The bathroom is a place to escape after you’ve had a long day. Whether standing in a hot shower or soaking in a bathtub, the bathroom is the perfect spot to relax and unwind. When doing a small bathroom renovation, it can sometimes be difficult to decide which is right for your home. With limited floor space such as in a guest room or condo, you may have to choose one over the other. Let’s check out some of the pros and cons between a shower or a bathtub so you can make the right decision for your home.
Determine Your Bathroom Reno Goals
Before you begin bathroom renovations it’s a good idea to take the time to review how you’re going to be using this space. Unlike a primary bathroom, a guest bathroom, for example, is not used as often so there may not be a need for a shower and bathtub.
Perhaps this bathroom is the first stop after a dip in the pool and would be better suited as a place to quickly freshen up before a BBQ. In this case, stand-up showers would probably work best. Evaluating how you use your space will help you choose the best solution for your bathroom.
Bathtub Pros
There are many great reasons to choose a bathtub for your new space. Not only is it a great place to relax at the end of the day, but it also offers many other great benefits.
- Relaxing sore muscles – The most obvious reason to choose a bathtub are the healing benefits. Sitting in a hot tub after a hard day’s work can help soothe and restore sore muscles.
- Perfect for children – Bathing the kids doesn’t have to be a challenge in the bathtub. It keeps all the water from spilling and you can bathe multiple little ones at a time.
- Variety of sizes – With a bathtub, you are only limited by your floor space. But this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a deep soaker tub or an ultra modern tub with jets and other relaxing features.
- Suits your layout – A freestanding tub can go anywhere in your space so you can enjoy the perfect view and privacy you need.
- Great design choices – There is a bathtub to suit your lifestyle and design vision. Whether you want something ultra sleek or traditional, there are a wide selection of materials, surrounds and styles available.
Bathtub Cons
Despite being ultra relaxing, there may be a few reasons why a bathtub may not be ideal for your space. Bathtubs take up a lot of space so you may not be able to accommodate this feature in your home. There may be mobility issues to consider which can make installing a bathtub impractical. Here are a few helpful suggestions:
- Difficult to maneuvre – Older people and those with mobility issues or injuries may find getting in and out of a bathtub difficult.
- Limited space options – A bathtub will require a minimum of 5 feet, something that may not be available in your current space.
- Water load – You need a lot of water to take a bath in a bathtub. This isn’t always environmentally friendly or budget friendly.
- Time consuming – It can take up to 10 minutes for a tub to reach the right capacity. This can be frustrating if you are in a rush.
Shower Pros
When choosing a bath vs shower, there are some important points to consider. Showers are a great option for a busy lifestyle and there are also some great money saving features too.
- Water usage – Showers allow you to use less water by getting in and out in a flash. But it still provides you with the right amount of water to get clean.
- Convenience – Have to be somewhere in a rush? Need to rinse off after working in the hot sun? Jumping in the shower can save you time and let you get on with your day.
- Accessibility – Showers are much more convenient for people with mobility issues. They can be designed to include mobility aids like grab bars, benches and non-slip tiles.
- Less space – Showers are a great option for small spaces.
- Customizable – A smaller size doesn’t mean you can’t make a statement. Showers can have many luxurious add on features such as rain showers, steam options and jets.
Shower Cons
The purpose of your shower is to get clean. But that doesn’t mean it works for everybody. What should you be considering when deciding whether a shower is right for you?
- Not ideal for kids – It’s difficult to get kids clean in a shower
- Maintenance – Shower doors can be difficult to maintain. They can accumulate calcium and lime build up if not regularly cleaned.
- May leak if installed incorrectly – Showers can begin to leak if they are not affixed to the space properly.
Does a Bathtub or Shower Have Better ROI?
The ROI on showers and tubs depends on your living space. In many homes, the shower is used far more than the tub, so from a practical standpoint, this may be the right way to go for you. Another thing to consider is resale value.
Many buyers like to see a home with a bathtub option. So if there is room, this may be a good idea for your home. The best solution is to look at the overall layout of your home. If you have multiple bathrooms then ensure at least one has a bathtub. This will ensure you get maximum ROI on your bathroom renovation investment.
Contact Us
If you are ready to begin your bathroom renovation in Toronto, call the friendly and professional experts at Moose Kitchen. We can help you find the right bathroom renovation solutions for your home. We work with our clients through the entire renovation process helping them find the perfect pieces for the bathroom from a soaker tub with a shower to stand-up showers. Contact us to learn how we can bring your bathroom vision to life.