Does a Walk-In Shower Add Value to Your Home?

If you’re like most homeowners, you’ve probably at least considered updating your bathroom by investing in a stylish walk-in shower. It’s not hard to understand the appeal; one of these barrier-free bathing fixtures will extend the visual square footage of a bathroom—making it feel airer—while giving the space a sleek, modern edge. For a long time, however, conventional wisdom cautioned homeowners away from these upgrades. After all, barrier-free showers tend to take up space that would otherwise be used as a tub which, in turn, impacts the value of a home. So it’s understandable if you find yourself asking the question: Will a walk-in shower add value to my home?

If you’ve found yourself experiencing bathroom envy when looking at pictures of barrier-free showers, we’ve got some good news for you: These bathing fixtures can absolutely increase home values. In fact, a 2013 survey conducted by the American Institute of Architects reveals that 60% of homeowners prefer stall showers without tubs. Walk-in showers, with their ultra-low thresholds, are an even more popular bathroom remodeling staple. They appeal to a large demographic, including those:

With Mobility Concerns

Did you that more than 235,000 people visit emergency rooms each year due to bathroom-related injuries? This statistic is even worse for those with limited mobility, including a large population of homeowners who have decided to age in place. For these individuals, safely swinging themselves over a high barrier is all but impossible. With a barrier-free shower, on the other hand, entering and exiting a bathing fixture is as simple as stepping forward.

If you live in an area with a large aging population, you’re far more likely to come across a home buyer who finds your walk-in shower to be a valuable feature worth paying extra for. This is especially true if your shower features stability-enhancing features, like grab bars or a built-in seating unit. Just bear in mind that these home buyers will also evaluate the accessibility of the rest of your home as well—a walk-in shower becomes far less accessible if located on the second story of a multistory home.

Without Small Children

When you walk around your neighborhood after schools let out, does the sound of children playing echo down the streets? There’s nothing wrong with living in a child-friendly neighborhood—it will probably even improve the value of your home on the whole—but if you’re planning on selling your home to a young family, you may want to take a moment to think about your walk-in shower plans. Families with young children or pets often need at least one tub where they can bathe the smallest members of their households. A walk-in shower isn’t terribly helpful in this respect, especially if a home doesn’t have another tub elsewhere.

Of course, if you live in an area with either older families or childless young professionals, your barrier-free shower will quickly become a coveted asset. That’s because individuals are far more likely to start their days with a brisk shower than end them with a bubbly soak. Consequently, they’ll get more milage from a walk-in shower and you’ll often find that they’ll pay more for this fixture.

Of course, if you want a walk-in shower that maximizes value, it helps to partner with a remodeler you can trust. In the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area, that remodeler is HWC Home Works Corp. Contact us today to learn how we can transform your bathroom!