Walk-in showers can increase home value and are particularly attractive to buyers looking for modern design and accessibility, offering a potential return of $1.71 for every dollar spent, while also presenting challenges, such as the risk of alienating buyers who prefer bathtubs.
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.
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.
Yes, replacing a bathtub with a shower can be a good idea if you're seeking to save space, increase accessibility, or update the look of your bathroom. It's especially beneficial for those who prefer showers over baths or need a more accessible bathroom solution.
Not having a bathtub will likely place a severe limit on the number of potential buyers and/or adversely affect the resale value.
If you're looking for a way to update your bathroom, replacing your bath with a shower is a great option. Showers are more efficient than baths, so they can help you save water and money on your energy bills. They're also easier to clean, and they can be a great way to add a touch of luxury to your bathroom.
Ideally, you should have at least one bath (in the main bathroom) and change to a bathroom with shower in an ensuite. Even if you don't use the bath often, it is well worth keeping one to maximise the return potential on your house value when it comes to selling your home.
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.
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.
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.
Showers can make helping someone get the hard to reach places difficult when the caregiver is also being splashed with water. Baths are the best way to get clean when you need help from someone else because they allow the bather to stay stationary and the helper to remain outside of the water.
Tub and Shower Combos
The average cost of a walk-in tub and shower combo is $6,400, with prices ranging anywhere from $3,200 to $9,500.
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.
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.
Additionally, as of 2021, the same survey found that a full bath on the main level of the home tops the list of most-wanted accessibility features for homebuyers. Real estate professionals also agree that bathtubs are attractive to homeowners with children (and even those with pets).
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.
Homeowners are using bathtubs less and wanting a fresh look and style when remodeling. They feel these showers are convenient and provide additional safety. “I think it's easier just to jump in the shower real quick and jump out,” Fielden said.
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.
Converting your dated, unused tub to a shower is a stylish and practical update for any home. A walk-in shower can make your bathroom feel larger and more modern. It also improves accessibility for those with mobility issues.
KOHLER offers the LuxStone shower as another safe and beautiful walk-in solution for those who have mobility challenges or are not ready to purchase a walk-in tub. You can expect to pay between $5,000 to $30,000+ for a roll-in or walk-in shower without installation.
Opting for a shower without tub can significantly improve the safety and accessibility of your bathroom, making aging in place easier. For homeowners not overly concerned about future resale or inheritance issues, the decision to remove the tub becomes simpler.
A property with just a shower may need to be strategically priced to attract buyers. Some buyers may attempt to negotiate the deal or request that the seller cover the cost of a remodel that includes a tub. Sellers can also list at a competitive price to avoid negotiations or lowball offers.
Getting the best use of the space
If you've got a bathroom that's generously sized, then opting for a spacious freestanding tub and separate shower enclosure is almost a no-brainer. Large bathrooms are a dream to work with as the extra space allows you to have the very best of both worlds.