Buying a new home or renovating an existing one involves some tough decision-making. Among the many seemingly minute things you’ll have to decide on is whether it would be better to have a bathroom with a bathtub, a shower or a combination of both. Here are some of the reasons why you should give this aspect of your home some deep thought.
- Accessibility can be a major factor when choosing between a bathroom with a bathtub or a shower. This is especially true if you’ve got elderly residents or persons with disabilities to consider, in which case you may also need to think about the advantages of walk-in tubs or roll-in showers.
- Available space will play a huge role when making this decision.
- When it comes to bathrooms, you’ll need to consider the wants and needs of the entire family.
- Every part of a home contributes to the overall resale value of the property.
So, how do you decide whether you need a bathtub or shower? Here are some points you should consider.
Property Value
When you are buying a new home or just about to start renovating one, thinking about the resale value of the property may not be one of the first things that comes to mind. However, it should be. According to the National Association of Home Builders, bathrooms are one of the most popular home remodeling projects. It’s easy to understand why, when you take into consideration the results of their survey that indicates that 51% of potential buyers didn’t want homes without a bathtub. If you’re concerned about the resale value of your home, you might want to consider adding that bathtub.
Preferences
Bathtubs and showers have their own sets of benefits and advantages. For some people, taking a bath takes too much time, while others love soaking and relaxing in a warm soothing tub, especially after a tiring day. Of course, there are those who are always on the run and, being pressed for time, usually prefer a quick shower.
It’s a little easier if you only need to consider your own requirements; if you’re married with children, or if you plan to start having a family, however, you’ll need to think about what your spouse and children may require, too. Most young kids enjoy playing in the bathtub, while your husband or wife might appreciate getting to spend a relaxing evening in a therapeutic bubble bath.
Accessibility
Some people have difficulty getting in and out of a bathtub, especially seniors and those with physical limitations. If you have elderly family members in your home, installing a bathtub may not be the best idea, unless you consider getting a walk-in tub, which combines a shower and bath while still offering safety and comfort.
Available Space
If space is extremely limited, installing a tub may be out of the question. However, you can probably still make room for at least a half bath. Bathtub and shower combinations are still popular these days, and could be a better option if you want a little bit of both.
Choosing between a bathtub and a shower may require more thought than you realized, but if you take all of the factors above into consideration, you’re sure to make the right decision.
About the Author
Dawn Dewey is Dreamstyle Remodeling’s marketing director. In addition to spearheading the company’s marketing and promotion endeavors, Dewey also loves writing about home improvement topics, aiming to help homeowners get a better idea about projects and applications that can help them improve their lives and their home’s value.