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There’s nothing like a luxurious and relaxing bathroom to start or end your day. If you’re looking to add a touch of luxury to your bathroom, consider installing a separate shower and bathtub. This separation allows you to build a luxurious walk-in shower for everyday use while still having a soaking tub for relaxation and health benefits.
Fitting it All In
The first step in considering a separate tub and shower is to make sure you have enough room. Not every bath is large enough to accommodate separate fixtures, but you will be surprised at what can be done with even a modest-size bath. To determine the feasibility of your project, draw a scale plan of your bathroom and use the dimensions of typical fixtures to see what you can fit.
For example, older standard tubs are 60 X 30, while newer ones that offer more comfort are 72 inches in length. Whirlpools come in comparable sizes. Stand-alone showers are widely available in 36 X 36-, 36 X 42- and 36 X 48-inch models. Corner shower or tub units can also be a space-saving solution.
If your survey shows that you don’t have enough space, don’t worry. There are several ways to make up for the lack of square footage. In many homes, a closet in a bedroom backs up to a bathroom wall. If you’re willing to sacrifice some or all of this storage space, you may be able to build the bath of your dreams. Another potential source of extra floor space is the hallway. By walling off a door and backing the bath into the corridor, you can gain additional room. Empty-nesters have it easier, as they can borrow from living quarters that are no longer in use, as long as the floor plan allows it.
We made this separate shower and bathtub for a client:
Planning Around Plumbing
A basic understanding of plumbing principles can also be helpful when planning your remodeling project. Even if you’re hiring a contractor or plumber to do the work, it’s beneficial to know the relative difficulty and cost of various plumbing changes.
The two main components of any plumbing system are the supply pipes (hot and cold) and the drain-waste-and-vent (DWV) system. If your design is limited to replacing or upgrading fixtures, the impact on your plumbing will be minimal, both in terms of cost and construction. However, if you’ll be relocating or adding fixtures, you’ll need to access the walls and beneath the floor, which will increase the cost considerably.
It’s possible to minimize these costs in your planning, however. For example, turning a toilet 90 degrees and hiding it with a half-wall can often achieve your goals of reconfiguring a bath without having to move the closet bend (the drain opening) or reconnect to the vent stack. Both of these tasks are expensive. When separating your tub and shower, although you will need to bring in both supply and DWV pipes, you can typically save a lot by placing them on the same wall. This is another reason to consider calling in a plumbing contractor as you’re working on your new floor plan.
In addition to these practical considerations, keep in mind your personal preferences as you configure your bathroom. Do you like to read while bathing? This will impact your lighting needs. If there’s a nice view from your bathroom, orient the tub or shower to take advantage of it. Space in bathrooms is almost always tight, so sequence fixtures logically. For example, keep the fixtures you use most, such as the sink and toilet, closer to the door than to the tub or shower. By balancing good design decisions with construction and safety requirements, your new bath can be a functional and relaxing space for your daily routine or a private spa for special moments.
When planning your separate shower and bathtub, keep in mind the clearances around fixtures. For example, you need a 30-inch clearance for a standard swinging shower door, 2 feet and 8 inches between all major fixtures to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act and 15 inches of clearance from the centerline of the toilet to any adjacent wall or cabinet.
These and other critical dimensions, including barrier-free standards, are outlined in the building code used in your community. Make sure to check with your local building department to find out the critical dimensions for your project.
The Benefits of a Walk-In Shower
Walk-in showers are a popular choice for their ease of use and modern design. They are ideal for those who want a quick and convenient shower experience, without having to climb over a bathtub. A walk-in shower can be designed to fit your unique needs and preferences, with features like multiple showerheads, a built-in bench, or a rain showerhead.
One of the biggest benefits of a walk-in shower is that it is much easier to clean than a traditional shower-tub combination. The smooth and seamless design of a walk-in shower eliminates the need for a shower curtain, which can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew. A walk-in shower can also be designed to be wheelchair accessible, making it a great choice for those with mobility issues.
The Benefits of a Soaking Tub
While a walk-in shower is ideal for everyday use, a soaking tub is the perfect choice for relaxing and unwinding after a long day. Soaking in a tub can provide numerous health benefits, including reducing stress, improving circulation, and relieving muscle pain.
Soaking tubs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, so you can choose the one that best fits your bathroom. You can choose from a traditional rectangular tub, a corner tub, or a freestanding tub. You can also choose from a variety of materials, including acrylic, fiberglass, and cast iron.
The Benefits of a Separate Shower and Bathtub
Having a separate shower and bathtub in your bathroom provides you with the best of both worlds. You can enjoy a quick and convenient shower in the morning and a relaxing soak in the tub at night. This separation also allows you to customize your bathroom to fit your unique needs and preferences.
If you have the space, consider installing a separate shower and bathtub in your bathroom. This will not only provide you with a touch of luxury, but it will also increase the value of your home. A well-designed bathroom with a separate shower and bathtub can be a selling point for potential buyers and can make your home stand out from the rest.
At Ark Remodeling Services, we specialize in bathroom remodeling and can help you design and build the bathroom of your dreams. Our team of experienced professionals will work with you to create a bathroom that meets your needs and fits your budget. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started on your bathroom remodel. You can fill out the contact form by clicking on this link or call us at 832-909-7903.
