Whether looking at modernising your home or trying to make your home more appealing as you come to sell, a wetroom could well be a fantastic idea.
By considering multiple factors, including commercial appeal and practicality, this article will help you to consider important factors when it comes to choosing whether to install a wetroom or a bathroom in your home.
Wetroom vs Bathroom: What’s the Difference?
While a wetroom and a bathroom may seem alike on the surface, the key difference between them is the floor. Within a wetroom there is no difference between the shower area and the rest of the room.
A wetroom is a room with no step up into a shower and will, instead, have a clear walkthrough.
A bathroom can have a shower or bath, or a shower over a bath, in any combination but there will be a clear distinction between the bathing area and the rest of the room, when compared to a wetroom.
Why Choose a Wetroom?
Wetrooms have become the style of choice in recent years, thanks to their futureproofed style and ease of cleaning.
They’re also very popular in homes with awkwardly shaped rooms, as they don’t need the space for a bath, and the waterproofed nature of a wetroom helps to ease any flooding worries. Wetrooms can also be easily styled to maximise the space provided.
Why Choose a Traditional Bathroom?
A traditional bathroom has some benefits, mainly for those in either older homes where a modern wetroom would look out of place, or for those who have young children and need a bathtub to bathe the child in.
Wetrooms vs Bathrooms: The Key Points
If you’re considering changing your bathroom or upgrading to a wetroom, there are some key points you should consider, including:
- Resale value of your home
- The number of bathrooms you have
- Accessibility needs
- Commercial value, for renting or for renovation
Resale value of your home with a wetroom vs a bathroom
When looking to change up your bathroom, resale value of your property is a big factor, especially for those looking to move soon.
While an additional bathroom can add around 5% of a home’s value, it’s important to consider the type of home you are selling. Most people, especially those with children, may still prefer to have a bath in their home.
If your existing bathroom is larger, say over 150 square feet, then converting it to a wetroom with a bath is a perfect compromise and combines two fantastic selling features. However, if you have a smaller space available, a wetroom may not be the most appealing feature, if it is the only bathroom in the house.
Winner: Bathrooms for smaller homes, wetrooms for larger homes or those with multiple bathrooms
The number of existing bathrooms you have
If your home has more than one bathroom, then the possibility of creating a wetroom is much more realistic. Whether your second bathroom is a main bedroom’s ensuite, a downstairs shower room, or you have two main bathrooms, converting one of these into a wetroom is a popular choice amongst homeowners.
As many home buyers are now looking for more space, and spaces they can spend a lot of time in, converting a second bathroom into a modern, futuristic space is often the best way for those concerned about the future value.
However, if you only have one bathroom, especially a smaller one, then it may be best to keep it as a bathroom if you are planning to sell in the next few years.
Winner: Bathrooms for smaller homes, wetrooms for larger homes and multiple bathrooms
Accessibility needs of a wetroom vs bathroom
Here, wetrooms come up trumps. The ease of access of a wetroom, as well as the ability to make the room look less clinical, are key reasons as to why many people choose a wetroom when focusing on accessibility.
As you can move freely around a wetroom with no restrictions on mobility, in particular no having to get over steps or in and out of shower trays, wetrooms are the obvious choice of those wanting to make an accessible home. Whether it’s for a family member, or futureproofing a home as you get older, wetrooms for accessibility are a strong choice.
Winner: Wetrooms
Commercial value of a wetroom vs bathroom for renting out
When deciding whether to have a wetroom or bathroom in your rental property, it’s important to consider the rental market near you. A large block of modern flats will be more suited to wetrooms, remaining compact in small spaces. City apartments where space is limited will always suit a wetroom, as the smallest practical wetroom size is 1.5m x 1m, including a toilet and sink.
A wetroom can also be easier to maintain for building managers, as the strict waterproofing required protects the property walls. Similarly, if properly installed, a wetroom is easier to clean and look after, making it a good choice for building owners that want low fuss properties.
On the other hand, a wetroom with a bath can be more appealing for bigger homes in the suburbs. A bathroom may also be more suitable for older homes.
Winner: Wetrooms for flats and small properties, wetrooms with a bath for bigger spaces
So, Which is Best for You?
As with many questions, the answer is it depends.
A modern, contemporary home will often suit a wetroom more, as it pertains to the style of the house, and lends to the open flowing nature of such homes.
However, family homes with just one bathroom space will suit a traditional bathroom more to allow for ease of bathing children.
By weighing up your options and making a decision based on when you want to sell your home or rent it out, or even whether you are in the process of growing your family, will help you to decide what is best for you.
If you are interested in exploring the wetroom option available to you, speak to one of the team at CCL Wetrooms. We can advise on the space you have and will provide a solution that enhances your home.
