Everything You Need to Know about Baths for Your Bathroom Reno

Bath tubs are definitely making a come back though I don’t think we’ll ever see them quite as common in homes as we once did with the standard tub shower combo that everyone had. Walk in showers are simply safer for everyone involved without the need to step up and over a tub lip and the chance of slipping that that creates. And a bench or seating can always be added to showers if its needed. But the stand alone bath tub is definitely coming back in a big way, I absolutely ADORE mine!

Do I use it very often? Actually I haven’t taken a bath in probably six months. Summers here I don’t do baths, my master bathroom usually hovers around 80 degrees – not really the type of temperature that makes we want to take a long hot soak.

But its more than that though if I never use that tub to soak in again it will still make me happy every single day. I picked it out, bought it, ran the plumbing for it and installed it myself. Its my double slipper bath tub and I love it and, really, that’s all the matters.

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)

What size is a “standard” bathtub? Is a separate shower better than a shower/tub combo? These and other questions are going to cross your mind, if they haven’t already, when you are considering baths for your bathroom reno project.

If you are getting ready to update your bathroom or even considering a renovation in the future, you have to know what you’re getting into. Since it’s the bathroom, the most important part of that is usually the bath.

Know the Cost

The median bathroom reno cost is over $10,000, and this is on the “low end”. There is no such thing as a cheap bathroom remodel, no matter what you choose to upgrade. As many would suspect, the most expensive part of the project is the plumbing and fixtures. The bath makes up a small chunk of this, depending on the style of tub that you choose.

On average, baths alone cost between $300 and $3,000, depending on materials, size, and type. Fiberglass and cast iron are the most common materials, with luxury baths offering high-end finishes like cultured marble or high-end porcelain.

Know the Value

If you are going to upgrade anything in the bathroom, the bath is the place to start.

The loo is what it is: a loo. Sure, you can install a newer model or a low-flow toilet for efficiency, but it’s not something that catches people’s attention in a reno project. A new bathtub, however, can make a big statement. It can also add a lot of value.

Are Spa Tubs Still a Thing?

Right now, soaking bath tubs are the trend. Spa tubs are still used in some homes, but typically they are seen as cost-prohibitive.

These tubs have a lot of working parts that are prone to breakdown and they require more maintenance than a standard bath. Therefore, many people will opt for a large soaking bath instead of a whirlpool or spa tub.

Baths are a bigger deal than you think. They also offer an easy way to upgrade the bathroom without a huge investment. Now that you know a little more, you can trust that your bathroom reno project won’t go down the drain.

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)