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6 Reasons you Should Convert your Tub to a Shower

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Taking a bath and taking a shower both have their merits and, in  theory, deciding between “splish splash”-ing in the bubbles and “Singin’ in the Rain” can be difficult.

In reality, however, taking the time to settle into the bathtub with a mountain of suds and a good book probably almost never happens for you. A shower, on the other hand, is probably a daily source of refreshment  and rejuvenation for you.

If you’ve found that your tub is merely decorative and hasn’t had much functional use in a while, it may be time to consider swapping out your bath for a shower. Converting a tub to a shower isn’t typically an overwhelming renovation project; however, the impact it can have on your home’s appearance and value can vastly outweigh the time and money associated with this renovation project.

If you’re wondering whether a shower upgrade might be the right choice for your home, we’ve compiled a few of our top reasons to make the switch.

1.          Showers are more fashionable and are good for resale value.

Showers have surged in popularity over the past eight to 10 years. According to the American Institute of Architects Annual Home Design Trend Survey, bathrooms are becoming a much bigger focal point in the home. Among bathroom features, the highest in demand relate to adding or upgrading showers.

In fact, the trends in favor of shower upgrades are so prevalent that some hotel chains are opting out of bathtubs altogether, instead equipping guest rooms solely with walk-in showers. According to their research, millennial travelers overwhelmingly prefer showering to bathing and room tubs have been seeing negligible use.

The same trends influencing hotel design decisions can also affect the resale value of your home. As millennials make home purchases, their preference for functionality and utility in their bathroom space can make your decision to upgrade to a shower a good business decision as well as an improvement on your daily hygiene routine.

2.          Showers are easier for people to get in and out of.

On the opposite end of the spectrum from millennial home buyers, multigenerational living is also on the rise. Elderly parents may choose to relocate with children in order to assist with grandchildren,  be more involved with family activities or receive care and support.

Research shows that 1 in 5 families live in a multigenerational setting and that number is likely to continue to grow in the future. If you have aging family members in your household, getting in and out of a shower, particularly a flat-base, walk-in shower, can be easier for them to navigate. Avoiding the perils inherent with navigating oneself into a high-walled bathtub can promote greater safety and fall prevention as your loved ones continue to age.

3. Showers are water savers.

It seems counterintuitive that showering could use less water than bathing. After all, when you’re in the shower, the water runs continuously versus the bath’s one-time fill.

However, a typical bath uses 30 gallons of water. A 10-minute shower, on the other hand, uses only 20 gallons. Replacing your shower head with a high efficiency, low flow option can also decrease your water usage and monthly bill.

4. Tubs just aren’t as commonly used.

Most families with young children need at least one bathtub option in the home.

However, even for these families, the time during which a tub is useful remains short. Children are typically showering by first or second grade and continue showering throughout the remainder of their lives.

For the rest of us, the relaxation of taking a bath can sound nice; making time to actually do it is another thing entirely. Taking a bath may be considered a luxury that doesn’t fit into our daily lives on a regular basis.

5. Converting to a shower lets you do more with your space.

The bathroom is typically the place where people start their morning routine and the last place they go before settling in to bed at night. This important role in our daily routines may explain why the current trends point toward bigger, brighter bathrooms that serve as spaces for refreshment and re-energization.

The way you spend these crucial times of day can really affect your physical and mental wellbeing; a clean, light and airy bathroom sanctuary can help you start your day in a refreshed mood and end it poised for restorative sleep.

Practically speaking, a shower also has a smaller footprint (12 feet versus the bath’s average 15 feet); in a confined space like a bathroom every spare square inch counts.

6. A shower addition can be made to fit your budget.

Replacing your tub doesn’t have to be exorbitantly expensive. Using a shower kit can be a very affordable financial option that still gives you all the benefits of a shower upgrade.

And, if you decide to extend your budget further, you can choose upgrades to your finish or hardware that give the space a luxurious feel.

If you’re trying to decide whether a tub-to-shower conversion fits with your lifestyle, you may want to consult with a member of our team.

Our experienced specialists are familiar with the effort involved to transform a tub space, and they can share the success stories we’ve seen while helping homeowners upgrade their spaces. In addition, as part of our bathroom design process, our experts provide free in-home consultations to discuss design options, layout, functionality and appearance – all of which are aimed at ensuring your shower upgrade is perfect for your space and lifestyle.

A shower isn’t just a place to get a little cleaner; it can be an oasis and a momentary retreat from everyday cares. If you’re interested in getting started with a fresh new look and feel in your bathroom space, browse the shower upgrade options listed on our website; or, contact us and let us help you determine how to get started.