Choosing the right shower can significantly boost your quality of life. After all, bathing is an important part of your day, and you want to make sure you can keep your new shower clean while also feeling safe and comfortable in one of the wettest parts of your home.
Many homeowners wonder about the differences that exist between a walk-in shower and a step-in shower. The professionals from Forever Builders, the experts in bathroom remodeling San Diego homeowners have trusted for more than 20 years, explain the pros and cons of both shower types to help you select the right one to fit your needs during a bathroom remodel.
Eliminate Hazardous Steps with a Walk-In Shower
The biggest difference you’ll notice about a walk-in shower is that it doesn’t have a tub or ledge. This allows people with mobility challenges to easily access the space without worrying about having to lift their legs over a ledge, which can increase the risk of falls. Depending on the design of the shower, it can even be accessible for people with wheelchairs. You can also add other accessibility features such as grab bars and chairs to further increase safety in your new shower.
Prevent Water Spillage with a Step-In Shower
The lack of a ledge can decrease a person’s fall risk, but it does come with the downside of potentially allowing water to escape to the other parts of the bathroom. If you have young children who may splash inside the shower or just worry about water damage, a step-in shower can give you greater peace of mind. The ledge on a step-in shower can contain water that might collect on the floor, and many people prefer knowing a clogged drain won’t lead to flooding in their bathing space.
Create More Space with a Walk-In Shower
Walk-in showers often replace separate tub and shower units, and this allows remodeling contractors more room to design the bathing area of your dreams. Walk-in showers are often designed without doors, since these can interfere with accessibility. Instead, large panels of safety glass keep the water inside the shower while also creating an open look that many people prefer. Having more space for your shower might also be desirable if you need assistance with bathing or need a mobility device.
Enjoy More Privacy with a Step-In Shower
For some people, a door is more desirable. This is especially true if you need to share the bathroom with other family members. When designing your shower, you can let your contractor know if privacy is a concern. Since step-in showers have doors, you can choose from special types of glass that have blurring effects. For instance, rain glass gives your home a spa-like feel while offering you an extra bit of privacy.
Consider the Overall Resale Value
Upgrading to a new shower can increase the value of your home, no matter which type you choose. If you plan to age in place, switching to a walk-in shower can give you a greater sense of personal enjoyment with your bathroom remodel. However, you might need to consider the potential desires of future buyers if you plan to sell your home in the future. For instance, young families may prefer step-in showers that make bathing children easier. Alternatively, walk-in showers might be desirable in neighborhoods with an aging population.
The experienced professionals from Forever Builders, the best remodeling company in San Diego, will guide you through every step of your bathroom renovation, whether you’re updating a guest bath or planning a full master bathroom remodel. San Diego homeowners trust us to provide the most affordable bathroom remodeling services and help them turn their dreams into reality. We’ll help you create the bathroom you’ve always wanted, meeting all your expectations while keeping your costs within budget. To find out more about our outstanding bathroom remodeling services, give one of our friendly team members a call today.