Tub vs. Shower: Which is Better for Your Home?

If you're in the middle of a bathroom remodel or you are looking for a new house, you may have come to a halt because of the tub vs. shower dilemma. You might have tried asking your friends which is better. But, most people will just tell you which one is subjectively better for them. Let's discuss some of the pros and cons of getting either of those. This way, you will hopefully more easily come to a solution to the tub vs. shower dilemma that is right for you.

We will mostly be covering the benefits of choosing either of these options. But, just like with anything in life, we can't skip over the setbacks of having a tub or shower. Keep in mind that we will be discussing this with the assumption that you are not in a position to have both of these options.

Long-term investment

There is one thing you should always think about when doing something new with your home (including solving the tub vs. shower dilemma). That is whether it will increase or decrease the resale value of your home.

Most people on the market today see a tub as a show of luxury, so if you are in it for the long run, your best bet would be to go for one. However, this mostly applies to houses. If you are living in an apartment, having a tub can come off as forced and out of place. Most single-family homes will benefit from having a bathtub in at least one of the bathrooms. This is because it is easier for parents to wash their small children and babies in them.

Along with other ways to make a sale, finding the right solution to the tub vs. shower dilemma for your home will greatly increase its resale value.

You can always change your mind

When faced with the tub vs. shower dilemma, it is important to stay calm. If you're taking a couple of days to make the final decision and it's pushing back your bathroom remodel schedule, you shouldn't panic. Just remember that when it comes to this, most decisions are not actually final. Even if you end up making the wrong one, for instance, you get a tub and realize it isn't for you, you can always go back and swap out the tub for a shower. A bathroom remodel can be done whenever you want to and have the means to do it. There are, however, some things you should consider when renovating a bathroom.

Bathroom with both a tub and shower to help with the tub vs. shower decision

Another important thing to make sure of is that the fixture you choose is connected so that you can replace it if you change your mind later. This can best be done by having open and constant conversations with your plumber.

Keep water-saving methods in mind

Tubs generally call for a lot of water. If you are the type of person who likes to be frugal with their water, the obvious choice is a shower. But you shouldn't give up on a tub just yet. You should instead try asking your plumber whether he can incorporate some other ways to save water into your home. This way, you can stay on the same amount of water you would usually be spending while also allowing for a tub to be added.

Of course, this method calls for a lot of extra expenses upfront, seeing as you have to install a bunch of these water-saving fixtures. So for anyone who is still reluctant, the best solution to the tub vs. shower dilemma is a shower, after all. And if you are fine with spending a little more water for the comfort that a soak in the tub offers, you know what to do.

Tub vs. shower, which is more hygienic?

The most obvious answer to this question is that a shower definitely cleans your body better. It distributes water evenly all around your body. It mixes with the soap on your skin better as well. Doing this can easily break apart all the oils, sweat, and dirt that have collected on your skin throughout the day and/or night. A cold shower in the morning can also help you wake up more easily.

However, this is not to say that baths in a tub are dirty and have no practical use. Taking a bath helps gently exfoliate your skin over a longer period of time. It opens your pores for better and deeper cleaning. It also helps relax your muscles and stimulate your nervous system. And, as long as you're careful, you can also always take a quick shower by standing upright in a tub.

If you change your mind about the tub vs. shower dilemma, leave room for future changes

Getting informed about different types of baths and ways to take a shower is a good idea too. For instance, there are certain salts and additives you can put in your bath to increase its health benefits.

What do you want?

The final and most important step of figuring out the solution for the tub vs. shower dilemma is realizing what it is that you want. Finding the right fit for your needs is the best way to look at and approach this issue. Experts from storage companies such as Zippy Shell of Greater Philadelphia say that a lot of people tend to listen only to recommendations from friends and loved ones without thinking about what they want during a remodel. Then they ended up having to spend even more money on renting a storage unit to keep the tub/shower fixture which they decided they didn't want after two months.

The solution to the tub vs. shower dilemma is different for everyone

Choosing one of these is not the end, though. You have to also make sure that the installation process goes smoothly. There are also many types of tubs and showers, which you also have to decide on. Our advice for this is to make sure you hire a handyman or plumber to help you. It's always easier to make sure your bathroom remodel goes to plan when you have a pair of experienced hands on your side.

You should always take a shower, even by standing in a tub for hygienic purposes.

Getting informed about different types of baths and ways to take a shower is a good idea too. For instance, there are certain salts and additives you can put in your bath to increase its health benefits.

What do you want?

The final and most important step of figuring out the solution for the tub vs. shower dilemma is realizing what it is that you want. Finding the right fit for your needs is the best way to look at and approach this issue. Experts from storage companies such as Zippy Shell of Greater Philadelphia say that a lot of people tend to listen only to recommendations from friends and loved ones without thinking about what they want during a remodel. Then they ended up having to spend even more money on renting a storage unit to keep the tub/shower fixture which they decided they didn't want after two months.

The solution to the tub vs. shower dilemma is different for everyone

Choosing one of these is not the end, though. You have to also make sure that the installation process goes smoothly. There are also many types of tubs and showers, which you also have to decide on. Our advice for this is to make sure you hire a handyman or plumber to help you. It's always easier to make sure your bathroom remodel goes to plan when you have a pair of experienced hands on your side.

Something that is a pro in the tub vs. shower dilemma for you is a con for someone else.

Remember that you are the one who will be using this bathroom for the next few years of your life. What is right for you might be awful for someone else you know. Finding the solution to the tub vs. shower dilemma is a different path for everyone.

Guest Contributor: Sophia Perry