Chic Walk-in shower with built-in bench and beige subway tiled interior accented with shower kit mounted on mosaic tile strip next to tiled shower niche.
The first time you came across a walk-in shower, you were probably a little surprised by the design. Whether you saw it in a hotel or a high-end Airbnb, you likely had a few questions. Did they pause the bathroom remodeling partway through? Where was the door? Wouldn’t the rest of the bathroom floor get wet when you use the shower?
However, once you got used to it, it probably grew on you. Now you’re probably considering a bathtub to shower conversion for your own home. Here are a few pros and cons you should address before tackling your bathroom remodel project.
The Pros
You will mostly find walk-in showers in contemporary homes that embrace the minimalist design. Some spa-themed bathrooms may also feature a walk-in shower. Here are some of the reasons you may love this design in your own home.
- It Usually Costs Less; When walk-in showers first debuted in homes, they were considered a luxury item and still are. Because of this, many homeowners are surprised to find out that this remodel option may actually save them money. How so? The fact that you are eliminating expensive materials, such as a big sheet of glass for a sliding glass door, reduces the cost.
- Easier To Clean; Who looks forward to wiping down and scrubbing shower doors or constantly changing out shower curtains? Eliminating the need for that material also gets rid of the need to clean them. Additionally, with fewer barriers, you have more turnaround space. This makes the shower much easier to clean.
- Safe and Easy Access; The additional turnaround room also creates easy access for those who need it. Because of this, walk-in showers are becoming increasingly common in the homes of elderly people and individuals with disabilities. Wheelchairs can easily wheel in and out of an ADA compliant shower, and there is nothing to step up, over or down on.
The Cons
Every bathroom remodeling choice has its drawbacks, no matter how functional and beautiful it is. Here are a few you should consider.
- Less Privacy; Ever been in the shower just as one of the kids come bursting in? In a regular shower, you can shoo them out from behind the privacy of a curtain or a frosted screen. With an open shower, this may not be an option. However, there are some designs that do angle the entrance to the shower away from the doorway. Some people also still add a rod and curtains.
- No More Soaking; There’s a reason people invest in tubs. Every once in awhile, it’s nice to fill it, add some bubbles and relax. This is just one of the many ways people can unwind after a stressful week at work. People with aching muscles due to intense workouts or chronic illnesses may also enjoy this. While having a walk-in shower doesn’t mean you can’t also fit a tub, you would need a large master bath to pull this off.
- Slipping Hazard; When designing your walk-in shower, your architect and builder may add a few features to reduce wetness in non-shower areas of the bathroom. These include sloped floors and well-angled showerheads. Even so, some splashing is inevitable, and wet floors can be dangerous. Some homeowners treat the bathroom space like a wet room and use shower-tiles throughout to reduce slipping hazards.
Start Your Bathroom Remodeling
Do you feel confident that you want a walk-in shower for your Utah home? We bring over 40 years of experience to the table and provide additional peace of mind through being licensed, bonded, and insured. To get started on your renovations, fill out our contact form, or get a free estimate by giving us a call at 801-957-1400.
Image Credit: Getty Images /alabn
