Angie's List: One Of The Latest Trends In Bathroom Renovations
By Jim Donovan
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Does your bathroom need some TLC? Well, if you're going to do any home remodeling the bathroom is a smart choice because you'll get a good return on your investment. In this week's Angie's List report, Jim Donovan looks at one of the latest trends in bathroom renovations.
Contractor, Dan Updike, says many of his customers are choosing to ditch bulky tubs in favor of more luxurious showers.
"The bathing generation is kind of gone by the wayside. We are a pretty much shower generation anymore. So rather than have the bathtub that you lift your leg over that's a confined space if you put in a large shower it's more of the spa-type shower," said Updike.
"There are so many choices when it comes to showers and they potentially take up less space than the large garden tubs that have been historically in homes. If you are a homeowner that wants to age in place, grow old in your home, a shower can be a safer alternative for you," said Angie's List founder, Angie Hicks.
When it comes to walk-in showers, the design options are nearly endless. They can be customized to fit just about any size, shape or lifestyle. You can add shelves, seats, grab bars and more.
"And then it's a matter of what to put on the shower walls whether it's tile with accent trim tile or go to the solid surface wall system," said Updike.
Updike says converting a standard five-foot tub into a shower typically starts around $4,500, but prices vary depending on the materials and options you choose. And while nearly every tub can be converted to a shower, it's not always the best idea.
"Replacing a tub for a shower is not for everyone. If you only have one bathroom in your house you want to be sure you keep a tub because what will end up happening is you'll hurt your resale value. Families with kids, they like tubs and without one it can hurt you," said Hicks.
