One of the most common questions homeowners are faced with is the age-old question of whether they should have a bathtub or shower. Tubs and showers each offer their own benefits and drawbacks when it comes to bathroom design. If space is limited and you can only pick one – there are a handful of things to keep in mind. Wondering whether you should install a shower or tub in your small condo bathroom? Here are the pros and cons of each so you can make the best decision for your home.
Tubs are Cheaper to Install
Typically, tubs are cheaper to install than a shower. Tub installation can range from several hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars. When it comes to a shower, you’re looking anywhere from $800-$1,800 depending on what style of bathtub you choose. Tubs and shower stalls can be rather inexpensive, but if you choose a whirlpool tub or walk-in shower, you can expect the price tag to climb significantly.
Showers Take up Less Space
A typical shower stall will take up less space than a bathtub. They come standard 3 feet by 3 feet – if you have a three-piece bath that is on the smaller side, a shower seems to be the obvious choice.
However, if you have an average, to large size room – 40 square feet or more – then you can start considering a bathtub in your designs. Keep in mind that if you still opt for a shower in the larger space, you can utilize the additional square footage for a closet, larger vanity, or even a lavish shower set up.
Showers are More Accessible
If anyone in the home has mobility constraints and has a more difficult time getting around the condo than most, then you should consider installing an accessible shower.
Showers that can easily open up for chairs to enter are far easier to use and provide more independence than deep tubs that are difficult to climb into. Shower seats, benches and support bars are additional features that can make life easier.
Tubs are Essential for Resale Value
One drawback from opting for a shower instead of a tub in your bathroom is that affects the property’s resale value. Tubs are more attractive to a wide variety of home buyers while merely having a shower could potentially alienate a portion of the market.
Showers use Less Water
One of the biggest benefits of opting for a shower over a tub is the amount of water that you’ll save – it will be significantly noticeable, especially if you install a low-flow showerhead.
These specialized showerheads produce 2.1 gallons of water per minute so if you take a 10-minute shower you will have used roughly 21 gallons of water. Tubs can range from 30-40 gallons up to 100 if you have a whirlpool tub. The amount of water and money that you save would be vast.
Contact the Pros
There you have it, both the advantages and drawbacks of bathtub vs shower. Now it’s the hard part – making the decision that is right for you. But not to worry, the experts at Moose Condo Reno are here to help. Call today for additional information on their services and more bathroom shower and tub ideas.