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.
In fact, a full remodel may not even be necessary to see a strong return on your investment: Updating to a glass shower alone can add tremendous value and can help you to sell your home more quickly.
A walk-in shower tends to be a bit pricier than a traditional shower, usually because of the high-quality glass and specialist drainage systems needed. They're worth it in the long run if you're dreaming of adding an ensuite, doing a luxurious bathroom revamp or simply refitting a small shower room.
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.
The short answer is, it depends. Understanding the potential buyer of your home is key. If your neighborhood attracts many young families, removing the tub could indeed lower your home's resale value. However, there are situations where this might not be a significant concern.
The average walk-in shower in the U.S. measures 60" x 30", though size options can vary widely, typically up to 60" x 42" for a rectangular shower and 42" x 42" for a square one.
Though trends come and go, it's safe to say that replacing a tub with a walk-in shower modernizes the overall look of your space. Offers better accessibility and safety. Stepping into a tub-shower combo is awkward and the surface could be slippery.
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.
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.
Bathroom Vanity
Consider upgrading your countertops, faucet, and sink for maximum impact. You also might want to extend your vanity to include double sinks, particularly in a master bathroom. And, if you're looking for the highest ROI, opt for granite countertops with a modern sink and faucet design.
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.
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.
If you're looking for a closer balance between home value and aesthetics, porcelain tile and natural stone are the two options you may want to consider. You'll pay a higher premium for natural stone and it doesn't come in as many different styles as porcelain tile.
You can either install a ready-made walk-in shower stall or get a complete bathroom makeover with luxury showerheads, marble tile, and other accessible features. Replacing an existing tub with a luxurious walk-in shower can cost about $15,000 or higher depending on the complexity of the project.
Space and Accessibility
It is also a good choice if you have limited mobility, as it is easier to step into a walk-in shower than a tub. However, if you have small children or older adults in the house, a tub may be better suited as it provides a safer and more secure environment for bathing.
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.
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.
The average cost of a bathroom remodel in California ranges from $10,000 to $30,000 for a mid-range remodel, with high-end remodels going up to $70,000 or more. Costs can vary depending on the size of the bathroom, the quality of materials used, and your location within California.
A luxury size shower is typically over 20 square feet in size, but 12 square feet (3' x 4') is really all the space you need to create a wonderfully personal space.
Many younger homeowners are opting for shower-only bathrooms, valuing the time and space savings over the option to soak in a tub. Additionally, the trend toward smaller, more urban homes with limited bathroom space means that showers often win out.
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.
“There absolutely has to be at least one bathtub in any condo or home. When you sell, you're also selling a lifestyle and having no tub will hinder a sale to most buyers,” she says. Research backs up the anecdotal evidence.