Tubs can be great for unwinding in after a long, hard day, but more and more households are choosing to use only their shower, instead. Whether this be due to the rising cost of water bills, environmental concerns, or busier lifestyles that don’t allow for wallowing in water (like a hippopotamus!), tubs are fast going out of fashion. But what if you already have a tub and you want a shower installed in its place?
If you’re considering converting your tub into a shower, here are a few things to consider:
Tubs don’t necessarily decrease a property’s value
While you may of course find some people who love tubs, and only want to buy a home that has one in it, many more prefer to have a luxury shower in their bathroom, and will pay more for it.
Showers are quick, convenient, and economical, and for anyone with mobility issues (or who is planning to stay in the home throughout their retirement), they are ideal for easy access, and dignified showering. Additionally, showers don’t take up as much space as a tub, meaning that you can indulge in an oversized vanity, have more storage installed, or simply enjoy the extra space.
Tub conversions don’t have to break the bank
Depending on how big and luxurious you want your new shower to be, converting your tub need not cost a small fortune, with a basic conversion coming in at around $5,000, potentially increasing to around $8,000+ according to the size, difficulty of conversion, and style.
However, it is worth considering that with some tub-to-shower conversions, removing the tub, carrying out the plumbing work, and installing the new shower, can be difficult and time consuming, and the quote given to you by a renovation contractor, will likely reflect this.
You can convert your tub to a shower in a matter of days
Again, depending on the complexity of the conversion and the extent of work either required, or requested by the homeowner, tub conversions can be completed in less than a week; in some instances, 2 to 3 days is ample time to complete the project. Do keep in mind however, that if your existing plumbing system doesn’t function with a new shower, it might need to be replaced, and this can add a couple of days onto the project’s timeline. But still, all work is typically completed within a week, provided all of the necessary parts and fixtures have been procured in advance.
Let’s review the advantages of converting your tub to a shower:
- Accidents are far less likely to occur with a shower, especially where children and seniors are concerned
- Showers save a lot of water, helping to protect the environment, reduce your carbon footprint, and save you money on your energy and water bills. Taking a shower for 10 minutes typically consumes around 25 gallons of water, while a tub can take 35 to 50 to fill.
- They take up less space
- They’re easier to clean
- With tubs losing popularity, a new shower will help modernize your home and make it more appealing to buyers
Tub conversions are a great project for many homeowners, and if you want more space in your bathroom but can’t afford to renovate the entire room, it can be a cost-effective solution with a great ROI.