Is it Cheaper to Install a Tub or a Shower?

Both a tub and shower are ideal when it comes to keeping ourselves clean but may differ in terms of their style and practicality. A shower may be ideal for your home if you are limited on space but does not offer the comfort and tranquility of having a bathtub. Although a bathtub may require a generous amount of space, it is often preferred than a shower because it is considered luxurious and adds value to your home.

Some people prefer to take showers but only install bathtubs because they think lacking a tub will affect the value of their home. Before you decide whether you want a shower or a bathtub, it is important to have an idea of the cost of installation to determine an option that fits best in your budget. This article discusses whether it is cheaper to install a tub or a shower by looking at their benefits and downsides.

• Space Requirements

A shower is an obvious choice if you are limited on space. This means that you can customize your shower based on your budget and use the extra space for storage cabinet or drawers. The simple nature of a shower makes it less costly, as it requires less manpower and working hours for installation. A shower uses a smaller footprint to fit easily in a small bathroom. A bathtub requires a lot of space and may attract high costs of installation because of its delicate nature and extra plumbing fixtures that have to be connected to the water reservoir or drainage systems.

• Water Usage

Installing a shower is cheaper than a bathtub as it uses less water than a bath. The use of a showerhead to deliver water and the ability to open and close the shower when necessary reduces the amount of water used. Showering instead of taking a bath can save water provided it is used responsibly. A tub takes up a lot of water making it more costly than a shower. While it may seem comfortable to soak yourself in a warm bath, it takes up a lot of water, which may result in high sewerage bills and monthly water expenses.

• Energy Efficiency

It is important to consider how your new shower or bathtub will affect your monthly bills. Since a bathtub uses a lot of water, your water heater should have the capacity to fill it with hot water. You may also be forced to add hot water after a while since the temperature decreases the more time you spend in the bath. However, you can reduce water usage and monthly electricity bills by installing an energy-efficient showerhead. Water coming from a shower is also regulated which means the power used to heat the water is used sparingly when needed. This makes showers cheaper in the end compared to bathtubs.

• Maintenance

Bathtubs can get a little bit messy when left unwashed for a long time. The process of restoring worn, chipped or impossible to clean bathtubs to give them a fresh new look given the amount of labor required. You may have to reglaze your bathtub frequently to maintain the new look and prevent it from chipping. A shower, on the other hand, is simple to fix since you can choose to replace your showerhead or faucets if they are not operating efficiently. Besides, you will not be required to replace them all the time as long as they are still in good condition.

• Future Needs

If you are planning to stay in your home for years to come, then it is important to consider your future needs when deciding between a shower and a bathtub. A regular bathtub can be a challenge, as people get older since they have to deal with the problem of getting in and out of the bathtub. In most cases, you may be forced to replace your bathtub when designing an accessible bathroom in the future. A shower is an affordable option when you are renovating for accessibility since you can customize it to suit the needs of the user. Adding accessible bathroom features such as grab bars, shower seats, or easy-to-use handles should not be a problem in a shower than a bathtub.

It is cheaper to install showers looking at the amount of labor and materials needed during installation. One of the reasons why homeowners prefer a shower to a bathtub is that it helps you save more on monthly bills such as water and electricity. It is important to weigh the benefits and downsides of having a shower or a bathtub before making the final decision to determine what suits your budget and individual lifestyle.