Renovating an existing bathroom in our home is a major undertaking. Even if we opt out of "do it yourself" mode and enlist the help of professional experts the project can be daunting. There will be many decisions to navigate, not the least of which is whether the updated personal space will have a shower or a bathtub.

Some decisions about creating a new bathroom can be made mid project but the question of the shower or tub must be answered up front as many other determinations will be based upon that choice.

Some questions to ask ourselves in order to insure our new bathroom will fulfill our specific needs are as follows:

* Location

Is this the main bath with the highest level of use? Is this the master bath attached to personal bedroom space? Is this a guest bath only used occasionally?

* Demographics

Will the bath be used by elderly members of the household who might require additional safety
measures? Are there small children to consider, in which case a bathtub might serve best? Is this the bath space used for relaxing and unwinding from the stresses of the day?

* Aesthetics

Is this bathroom located in the main area of the house where appearance will be as important as utility? Will guests to the home be using this bath? Will this bath serve dual purposes, such as rest room and laundry room?

By answering all of the above questions we can better assess whether a bathtub or a shower stall will be right for our needs. Once that decision has been made, we can move on to what type of bathtub or shower to choose. We will want to make our choices taking into account, as much as possible, not only our present but our future needs.

There are myriad choices: We can have a tub replacement, or make a tub to shower conversion, or a shower to tub conversion, or even a combination tub and shower conversion if space permits. We can choose an oversized whirlpool bathtub, or a steam shower or even upgrade to a high end infrared sauna. A reputable contractor can be helpful in determining plumbing and space limitations.

Financial considerations combined with practical planning and design to maximize efficiency will dictate the ultimate decisions.

The cost of any upgrade and improvement to a bathroom will add to the value of the home and produce increased return on your home investment.

Increased satisfaction with personal space for years to come is another impetus for moving ahead with a bathroom renovation.

The bathroom is where our day begins as we ready ourselves to face the outside world. It is the last place where we spend time as we wash away the cares of the day and prepare for a good night of rest and recuperation. This important personal space deserves to be changed from ordinary and blah to eye catching and glamorous. It should be private, relaxing and comfortable.

With proper planning and thoughtful consideration we can accomplish our remodeling goal, choose the shower or bathtub to best fulfill our needs and have an attractive personal sanctuary which is a source of pride.

Learn more about this author, Carol Gioia.
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