Are Shower Rooms Actually A Good Idea Or A Potential Nightmare?

Few things are quite as luxurious as stepping into an expansive shower space — and doing so without the need to navigate the encumbrance of a tub is just another fabulous perk. But when it comes to creating your ideal luxury bathroom, is a shower room really worth the investment? Judi Kutner, licensed realtor and senior contributor at Virtual Staging, spoke exclusively with House Digest to help us decide if a shower room is the right way for you to create the perfect peaceful shower space. The answer is, it depends. If you're creating a spa-like room in a home with other bathrooms, it might just be the perfect choice.

Shower rooms are functionally quite similar to a walk-in shower. They both offer ease of access and a pared-back, luxurious look. "A shower room is basically a bathroom that's built around the shower area, usually with tiled walls and floors to handle moisture," Kutner explained. A shower room will likely still have a divider of some kind to keep the water contained, but since there is no lip or edge for a shower pan, "shower rooms can be designed with accessibility in mind, making them inclusive for individuals with mobility challenges," she added.

With its open feel and modern look, a shower room can be a useful version of a walk-in shower idea that will take your breath away. There are some drawbacks, however. Namely, cost, maintenance concerns, and the impact this bathroom style may have on potential home buyers.

Creating a safe and functional shower room requires some expert know-how to manage the water and its effects. Therefore, as Judi Kutner shared in her exclusive interview with House Digest, "high quality materials and proper installation can make shower rooms a costly investment, so thoughtful planning is essential to maximize their benefits." You'll want "a good design that includes proper drainage and splash containment [which] will also reduce water spreading throughout the space." 

This high-cost renovation is also high-maintenance. "Shower rooms can require more frequent cleaning, especially if water splashes beyond the shower area," Kutner warned. "However, this can be mitigated by using easy to clean materials, such as large tiles with minimal grout lines or seamless wall panels." She also noted that using water-resistant materials like specialty paints can help to protect your shower room from causing damage. 

In addition to regular cleaning, allowing your shower room to dry completely and managing the humidity will also help to deter mold growth — another concern in these spaces. You may want to consider adding a good ventilation system or dehumidifier to your space to keep it fresh and sparkling clean. The realtor also reminded us that while shower rooms do carry a sense of opulence, they can also be a bathroom design choice that makes it harder to sell a home, since they may not appeal to every buyer.

"Shower rooms offer numerous benefits, making them a practical and stylish addition to any home. They are space saving, ideal for smaller or awkward layouts, and provide a quick and efficient option for busy households," Judi Kutner told House Digest in an exclusive interview. However, they may not be an ideal option for everyone. Bathtubs may be on the list of essentials for home buyers, especially those with children.

If there isn't another bathroom with a tub in the house, that could be a deterrent to buyers — particularly families, Kutner said. "If you're thinking that you would like to add a freestanding tub though, then this is possible in a shower room, but you'll need to make sure that you set it up properly," she cautioned. Precisely leveling the tub and working with the drainage will be even more important in a shower room. Another point of consideration is the aesthetic quality. While the feeling of openness that comes with a shower room can be a luxury for some, it may present privacy issues for others. 

Of course that's not to say these luxury shower spaces aren't a fantastic option. "If you have one family bathroom (with a tub) and are looking to add another bathroom, but space is limited, then a shower room is the perfect solution," Kutner said. "When done well, they can also boost property value, appealing to buyers who prioritize contemporary, functional spaces."