Save Water A shower typically uses about 50 gallons less than a bathtub which results in cheaper utility bills and is better for the environment. In addition, showers are much more efficient with water usage as bathtubs need to be filled with hot water and a shower simply has to reach a target temperature.
There's a big difference in the cost to install a shower compared to the cost to install a tub. If you want to convert an existing room into a new bathroom or add new fixtures in place, the costs for installing a shower average between $815 and $930. A tub will cost you anywhere from $1,100 to $1,800.
A bath costs more. Generally, taking a shower uses less water than a full bath. A standard showerhead flows at a rate of 2.5 gallons per minute. This means that a ten minute shower only uses 25 gallons of water. A full bath can use up to 70 gallons of water.
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.
A bath costs more. Generally, taking a shower uses less water than a full bath. A standard showerhead flows at a rate of 2.5 gallons per minute. This means that a ten minute shower only uses 25 gallons of water. A full bath can use up to 70 gallons of water.
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.
The single, 10-minute long shower will cost you $0.46 or $168.93 if you repeat it daily for a full year.
If your home has a particularly large or luxurious bathtub, it may be worth more than a smaller shower. And if you live in an area where most homes have baths rather than showers, your home's value may not be affected as much by whether or not it has a shower.
Items primarily used for self-help, convenience, or personal comfort are not, by Medicare's definition, medically necessary equipment. So a walk-in tub wouldn't be covered by Medicare. However, if you are eligible for Medicaid, your state's program might offer financial assistance for a walk-in bathtub.
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.
Some people find it more hygienic to have a shower, rather than sitting in bathwater. But a hot bath can also be excellent for reducing stress and soaking aching muscles. So, it's ultimately down to personal preference.
Prefabricated shower kits are often more affordable than sourcing individual components separately. These kits provide a convenient and budget-friendly solution, as they are designed to work together seamlessly while minimizing costs.
If you have a water meter, the more water you use, the more you'll have to pay. And with personal bathing making up 33% of our overall water usage, the amount you use when taking baths and showers will have a big impact on your bill.
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 energy required to heat the water for an 80-litre bath at 42C, on the other hand, will cost you 81p, which is more than three times the cost of a shower. An eight-minute shower with an electric shower uses approximately 40 litres of water, which is half the amount required to fill a bath.
Though upgrading your tub to a shower could arguably be seen as a “pro” for better resale value, replacing your only tub is not as versatile for every type of homeowner. More difficult to bathe children and pets. Bathtubs can be a must-have for smaller children or pets.
The average safe step walk in tub price depends on various factors, including but not limited to the size, material, type, and additional features it is equipped with. In general, you can expect to spend from $2000 to over $10,000 on a chosen model.
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.
The short answer is: No, Medicare does not typically cover walk-in tubs because they are not considered medically necessary durable medical equipment (DME). There are some exceptions, but these cases are rare.
The next thing you need to consider is how much you want to spend on your bathroom. Tubs are generally cheaper to install, ranging between $400 and $8000. Meanwhile, a shower ranges between $450 to $10,000 to install. Naturally, this will strongly depend on what kind of bathtub or shower you want.
A quarter of homeowners (24%) report having no bathtub prior to a renovation, the 2023 Houzz bathroom trend report found. But realtor.com does suggest keeping at least one tub in the home.
Bathroom Updates for Resale Value
Removing your only tub to install a walk-in shower can make your home's value take a hit because most prospective homebuyers, especially families with small kids, want at least one bathtub.
Meet with a local, Home Depot-authorized bathroom remodeler and make your dream bath come alive. Go all out with a complete bathroom remodel, from shower and tub to walls and fixtures.
Save money with shorter showers
You'll save money in water, gas or electricity for heating it, or both. The cost of your water heating system accounts for about 18% of your home's utility bill, the second largest utility expense, according to the Department of Energy.
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.