You know that feeling, right? You’re standing in your bathroom, staring at that old bathtub, wondering if it’s finally time for a change. Or maybe you’re building a new home and just can’t decide between a luxurious walk-in shower or a relaxing soaking tub. Trust me, you’re absolutely not alone in this dilemma.
I’ve been in the remodeling business for over two decades here in Colorado Springs, and this is hands down one of the most common questions homeowners ask me. It’s not just about what looks good – though that definitely matters too. It’s about how you actually live, what your family needs, and yes, what makes good financial sense for your home’s value.
So, let’s break this down together, because honestly, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What works perfectly for your neighbor might be completely wrong for your family. But by the time we’re done here, you’ll have a much clearer idea of exactly which direction to go.
What’s Really Happening in Bathrooms These Days?
Before we get into all the details, let’s chat about what’s trending in bathrooms across America. Things have shifted quite a bit over the past decade, and homeowners here in Colorado Springs are right in the thick of it.
Walk-in showers have absolutely exploded in popularity. We’re talking about a 60% increase in shower-only bathroom renovations since 2020! But here’s what’s interesting – bathtub sales haven’t just vanished. They’ve just become more intentional.
People aren’t just tossing in a basic tub anymore. When they choose a bathtub now, they’re going for something special – maybe a deep soaking tub, a freestanding statement piece, or a luxury spa-style setup.
So, the real question isn’t which one is “better.” It’s simply which one fits your lifestyle, your space, and your long-term plans.
The Walk-in Shower: Why Everyone’s Talking About Them
Let’s kick things off with walk-in showers, because honestly, there’s a whole lot to love here.
Daily Life Benefits
Think about your morning routine. You’re probably rushing to get ready, maybe wrangling kids, definitely trying to get out the door on time. A walk-in shower just makes sense for most people’s actual lives.
I can’t tell you how many clients have told me that switching to a walk-in shower completely changed their mornings. No stepping over tub edges (which, let’s be real, gets harder as we age). No waiting for a tub to fill. Just turn on the water and go.
The accessibility factor is huge, especially here in Colorado Springs where many folks are planning to age in place. A curbless shower entry means no tripping hazards. Add some grab bars and a built-in bench, and you’ve got a shower that’ll work for you whether you’re 35 or 85.
Space Magic
Here’s something that often surprises people: a well-designed walk-in shower can actually make your bathroom feel bigger, even if you’re working with the exact same square footage.
I remember a project up in Monument where the homeowners swore their bathroom was too small for anything nice. We took out their old tub-shower combo and put in a gorgeous walk-in shower with a sleek glass enclosure. The difference was like night and day – suddenly the bathroom felt twice as big!
The trick is in the sightlines. When you can see all the way to the back wall of your shower, your eye doesn’t stop at a tub edge. Glass enclosures keep things feeling open, and if you really want to maximize space, a partial glass panel can work wonders.
Design Flexibility That’s Actually Fun
This is where walk-in showers truly shine. The design possibilities are pretty much endless, and you can create something that’s uniquely yours.
Want a rainfall showerhead? Done. How about multiple shower heads for a spa experience? Easy. Thinking about beautiful tile work that runs from floor to ceiling? Perfect canvas for it.
I’ve installed showers with built-in niches for storage, LED lighting for ambiance, and even steam features for clients who want that luxury hotel experience at home. Try doing that with a standard bathtub setup!
The Practical Stuff
Let’s talk maintenance, because nobody wants to spend their weekends scrubbing soap scum.
Walk-in showers are generally easier to clean than bathtubs. There’s no tub ring to deal with, and if you choose your materials wisely (hello, large-format tiles with minimal grout lines!), you can keep maintenance pretty simple.
Water usage is another thing to think about. A typical shower uses about 2.5 gallons per minute. Even a long 10-minute shower uses 25 gallons. Compare that to filling a standard bathtub, which takes 36-50 gallons every single time. That can add up!
But Let’s Be Honest About the Downsides
Now, walk-in showers aren’t perfect for everyone. If you’ve got young kids, bath time suddenly becomes more challenging. Sure, you can bathe kids in a shower, but it’s just not as contained or fun as a tub.
