When Should I Consider a Tub-to-Shower Conversion?
Do you view your bathtub as a sanctuary—a place where you can relax, unwind, and indulge in a mini spa treatment on the regular? Or, do you merely see it as a pointless fixture that takes up too much space in your bathroom? While it’s all a matter of personal preference, these days, many homeowners are leaning toward the latter. As a result, tub-to-shower conversions have become a lasting trend in the bathroom remodeling industry. Don’t believe us? Here are some pros that make tub-to-shower conversions an appealing option for the modern homeowner:
- Walk-in showers are a great selling point. Showers, particularly walk-in models, are a popular selling point and frequently prioritized on homebuyer wish lists.
- The conversion is considered a modern upgrade. Ridding your small bathroom of its tub is a great way to modernize the space, creating an updated and spacious room.
- It makes a beautiful focal point. A big, tiled shower that seamlessly connects to your bathroom’s floor is sure to impact the room visually.
Is it time to convert your old, unused tub to a new, luxurious walk-in shower? Here are a few questions to help you decide:
How Long Do You Think You Will Stay in Your Current Home?
A tub-to-shower conversion, while beneficial for several reasons, is a significant investment. As such, you’ll want to proceed carefully. Although a conversion of this scale should enhance your home’s resale value, you’ll want to make sure you can reap the full benefits of this investment yourself before you take the plunge. So, if you’re thinking about moving in a few years, the project may not prove to be cost-effective for you. On the other hand, if you think you will get lots of use out of your new shower, or if you plan to age in place, a tub-to-shower conversion may be the way to go.
Does Your Home Have More Than One Full Bathroom?
If you have a single-bathroom home with a tub/shower combination, completely removing the bathtub could impact your home’s resale value and buyer appeal. For instance, you may lose the interest of potential homebuyers who have (or plan to have) children and would prefer to have a tub for bathing their kids and pets. That said, from the perspective of many retirees and single people, a spacious walk-in shower could be an attractive and much-appreciated upgrade. The key is understanding your target homebuyer, which is something that even the most skilled realtor can have difficulty pinpointing. When all is said and done, it’s almost always more beneficial to keep at least one tub in your home—preferably in the guest bathroom. The master bathroom tends to be the ideal room for a tub-to-shower conversion.
Will You Need to Make Plumbing Upgrades?
If you have a standard alcove tub, you automatically have the perfect location for a new walk-in shower. Because the drain and water lines will already be in the right places, a tub-to-shower conversion should be a relatively straightforward process. If, however, you have a freestanding tub, the shower may need to be built in a different place, which generally involves moving plumbing lines. This could influence the overall cost of the project and increase the potential for plumbing mishaps.
Are You Planning to Age in Place?
Tub-to-shower conversions are a great bath/shower alternative for homeowners who are planning to age in place and looking for a more accessible shower model. If this serves as the core reason behind your choice to invest, make sure to do your research and choose a low-profile or no-threshold shower. Unlike curbed shower flooring, a low-entry shower typically features a seamless entry point that is easy to enter and exit. These shower systems can also be customized with an array of safety accessories, for an overall more comfortable showering experience.
If you’re interested in exploring a tub-to-shower conversion or other bathroom remodeling project, contact the professionals at BathWraps. We offer expert service, convenience, and a lifetime warranty. Click here to find an authorized BathWraps dealer near you.
