If you're planning a bathroom renovation, one decision you have to make is whether to install a bathtub, a shower stall or a combination shower and tub. Both types have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages — thinking through several factors and understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each will help you make the right decision. When you plan to spend money on the renovation, you want the result to be something you love that will be useful for many years to come.
Pros and Cons of a Shower
There are several unique advantages and disadvantages to installing a shower stall as part of your bathroom remodel. Showers typically use around 10 fewer gallons of water with each use, making them much better for efficiency and the environment. Taking a shower is also much more convenient than taking a bath. You don't have to spend time waiting for the tub to fill, and you can be in and out in a few minutes if you need to be fast.
A shower also provides much better accessibility than a tub. If you're older, getting in and out of a tub can become a safety risk. A shower is a better option for anyone with mobility issues. There are also some unique, high-end solutions for installing a shower.
While shower stalls give better accessibility to some people, they are not useful for young kids. If you have children of your own or grandchildren who visit frequently, a shower stall will not be the best option.
A shower stall will also require more maintenance to keep it in good condition. Cleaning up lime buildup and other tasks are necessary to keep it looking its best.
Pros and Cons of a Bath
A bathtub has its own set of positives and negatives. A tub is a great place to relax, whether you are an athlete with sore muscles or just love to soak in hot, fragrant water. This option is also better for kids. Younger children usually prefer baths or are not able to take showers on their own. Tubs are available in a variety of different sizes and styles and can have special features like jets.
This choice also comes with a few disadvantages. Tubs are not as easy to get into and out of if you have mobility issues. In addition, they use more water and can take up more space in the room. You can also face a longer wait time for a bath, from getting the water to the right temperature to filling the tub.
Choosing the Right Option
With the pros and cons of both baths and showers, you can decide which is the better option for your bathroom renovation. Along with this information, consider how much space you have available, how you plan to use the new bathroom, how many bathrooms you have in your home, what your budget is and whether efficiency and conservation are important to you.
When you think through these considerations, it will become much clearer whether a bathtub or a shower stall is the better option. If you can't decide between the two, you can always install a combination feature.
If you need a trusted local contractor to help with your bathroom remodel, choose Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Syracuse. To learn more about our services, contact us today!