And if you’re someone who truly loves soaking in a hot bath after a long day, a shower just won’t cut it. I’ve had clients who installed beautiful walk-in showers and then regretted giving up their favorite relaxation ritual.
The Case for Keeping (or Adding) a Bathtub
Now let’s talk about bathtubs, because they’re definitely far from obsolete.
The Relaxation Factor is Real
There’s just something about sinking into a hot bath that a shower can’t quite replicate. It’s not just about getting clean – it’s about unwinding, de-stressing, and taking a real break from the world.
I’ve worked with plenty of clients who initially wanted to ditch their tub, but after we talked through their actual routines, they realized how much they’d miss it. One client told me her evening bath was the only 30 minutes of the day that belonged entirely to her. Why would she give that up?
Families with Young Kids: This is a Game-Changer
If you have small children or you’re planning to, a bathtub isn’t just nice to have – it’s practically essential. Trying to bathe a toddler in a walk-in shower is like trying to contain a slippery, giggling fish. Good luck with that!
Bathtubs make bath time safer, easier, and honestly, more fun for kids. Plus, they contain the water mess, which any parent will tell you is worth its weight in gold.
Home Value Considerations
Here’s something that might surprise you: removing the only bathtub in your home can actually hurt its resale value.
Real estate agents consistently tell me that families with children will often pass on homes that don’t have at least one bathtub. It’s not a dealbreaker for everyone, but it definitely shrinks your potential buyer pool.
If you’re in a starter home or a family-friendly neighborhood here in Colorado Springs, keeping at least one tub is probably smart from an investment standpoint.
Modern Bathtubs Aren’t Your Grandma’s Tubs
The bathtub game has seriously upgraded in recent years. We’re not talking about basic builder-grade tubs anymore.
Freestanding tubs have become gorgeous statement pieces. Deep soaking tubs offer a spa-like experience. Some even come with features like chromotherapy lighting, built-in heaters to keep water warm longer, and ergonomic designs that are actually comfortable.
I recently installed a Japanese-style soaking tub for a client, and it completely transformed their master bathroom into a zen retreat. It’s not just functional – it’s a focal point that makes the whole room feel luxurious.
The Downsides You Should Know About
Bathtubs do take up more space – there’s no getting around that. In smaller bathrooms, a tub can make the space feel cramped.
They also use more water, which adds up on utility bills and isn’t great for the environment. And let’s be honest about cleaning – tubs generally require more scrubbing than showers, especially around the faucet and drain areas.
Accessibility can be an issue too. Stepping over a tub edge isn’t a problem when you’re young and agile, but it can become difficult or even dangerous as mobility changes.
Colorado Springs Specific Considerations
Living here in Colorado Springs brings some unique factors into this decision that you might not have thought about.
Our Water Situation
Colorado isn’t exactly known for abundant water resources, and that’s becoming more apparent every year. Many of my clients are increasingly conscious about water usage, which tends to favor shower installations.
But here’s a perspective shift: if you only take baths occasionally – say, once or twice a week – the water usage might actually be less than daily long showers. It really depends on your habits.
The Altitude Effect
This might sound weird, but the altitude here can actually affect how you feel about hot baths versus showers. Some people find that hot baths at altitude can be more draining than at sea level. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something I’ve heard from clients who moved here from lower elevations.
Local Building Codes and Permits
Any major bathroom renovation in Colorado Springs is going to require permits, whether you’re installing a walk-in shower or a new bathtub. The good news is that both options are pretty straightforward from a code perspective.
However, if you’re doing a full gut renovation, there might be opportunities to reconfigure plumbing that could influence your decision. It’s worth having a professional assessment before you get too far into planning.
Climate Considerations
Our dry climate here can actually make showers feel more comfortable than in humid places. You don’t get that sticky feeling that makes you want to soak in a tub to cool off. On the flip side, our cold winters might make hot baths more appealing for warming up.
Making the Decision: What Questions Should You Ask Yourself?
Alright, let’s get practical. Here are the questions I ask every client to help them figure out what’s right for their situation:
How Do You Actually Use Your Bathroom?
