It’s well known in the home-improvement world that a bathroom remodel can offer a significant return on investment when it comes time to list your home. But what about investing in your own comfort and relaxation?
Installing a walk-in shower in your bathroom is just one way to take your space from drab to fab. This sleek, luxurious feature is not only stylish, but they’re super versatile and functional. They top many a homeowner’s wish-list and can make showering the best part of your day.
Why Have a Walk-In Shower?
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The walk-in shower is a timeless design with a classical look that can easily be adapted for any home and any style. It’s also a great choice if you’re looking to make your home more accessible as it’s much easier to get in and out of than a tub-shower combo.
Open-Concept Illusion
Because of its open-concept design, a walk-in shower can make your bathroom appear much larger than it actually is. The simple shape and unrestricted view of the back wall give the illusion of a bright, open space in even the smallest of bathrooms – and it can highlight your tile work.
Size-Friendly
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While many homeowners prefer the classic luxury of a swinging glass door, there are limitations to this feature. The door needs to be able to swing freely without obstruction from toilets, cabinets, or sinks, which can pose problems for more petite washrooms.
A walk-in shower can work for even the smallest bathrooms. Instead of a swinging door, you have a curtain, a sliding glass door, or no doors at all.
Care and Keeping
Unlike bathtubs, walk-in showers are extremely easy to clean and care for. Their simple shape and lack of nooks and crannies make them ideal for a quick spray and wipe down, and there are fewer surfaces to look after.
Plus, a walk-in shower is much simpler to maintain than a bathtub/shower combo. Let’s face it; repairing a bathtub isn’t always easy. With a walk-in shower, you may have to replace or repair parts at some point, but it’s much less of a hassle than it would be with a tub.
Accessibility
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We all know that stepping into a bathtub can be a gamble. The high sides and slick floors can be a hazard for slips and falls, even if you don’t have any problems with mobility. The great thing about walk-in showers is that they’re easily accessible for everyone, but especially for those living with mobility issues.
Some walk-in showers have a small lip to keep the water in, but there is also the option of a completely curbless shower for maximum accessibility. The floor is gently graded towards the drain, giving you totally unrestricted access to the stall.
Before You Start
There’s no point in having a tub in your bathroom if it’s not serving your needs. If you have a bathtub but you’re not getting use out of it, it might be time to get rid of it.
A walk-in shower is a chic and stylish alternative, but before you take the plunge, there are a few practical and logistical considerations.
Location, Location
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Will you need to change the shower’s location? It’s typical practice to put a tub underneath a window. Still, while it is possible to have a window in the shower, it isn’t necessarily recommended due to privacy concerns and the potential for water damage.
To avoid these issues, you might want to relocate your shower unit. The further you move the shower from its original location, the more work may be needed to adjust your plumbing, which will drive up the cost.
Working Dimensions
Second, do you have enough space in your bathroom? Typical dimensions to meet municipal building and safety codes are 30 x 30 inches. However, many homeowners prefer the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s 36 x 36-inch dimensions because it gives them a more spacious and relaxed feel.
If you choose to go larger, you may have to make some additional adjustments to your space to accommodate. Some additional measurements include the height to the ceiling—a recommended 80 inches, minimum—and the distance between the toilet and the shower wall, for which we recommend 21 inches.
No matter what your pre-upgrade bathroom looks like, Winthorpe Design & Build can give you the perfect shower solution to fit your lifestyle. With a knowledgeable and passionate design team behind you, you’re sure to get a result that you’ll love. Connect with us today, and let’s get started.
