It’s a question for the ages, do I need a bathtub in my bathroom remodel? Will I reduce the value of my home if I don’t have one? The answer to this question depends on who you ask. Traditionally a full bathroom, especially the master bathroom includes a big bathtub or Jacuzzi feature. As we move into the future, fewer homeowners are embracing the big tub in the room. They are looking for smaller, more decorative free-standing tubs so they can install larger custom showers. Custom meaning special shower heads, steam rooms, body sprays, and other features. Some are opting out of a tub in their bathroom remodels. Let’s take a look at today’s growing “no more tub” trend. 
Today’s generations of homeowners are realizing that a bathtub that is not being used that much is taking up space that could be used for other functional uses. They would rather opt into some luxurious features in the shower.
A spa bath could be replaced by multiple special shower heads with rain features and fragrance options. Shower stalls also feature convenient seating, in the place of a bathtub.
Baby boomers are finding that getting in and out of a deep tub is difficult and at times not safe for them. To meet this need, demand for walk-in showers/tubs is growing.
If your local market includes an older demographic, then showers are preferred over bathtubs. Bathtubs support aging in place. In this case, go for a large, shower with walk-in door options if possible, to make access easier.
Consider including a built-in shower seat and handheld shower head. Some showers are wheelchair accessible, so the bathroom space needs to be large enough for a wheelchair to roll in and out of. This is a newer phenomenon making the traditional tub a thing of the past.
A bathtub takes up a lot of space in a bathroom. Many times it just simply gets in the way!
Today’s homeowner would rather enjoy more space for a larger shower with additional features like a built-in seating area, and more shower features. Plus with the additional space, they can increase the size of the counter area, add a seating area, or even enjoy more storage space.
Today’s newer homes usually include more than one full bathroom. If this is the case, since there are other tubs in the home, homeowners are deciding to increase the size of the Master Bathroom by removing the bathtub and updating the shower or closet space without decreasing the value of the home. Younger families appreciate homes with bathtubs for their children.
Yes, today’s busier lifestyles may or may not be here to stay. Just like fashion, interior design and home trends fluctuate throughout the generations. Currently, potential buyers are looking for luxurious oversized bathrooms with larger showers and trendy designs. It’s probably a good prediction that the big, bold bright colors and designs that are popular today will not be the look of the future. Some expert realtors, contractors, and interior designers recommend sticking with the tried and true neutral styling that will never go out of fashion. Boring? Yes to some but valuable to others.
And then there is the ever-changing technology that is transforming our homes, even our bathrooms into smart homes. It doesn’t matter what the space looks like, with just one click of a button or statement to our artificial intelligent best friend, Alexa, the shower is turned on, the lights are dimmed and music is playing for us. Who knows what the next big thing in tech will be.
The key to enjoying your bathroom, whether to have a bathtub or no bathtub, is as personal as your preference to shower or take a bath. Create a home that makes you and your family happy. If you are flipping a house or planning to sell your home, consult your realtor or contractor for their advice. The larger shower with all the special features will probably remain the hot selling feature for now and into the near future. But having a bathtub is not a bad idea. Families with young children enjoy taking relaxing baths before turning into bed, so not having a bathtub in the home could send them shopping elsewhere.
When re-designing any bathroom in your home, and considering putting your house on the market, think about your lifestyle preference and not the trends. You should enjoy your home, not design it for someone else. But, even if you do not take a bath or need a bathtub, it makes logical sense to have one bathtub in the home.
Do you have more questions about your bathroom remodel? At Columbus Bath Design, we’re always happy to assist you. Give us a call today!
When remodeling a bathroom, the one major element to consider is the bath itself. You can choose to replace a bathtub with a walk-in shower or to install a walk-in tub, or traditional bathtub. Each of the options has benefits, and there are many reasons that you might consider choosing one over the other. Let’s explore the pros and cons of bathtubs and showers.