Be honest about your current habits. Do you take baths regularly, or has it been six months since you last used your tub? Are you always in a hurry in the morning, or do you like to take your time?
I had one client who swore she loved baths, but when we really looked at her routine, she’d used her tub maybe five times in two years. She was much happier with a spacious walk-in shower.
What’s Your Family Situation?
Single or couple with no kids? You’ve got lots of flexibility. Young children at home? That tub is probably staying. Kids who are teenagers or older? You might be ready for the switch.
Also think about your future plans. Are you hoping to have kids? Planning to age in this home? These factors should definitely influence your decision.
How Big is Your Bathroom?
In smaller bathrooms (under 40 square feet), a walk-in shower almost always makes the space feel larger and more functional. In larger master bathrooms, you might have room for both a separate shower and a soaking tub – the best of both worlds!
What’s Your Budget Looking Like?
Here’s the real talk about costs: both options can range from budget-friendly to sky-high luxury, but they get there differently.
A basic walk-in shower renovation might start around $3,000-$5,000 for materials and labor. But if you want all the bells and whistles – multiple shower heads, custom tile work, glass enclosures – you could easily hit $15,000 or more.
Bathtub installations vary wildly too. A standard alcove tub might cost $1,200-$3,000 installed, while a freestanding soaking tub with all the fixtures could run $8,000-$20,000.
Are You Planning to Sell Soon?
If you’re thinking about selling within the next five years, consider your neighborhood. Family areas tend to favor homes with at least one bathtub. Adult-oriented communities or downtown condos, on the other hand, might prefer luxurious walk-in showers.
The “Best of Both Worlds” Solutions
Sometimes you don’t have to choose. Depending on your space and budget, there are ways to get the benefits of both.
Shower-Tub Combos (But Make Them Nice!)
I know, I know – the basic fiberglass tub-shower combo isn’t winning any design awards. But modern versions can be surprisingly attractive and functional.
Consider a deep soaking tub with a glass shower enclosure above it. You get the relaxation benefits of a tub with the convenience of a shower. Just make sure you have enough ceiling height to make the shower feel comfortable.
Separate Shower and Tub
If you’ve got the space and budget, this is often the ideal solution. A dedicated walk-in shower for daily use, plus a separate soaking tub for pure relaxation.
I’ve done this in several master bathroom renovations, and clients absolutely love it. You’re not compromising on either experience.
The Wet Room Approach
This is getting more popular – essentially making your entire bathroom (or a section of it) into a shower area, with a separate tub that’s part of the overall wet space. It’s modern, spa-like, and incredibly functional.
Installation Realities: What You’re Actually Getting Into
Let’s talk about what actually happens when you decide to make this change, because it’s not just about picking pretty fixtures.
Timeline Expectations
A typical shower-to-tub or tub-to-shower conversion usually takes 5-10 days, assuming no major plumbing changes. But here’s what can extend that timeline:
- Discovering old plumbing that needs updating
- Structural changes to accommodate different fixtures
- Permit delays (though we handle this for our clients)
- Custom tile work or special-order fixtures
The Disruption Factor
You’re going to be without your main bathroom for at least a week, possibly longer. Make sure you’ve got a backup plan for showering and getting ready.
I always recommend clients prepare a temporary setup in a guest bathroom or even consider staying elsewhere for a few days if this is your only full bathroom.
Potential Surprises
Old homes here in Colorado Springs can hide surprises behind those walls. I’ve found everything from outdated electrical that needs updating to plumbing that doesn’t meet current codes.
The good news is that addressing these issues makes your home safer and more valuable. The less good news is that it can add to your budget and timeline.
Working with Professionals: What to Look For
Whether you go with a shower or tub, this isn’t typically a DIY project. Here’s what you should look for in a contractor:
Experience with Your Specific Choice
Shower installations require different expertise than bathtub installations. Make sure your contractor has experience with whichever option you’re choosing.
At Stewart Remodel Design Build, we’ve been doing both types of projects since 1999, so we’ve seen pretty much every scenario you can imagine. Experience really matters when you’re dealing with plumbing, waterproofing, and tile work.
