It's estimated that an additional bathroom can add around a 5% increase in value of a home, according to a variety of studies by insurers and estate agents. A wetroom, when styled as an extra bathroom, whether ensuite or separate bathroom, can therefore add an additional 5% in value to your home.
Modern wet rooms are not only hugely practical, but they can also look incredibly stylish, meaning they will always add value to your home. The key aspect to getting it right is choosing the correct installer.
A wet room is a great option for smaller bathrooms. If you don't particularly need or want a bath, you can simply remove it and install a shower, opening up the room. There is no need for a bulkier shower enclosure with doors that may intrude upon what little space you already have.
Everything could get very wet
The fact that the shower is no longer housed in something, it is somewhat inevitable that the whole room could get wet when in use. This can make it tricky to keep things like towels, toilet paper and any other soft furnishings dry.
Wet rooms are growing increasingly popular with high-end renovators and interior designers. Think of these as a splash zone for your bathroom, an area where the shower and/or bathtub are placed, usually surrounded by tile, where the water can stay separate from your sink and toilet.
Based on the size of your bathroom, wet room installation can cost anywhere from £3500 to £10,000. Labour costs will increase with additional features, such as underfloor heating or a shower screen.
Indoors, mould can thrive in damp spaces such as wetrooms and bathrooms, especially if they are poorly ventilated.
Walk-in showers are a cheaper alternative to wet rooms, they include a shower tray and various designs. They give a modern look and are easier to install.
In addition, a well prepared, installed and tiled wet room, that is cared for should last through the rigors of daily life for a lifetime.
The frequency of changing a wet room floor depends on factors like the quality of materials used, maintenance practices, and general wear and tear. Well-installed and properly maintained wet room floors can last for many years before requiring replacement.
The Cost of a Walk-In Shower
Nationally, the cost typically falls between $4,200 and $8,500, with more luxurious designs reaching upwards of $15,000. Along with materials, labor costs can significantly impact the overall expense of a walk-in shower installation, particularly for complex designs.
The open-plan design can make wet rooms feel colder than traditional bathrooms, as heat dissipates more quickly. Additionally, without barriers to contain water, the entire floor can become wet and slippery. Non-slip tiles and underfloor heating can help mitigate these issues, but they add to the expense.
Wet room remodels typically cost about 20-30% more than traditional bathroom installations, according to Fixr data. The price may vary depending on factors like location and materials used. The high cost is due to the need for extensive waterproofing and specialized drainage.
A wet room is a great way of maximising smaller spaces, as it removes the standard footprint of a shower or bath, and as the floor of a wet room can be level throughout, it offers a practical bathroom solution for those with restricted mobility.
Planning permission is not required for the installation of a wet room within a home when transforming an existing bathroom area. However, in the case of new build properties, the design of a wet room will involve applying for building regulations approval.
Tiles – Natural stone and porcelain tiles are becoming the most popular choice in wet rooms as they give a beautiful, contemporary, and hardwearing finish. Vinyl – Cost-effective and available in a wide range of colours and styles, vinyl is a common choice for wet room flooring outside of the shower area.
Wet rooms are 100% waterproof and that's that. What leaks is poor workmanship of poorly installed floors. This usually occurs when corners are being cut and money is trying to be saved. We're not saying it has to cost the world to install a wetroom, but do be prepared to spend some money and have the job done properly.
Leaks can damage the structure of your home and create a breeding ground for mold. This emphasizes the importance of using high-quality waterproofing materials and ensuring proper installation by a qualified professional. Wet room tiles need to be slip-resistant to prevent accidents.
Wet Room Bathrooms Are Easier to Clean
The open spaces and main drain mean the bathroom doesn't need to be wiped down as often as a shower door to keep it clean.
Will a Wet Room Add Value? Installing a wet room will definitely give your home the extra 'wow' factor when the time comes to sell. It will also add value as long as the wet room is properly installed. However, this is only the case if you add a wet room as an en suite or second shower room.
In most cases, an experienced plumber or wet room specialist can install a wet room in as little as four days. However, don't be surprised if it takes a little longer.