost the value of your property.
Installing a walk-in shower costs $9,000, on average, but your total could fall anywhere between $6,000 and $12,000. A pro will consider several factors like size and type to craft your specific quote.
Con: They can be draughty
In a walk-in shower without an enclosure, the humidity from the shower circulates around the bathroom. This can make the room feel cold, especially if your bathroom is chilly or you feel the cold easily. There are a few ways to get around this, though.
With a walk-in shower you'll get too much water on the bathroom floor. You'll be cold in there without a full glass enclosure or shower curtains.
The national average cost of a walk-in shower installation is $7,500, with an average range between $3,170 and $11,495. A basic pre-fabricated unit can cost as little as $1,000, while a custom unit can cost as much as $6,500 to $12,000.
Medicare does not usually cover the costs of a walk-in shower. Although a walk-in shower is often easier to navigate than a traditional shower or bathtub, Medicare does not cover it as medically necessary durable medical equipment (DME). Medicare typically considers a walk-in shower a home modification, not DME.
To replace shower trays, enclosures and make good your bathroom, it does take longer. On average, our expert installation team takes 3-4 days to fit a walk-in shower. At Premier Care, we understand that installation time is an important consideration before committing to any bathroom upgrades.
Zillow and Behr Paint conducted a study in 2021 and found that having a light-blue palette can significantly increase a home's value. Make the most of this popular bathroom color, paint your bathroom walls a soft shade reminiscent of the sky, and extend the hue to the ceiling.
But a plain and simple bathroom is a great starting-off position. Get it clean: First and foremost, the bathroom must be clean. There is no way you will make a positive statement if the grout is discoloured and the sealant is mouldy. Add some colour: Look at the current trends for colours and wallpapers.
For a walk-in shower, we recommend a shower enclosure of at least 85cm. This ensures easy entry and exit and is ideal for smaller bathrooms or making the best use of space. For larger bathrooms, consider double-sided walk-in showers or even U-shaped configurations, with wall lengths of up to 180cm.
A doorless shower makes your ordinary bathroom into a luxurious one. It's elegant and can make your bathroom look more spacious and bigger. It can also increase your home's real estate value, in case you decide to sell your home in the future. The catch is, it can be costly as most doorless showers are custom-designed.
If you are installing you walk in shower in a corner of a room and wish to enter from the front then you may require a glass end panel. This glass panel can be the same as the front panel but a different size to suit you tray.