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Originally Posted On: https://www.virginiashowerandbath.com/how-much-do-walk-in-showers-cost
Calculate the Cost of Walk-In Showers
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Getting in and out of your shower or bath shouldn’t be time-consuming or potentially dangerous. But slippery bathtubs and high-walled shower stalls can make it challenging to bathe safely.
Fortunately, a walk-in shower could make it far easier for those with accessibility concerns to suds up, rinse down, and enjoy a faster, safer bathing session. But how much do walk-in showers cost?
This guide will explore how much you can expect to spend on your walk-in shower remodel. That way, you can financially prepare to convert your current bathtub or shower into an accessible walk-in alternative.
What Is a Walk-In Shower?
Before we delve into the benefits and remodel prices of walk-in showers, it’s crucial to define what a walk-in shower is.
In the broadest possible terms, a walk-in shower is a shower stall with no or low entry barriers. This feature allows bathers to walk into the stall and begin showering without having to lift their legs over a tub side or shower wall.
Most walk-in showers don’t have shower curtains. Instead, they have sliding or swinging glass doors. These doors can feature textured glass that adds some privacy, but most are at least somewhat transparent.
Still, while a walk-in shower might not offer as much privacy as tub-based showers with opaque shower curtains, it is far more accessible than deep tubs with medium-height sides.
Benefits of Using a Walk-In Shower
There are several benefits of walk-in showers that make them preferable to bathtubs. For example, walk-in showers offer:
- Easy entrance and exit
- Compatible with shower seating
- Variable and customizable sizes
Let’s take a moment to discuss these benefits to discover if a walk-in shower made be a suitable replacement option for your current bathroom.
Easy Entrance and Exit
A bathtub bottom can collect soap, making for a slippery surface conducive to falls. In addition, exiting a bathtub safely can all be challenging, as lifting your leg over the side of a tub can be difficult, especially for those with low mobility.
Walk-in showers offer a safer alternative to standard shower-tub systems. They typically have low ledges that don’t pose a tripping hazard, and their tile floors provide more friction than smooth tub bottoms.
Compatible With Shower Seating
The rounded sides of a bathtub aren’t designed for shower seats, but a walk-in shower can easily accommodate a bathing seat. The rectangular walls of a walk-in shower also offer flush areas for handrails, making them the better overall choice for those looking to enjoy a safer shower.
Variable and Customizable Sizes
The average bathtub is about 60 inches long and 30 inches wide. While this allows some bathers to recline comfortably while bathing, most will have to sit upright or bend their knees to sit down inside a tub. This can prove incredibly uncomfortable, especially for those with arthritis.
Walk-in showers come in a wide range of sizes, and they’re far more customizable than bathtubs. This makes them a more spacious and comfortable option, particularly for those who prefer to stand or sit while bathing.
How Much Do Walk-In Showers Cost?
A pre-made, lower grade walk-in shower costs between $1500 and $5,000 (not installed), but a custom-made walk-in shower typically costs $11,000 – $15,000. So, as you can see, the price for a walk-in shower varies greatly. Of course, you will see a notable difference in the aesthetics and quality of the better products.
If you’re budgeting for a walk-in shower installation or customized remodel, you’ll want to take a moment to consider the factors that impact a walk-in shower’s costs. For example, the most influential factors influencing walk-in shower price include:
- Shower size
- Shower material
- Fixture quantity and quality
- Pre-made versus customized
- DIY versus expert installation
- Add-on features
Generally, the most expensive walk-in showers are custom-made, large, with multiple shower-heads and plenty of accessibility features (like shower seats and handrails). Alternatively, the least costly walk-in showers are pre-made, small, and installed without helpful accessibility features.
How to Choose a Walk-In Shower
If you’re ready to embrace the benefits of having a walk-in shower in your home, you’ll want to start browsing for your next shower setup. But there are quite a few walk-in shower stalls, including pre-made units and custom-made showers.
This variety of options can make it challenging for homeowners to select the best possible walk-in shower. Fortunately, you can make the process easier by:
- Considering shower size
- Thinking about accessibility
- Hiring shower remodel experts
Considering Shower Size
One of the first ways to narrow down your walk-in shower options is to consider your preferred shower size. Naturally, your new shower should fit your bathroom, but it should also offer plenty of space to bathe.
Individuals with mobility or accessibility issues may want to invest in a more spacious walk-in shower to allow room for a shower seat and non-slip handrails.
But those without any physical conditions that make showering a challenge will want to consider accessibility features, as walk-in showers can last decades. So, installing helpful handrails or bathing seats might seem unnecessary now, but they could become practical features in the future!
Thinking About Accessibility
Those with mobility issues will naturally want to choose a walk-in shower that doesn’t have a step-up ledge or barrier around the bottom. But not all walk-in showers are highly accessible, and some do feature barriers along the corners and edges.
So, when you’re choosing a walk-in shower, you might want to browse a gallery of custom-made options. Doing so can help inspire you and help you verbalize the features you’re looking for (low shower barrier, in-shower handrails) to your shower installation experts.
Hiring Shower Remodel Experts
While it’s possible to install a walk-in shower without professional assistance, doing so isn’t recommended. A correctly installed walk-in shower can last longer than two decades, but one that’s improperly installed can lead to expensive home repairs and potentially dangerous issues.
For example, a walk-in shower with an improperly connected drain can lead to significant mold growth or land erosion inside and beneath the bathroom. A DIY walk-in shower can also suffer from improperly secured glass doors, which can fall off and shatter. Poor wall tile placement can also pose health risks to homeowners.
If you’re thinking of investing in a walk-in shower, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with remodeling experts. They can ensure that you enjoy a professionally-installed walk-in shower that suits your needs.
Are You Ready for a Remodel?
So, how much do walk-in showers cost? The answer often depends on the size of your chosen shower, the types of fixtures you select, and the kinds of accessibility features you decide to add.
Still, most shower and bath remodel projects cost upwards of $11,000. That’s why you’ll want to invest in a high-quality walk-in shower that suits your physical needs and aesthetic preferences. After all, a top-notch walk-in shower can last decades!
