In all seriousness, switching out a tub for a walk-in shower is pretty popular these days. But it’s still a big change, so there’s a lot to think about before taking the plunge (pun intended). As your buddy who’s gone through a bathroom remodel or two, let me walk you through the pros, cons, costs, and other considerations. My aim is to lay it all out in simple terms so you can decide if it’s the right move for your home and lifestyle.
Sound good? Alright, let’s dive in!
Why Do Folks Convert Their Tubs Anyway?
Before weighing the pros and cons, it helps to understand *why* this bathroom remodeling idea has become so popular.
A few reasons:
Busy lifestyles.
Let’s be real – who has time for leisurely baths anymore? Showers are quicker and better suited to on-the-go living.
Age and physical ability.
As we get older, climbing in and out of tubs gets trickier. Walk-in showers offer easier, safer access.
Kids grow up.
Once the little ones are big enough to shower themselves, a tub becomes less essential.
Small bathrooms.
Walk-in showers can help maximize precious space in cramped bathrooms.
Bored of your bathroom.
If the look of your bathroom feels tired and outdated, a new walk-in shower can provide a stylish facelift.
Now let’s look at the positives and negatives
The Good Stuff: Pros of Switching to a Walk-in Shower
Here are the best bits about saying “peace out” to your tub and putting in a trendy new walk-in shower instead:
Gives Your Home More Value
Given how popular walk-in showers are, installing one instead of an old tub can bump up your home’s value when it comes time to sell. Make the change while you live there, and future owners will thank you later!
Maximize Your Bathroom Real Estate
Let’s say your current bathtub doesn’t get much action. It may seem almost wasteful to have this big ol’ unused tub occupying prime bathroom real estate! Showers are way better at making efficient use of limited space in smaller bathrooms.
Appears To Open Up the Room
Even if your new walk-in shower takes up just as much (or more) floor space than your old tub, it’ll give the *illusion* of having more room. Clear glass doors and walls reflect light and make spaces seem airier. It’s bathroom magic!
Improves Home Safety
Here’s an alarming but important fact: The bathroom is statistically the riskiest room, with around 20 million injuries happening in U.S. bathrooms every year. Yikes! Most accidents occur from slipping on wet tub surfaces. Walk-in showers greatly reduce this risk.
Save Cash on Water Bills
Filling up a tub requires gallons more water than the average 8-minute shower. For households with multiple bathrooms or lots of people showering, going tub-less can really add up to big water bill savings over time.
Easier Access Is a Game Changer
For folks with mobility issues, age-related aches and pains, or disabilities, being able to simply walk into a shower without climbing over the high sides of a tub is an absolute game changer. Freedom!
Whew, walk-in showers really do have some stellar advantages! But it’s not all rainbows and butterflies…
The Not-So-Great Stuff: Cons to Weigh Up
Before you grab your sledgehammer and smash up that old tub, here are some potential downsides of converting to a walk-in shower you should know:
Could Make Your House Less Desirable to Families
If you think you might sell your home within the next 5-10 years, bear in mind that families with young kids often want bathtubs. Taking out *all* the tubs could limit the future buyer pool.
Kids Really Do Love Baths
Along a similar vein, if your littles ones still enjoy splashing around in the tub, they might be sad to see it go. Bathtime will likely get less fun for them in a basic shower.
It’s a Pricey Renovation Project
Converting a tub comes with a hefty price tag, especially if you want something high-end with tons of bells and whistles. Extensive structural and plumbing work can quickly shoot up costs too. Be prepared to shell out some serious dough!
Say Goodbye to Soothing Soaks
No more unwinding at the end of a long day by lighting some candles and sinking into a warm, bubbly bath. Walk-in showers are all business, no leisure. Make sure you won’t miss this!
Danger of Slips & Leaks
Sealing up the new enclosure properly is imperative – otherwise, water can splash outside the shower area, creating puddles and slip hazards. Do your due diligence in choosing reputable shower conversion pros.
What’s the Damage, Cost-Wise?
You might be wondering what kind of damage to expect if you convert your bathtub to a walk-in shower. Let’s break it down:
Basic Shower Insert:** $3,000-$6,000
Partial Tub-to-Shower Conversion:** $6,000-$9,000
Full Gut & Custom Walk-in Shower:** $15,000+
As you can see, costs run the full gamut. Basic inserts tend to be cheaper, while extensive structural changes or luxury upgrades can boost the price into the five-figure zone.
I’d recommend penciling out $10,000 if you want a nice, mid-range walk-in shower conversion. And remember to factor things like:
* Fancy showerheads, benches, grab bars, etc
* Tile, stone, or glass enclosure choices
* Plumbing work complexity
* Removal of old tub & repairs afterwards
* Whether framing changes are needed
Some Parting Words of Wisdom
Well, we’ve covered a whole lot here, my friends! Now you know what to consider before taking on a tub-to-shower conversion project – the good, the bad, and the ugly.
My best advice? Think carefully about your needs, budget, and how long you plan to stay living in your home.
If you’ll be moving soon, maybe hold off so your house stays family-friendly. If budget is a concern, get multiple quotes and look into mid-range options only.
And if walk-in shower access would vastly improve everyday life for you or a family member with physical limitations? It could be 100% worth the investment, hands down.
Whichever way you decide to go, I’m here to chat more if needed! Reach out anytime to the fine folks at Surfside Builders Group here in sunny Santa Monica. Our number is 424-581-7150, or swing by our office at 2219 Main St.
Here’s to happy home remodeling!