For families with young kids at home, a bathtub is almost essential. While there are ways to bathe without a traditional tub, it’s much easier and more enjoyable for parents and kids alike. Children often love bath time, and a tub makes it simple to get the kids clean and give them something fun to do, too. Parents typically appreciate the option of bathing their children in a traditional tub, which is why they look for homes with full baths that have at least one installed. 
For folks with mobility problems, a walk-in bathtub is an ideal solution for making the bathroom more functional. Seniors can benefit greatly from a walk in tub, as it provides a safe option for bathing, as well as hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy is an excellent way to promote circulation in the body and to aid in relaxation and stress relief. A walk-in shower can also be a suitable option for a shower seat can be installed. For aging individuals, it’s important to think about future needs, as well. Walk-in tubs are both safe and affordable.
In a small bathroom, opting for just a shower stall can be a smart way to gain more space. This is especially true if you have multiple bathrooms in the home and at least one other one with a tub. In that case, it may be well worth it to install a walk-in shower and enjoy the extra space that can be gained by skipping out on a bathtub.
If your budget is limited, installing a traditional bathtub and shower combination is likely the best option. It’s necessary to take other factors into consideration, including the size of the space and the other bathrooms in the home. Keep in mind that the bathroom is one of the most important spaces to potential home buyers if you are planning to sell at some point in the future.
Whether you choose a shower, a traditional bathtub, or a walk-in tub, you’ll be giving an important room in the home a fresh look. When weighing the pros and the cons of each option, you have to consider the specific needs of your family, as well as your budget. You can create the bathroom that you’ve always wanted, allowing you to enjoy relaxation and personal time in comfort. Contact us today to further discuss your options and schedule a free in-home estimate.
For seniors, the bathroom can be a potentially hazardous place in the home. In recognition of National Bath Safety Month, we’re sharing the information that you need to know about bath safety for seniors. Just a few easy modifications can transform the bathroom into a safer space for the elderly.
The National Council on Aging reports that 1 in 4 Americans aged 65 and over fall each year. These accidents can result in a variety of injuries, some of which can be fatal. Slip and fall accidents frequently occur in the bathroom, where the conditions can be slippery. The risks for seniors are real, but luckily there are effective ways to reduce them. By making some changes to create a more functional space for those with mobility and stability issues, seniors can avoid slip and fall incidents in their bathrooms.
A walk-in tub makes bathing a much simpler and safer experience. Having one professionally installed can be one of the keys to helping a senior stay in the comfort of their own home longer. Walk-in tubs are both stylish and functional. Seniors and their loved ones can have greater peace of mind after installing this type of tub.
Standing in the shower can be difficult, if not impossible for some seniors. A comfortable, durable shower seat is an ideal fix. Shower seats can be installed in an existing tub or stall, and there are also movable options, too.
Grab bars make it much easier to sit comfortably on the toilet and to enter and exit the tub and shower. They’re simple to install and provide essential support for individuals with mobility problems. Many grab bars are movable and can be easily and conveniently transferred to other areas of the room and other bathrooms. Others are mounted securely to the wall, making showering safer.
The pathway to the bathroom and the floor of the room should be kept clean and free of clutter. Consider removing small rugs and bath mats that can be trip hazards. Be sure that any rugs that are used have a secure rubber grip on the bottom to keep them in place. This prevents the rug from shifting around on tile and laminate floors.
Entering a dark bathroom is dangerous for seniors. A basic night light is ideal to keep the room illuminated in the evenings for safety. Consider using an LED light with a sensor that will automatically turn on after dusk.
A safer bathroom is easy to achieve with just a few simple modifications. For seniors planning to stay in the comfort of their own homes for years to come, installing a walk-in tub with a seat is an excellent option. Removing clutter, adding grab bars, and keeping the room well lit are all necessary and helpful. Take the steps to transform the bath into a safe room that can remain functional and provide the comfort that individuals with mobility issues need.
Contact us to start planning your safe bathroom remodel today!
Contact Columbus Bath Design today to start designing your dream bathroom. We look forward to exceeding your expectations.
