Whether you’re shopping for a new home or updating your existing property, an upgraded shower is a great way to give your bathroom a boost. These days, sought-after showers are more high-tech and bigger than ever. In fact, some homeowners forgo tubs completely in favor of these expanded, spa-like showers in their master bathrooms. Before you splurge on a shower, consider the facts.
New showers offer many benefits. A single large shower may take up less room than an oversize tub and shower combo, leaving space for other features such as dedicated storage space, a private toilet, or even separate vanities. In addition to space sparing, showers may use less water and energy compared to large bathtubs. A standard tub holds 50 gallons, while oversize tubs may need 100 gallons to fill them. A 10-minute shower, on the other hand, uses about 25 gallons with a showerhead flow rate of 2.5 gpm.
This doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice if you forgo a tub. High-end showers are available with advanced amenities. Some of the most popular features include multiple shower heads, steam, and programmable water temperature and body spray settings. Many homeowners select showers that incorporate special lighting effects and waterproof speakers. As far as design, seating is an important upgrade in a shower, especially if you don’t have a tub. It provides a place to relax or shave, and it offers stability to older users. Walk-in showers with or without frame-free glass doors look beautiful and are more accessible and safer for older homeowners and people with mobility problems.
Despite all the advantages of expanded showers, a tub-less bathroom isn’t for everyone. For families with small children or those who love a hot soak at the end of the day, a bathtub is a requirement. And though removing a bathtub in favor of a spa-like shower in the master bath may actually improve your home’s chance of resale, most experts agree that your home should have at least one bathroom with a tub.