Local Knowledge
Colorado Springs has its quirks – from building codes to local suppliers to understanding how our climate affects materials. A local contractor who’s been working in the area for years will handle these issues much more smoothly than someone from out of town.
Design Support
This is where having a full-service remodeling company really helps. We have interior designers on staff and maintain our own design center, so you can see materials and get professional design guidance all in one place.
Proper Licensing and Insurance
This should go without saying, but make sure any contractor you work with is properly licensed and insured. We’ve been A+ BBB accredited members since 2007, and that kind of track record gives you confidence that the work will be done right.
Real Client Stories: How These Decisions Played Out
Let me share a few real examples from projects we’ve done around Colorado Springs, because sometimes hearing how it worked out for other people helps clarify your own thinking.
The Young Family in Briargate
Sarah and Mike had two kids under five and were convinced they needed to keep their bathtub. But their master bathroom was tiny, and the old tub made the whole space feel cramped.
We showed them how a walk-in shower would open up the room, and they realized they had another full bathroom with a tub that the kids could use. The master bathroom transformation was incredible – it went from feeling like a cramped afterthought to a spa-like retreat.
They told me later that they don’t miss the master tub at all, and they love having that extra space for getting ready in the mornings.
The Empty Nesters in Old Colorado City
Janet and Robert’s kids had moved out, and they were ready to create a luxurious master bathroom. They initially wanted to remove their tub and do a huge walk-in shower.
But during our design consultation, Janet mentioned how much she loved her evening baths for arthritis pain relief. We ended up designing a bathroom with both: a spacious walk-in shower for daily use and a beautiful freestanding soaking tub positioned to look out their bedroom window.
It cost more than just doing a shower, but they use both regularly and say it was worth every penny.
The Condo Downtown
Mark had a small condo bathroom with a basic tub-shower combo that made the space feel dated and cramped. As a single guy who never took baths, the tub was just wasted space.
We converted it to a sleek walk-in shower with subway tile and a rainfall showerhead. The transformation made his small bathroom feel modern and spacious. When he sold the condo two years later, the updated bathroom was a major selling point for urban professionals who valued the contemporary design.
The Bottom Line: Making Your Decision
After all this, you might be wondering what I’d choose for my own home. Honestly, it depends entirely on the situation!
If I had unlimited space and budget, I’d want both – a great shower for daily use and a soaking tub for relaxation. But most of us have to make choices based on real constraints.
Here’s my general guidance:
Choose a walk-in shower if:
- You rarely or never take baths
- You have small children and another bathroom with a tub
- Your bathroom is on the smaller side
- Accessibility is a concern
- You want lower maintenance
- You’re focused on daily functionality over luxury
Choose a bathtub if:
- You regularly take baths for relaxation or health reasons
- You have young children and this is your only full bathroom
- You have plenty of space
- You’re concerned about resale value in a family neighborhood
- You want a statement piece in your bathroom
Consider both if:
- You have the space and budget
- You want the ultimate luxury setup
- Different family members have different preferences
Ready to Make the Change?
Whatever you decide, the most important thing is that it works for your actual life, not just what looks good in magazines or what your neighbor did.
If you’re ready to move forward with a bathroom renovation here in Colorado Springs, I’d love to help you think through the options. We’ve been helping homeowners make these decisions for over two decades, and we can show you examples of both approaches in our design center.
The best part about working with a local, full-service remodeling company is that you’re not just getting installation – you’re getting design expertise, project management, and the peace of mind that comes with working with an established, reputable team.
Want to see some examples of what we’re talking about? Stop by our design center at 5061 N 30th St #102, or give us a call at (719) 266-0336. We’re always happy to talk through options and help you figure out what makes the most sense for your home and your life.
Remember, there’s no wrong choice here – just the choice that’s right for you. Whether you end up with a luxurious walk-in shower or a relaxing soaking tub (or both!), the goal is creating a bathroom that you’ll love using every single day.
And hey, if you change your mind down the road, that’s what remodeling contractors are for! But with a little thoughtful planning upfront, you can create a bathroom that’ll work beautifully for years to come.