Walk-In Shower vs Bathtub: Which is Right for Your Ottawa Bathroom?

# Walk-In Shower vs Bathtub: Which is Right for Your Ottawa Bathroom?

*Last updated: December 2025 | Read time: 8 min*

One of the biggest decisions in bathroom renovation is choosing between a walk-in shower and a bathtub. Both have merits, and the right choice depends on your lifestyle, home value considerations, and personal preferences.

**Quick answer:** Keep at least one tub in your home for resale value. Walk-in showers are more practical for daily use and aging in place. Many Ottawa homeowners convert secondary bathroom tubs to showers while keeping the main bath with a tub.

## Table of Contents

1. [Quick Comparison](#comparison)

2. [Walk-In Shower Benefits](#shower-benefits)

3. [Bathtub Benefits](#tub-benefits)

4. [Resale Value Impact](#resale)

5. [Cost Comparison](#costs)

6. [Space Considerations](#space)

7. [Our Recommendation](#recommendation)

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## Quick Comparison {#comparison}

| Factor | Walk-In Shower | Bathtub |

|--------|---------------|---------|

| Daily convenience | Excellent | Good |

| Space required | 32"x32" minimum | 30"x60" minimum |

| Accessibility | Excellent | Poor |

| Kids bathing | Poor | Excellent |

| Relaxation/soaking | Limited | Excellent |

| Resale impact | Neutral to negative | Positive (at least one) |

| Water usage | Less | More |

| Cost | $4,000-12,000 | $2,000-8,000 |

---

## Walk-In Shower Benefits {#shower-benefits}

### Practicality

**Faster daily routine:**

- No climbing over tub edge

- Quicker in and out

- Easier to clean

**Better accessibility:**

- Essential for aging in place

- No step to trip over (curbless)

- Can add grab bars, bench

- Wheelchair accessible options

### Design Advantages

**Modern aesthetics:**

- Clean, contemporary look

- Makes bathroom feel larger

- Glass enclosures open up space

- Luxury hotel feel

**Customization:**

- Multiple showerheads

- Built-in niches

- Bench seating

- Steam shower option

### Walk-In Shower Types

| Type | Cost Range | Best For |

|------|-----------|----------|

| Standard with curb | $4,000-8,000 | Most bathrooms |

| Curbless/barrier-free | $6,000-12,000 | Accessibility |

| Enclosed with door | $5,000-10,000 | Preventing water escape |

| Open/doorless | $5,000-9,000 | Modern look |

| Steam shower | $8,000-15,000 | Spa experience |

### Curbless (Zero-Entry) Showers

Growing in popularity in Ottawa:

- **Pros:** Accessible, modern, easy cleaning

- **Cons:** Requires proper drainage slope, more expensive

- **Requirements:** Linear drain, waterproofing, skilled installer

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## Bathtub Benefits {#tub-benefits}

### Lifestyle Benefits

**Relaxation:**

- Soaking after long day

- Epsom salt baths

- Bubble baths

- Hydrotherapy

**Family practicality:**

- Bathing young children

- Bathing pets

- Soaking laundry

- Filling buckets

### Bathtub Types

| Type | Cost (installed) | Best For |

|------|-----------------|----------|

| Alcove (standard) | $1,500-3,500 | Budget, tub/shower combo |

| Drop-in | $2,000-5,000 | Built-in platforms |

| Freestanding | $3,000-10,000+ | Statement piece |

| Corner | $2,500-6,000 | Larger bathrooms |

| Soaking (deep) | $2,000-8,000 | Relaxation focus |

| Whirlpool/jetted | $3,000-10,000 | Hydrotherapy |

### Tub/Shower Combo

Most practical option for single-bathroom homes:

- Keep the tub for kids/resale

- Add shower function

- Best of both worlds

- Cost: $3,000-8,000 installed

---

## Resale Value Impact {#resale}

### The Ottawa Market Reality

**What realtors say:**

- "At least one tub is expected in family homes"

- "No tub can reduce buyer pool by 20-30%"

- "Master suite showers are fine if there's a tub elsewhere"

### Guidelines by Home Type

| Home Type | Recommendation |

|-----------|----------------|

| 1-bathroom home | Keep the tub (or tub/shower combo) |

| 2-bathroom home | One tub, one can be shower-only |

| 3+ bathroom home | One tub minimum, others can be showers |

| Condo | Keep tub if only bathroom |

| Retirement/accessible | Shower preferred (buyers expect it) |

### Value Impact

| Scenario | Resale Impact |

|----------|---------------|

| Converting only tub to shower | -$5,000 to -$15,000 |

| Adding luxury shower (keep tub elsewhere) | +$3,000 to +$8,000 |

| Converting tub to curbless shower | Neutral (accessibility market) |

---

## Cost Comparison {#costs}

### Walk-In Shower Costs (Ottawa)

| Component | Cost Range |

|-----------|-----------|

| Base/floor preparation | $500-2,000 |

| Tile walls (standard) | $2,000-4,000 |

| Tile floor | $500-1,500 |

| Shower valve + fixtures | $400-1,500 |

| Glass enclosure/door | $800-2,500 |

| Niche (built-in) | $200-500 |

| Bench | $300-800 |

| **Total Standard** | **$4,700-12,800** |

### Bathtub Costs (Ottawa)

| Component | Cost Range |

|-----------|-----------|

| Standard alcove tub | $400-1,200 |

| Tub installation | $500-1,500 |

| Tub surround (tile) | $1,500-4,000 |

| Tub surround (acrylic) | $800-2,000 |

| Fixtures | $300-1,000 |

| **Total Standard** | **$2,500-8,700** |

### Tub-to-Shower Conversion

Typical conversion costs:

- Remove tub and surround: $500-1,000

- New shower pan/base: $500-1,500

- Tile walls: $2,000-4,000

- Tile floor: $500-1,000

- New fixtures: $400-1,000

- Glass door: $800-2,500

- **Total: $4,700-11,000**

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## Space Considerations {#space}

### Minimum Sizes

| Type | Minimum Size | Comfortable Size |

|------|-------------|------------------|

| Shower | 32"x32" | 36"x48" or larger |

| Bathtub | 30"x60" | 32"x66" or larger |

| Combined | 30"x60" | 32"x72" |

### Small Bathroom Strategy

**Under 50 sq ft:**

- Shower-only often makes sense

- Consider sliding or pivot door

- Corner shower saves space

- Keep tub elsewhere if possible

**50-75 sq ft:**

- Tub/shower combo works well

- Or shower with small soaking tub

- Consider layout carefully

**Over 75 sq ft:**

- Can accommodate separate tub and shower

- Freestanding tub becomes option

- Walk-in shower with bench

### Layout Optimization

**Space-saving shower options:**

- Neo-angle corner shower

- Curved sliding door

- Doorless walk-in (needs proper drain)

**Space-saving tub options:**

- Standard alcove (smallest footprint)

- Deep soaking tub (shorter but deeper)

---

## Aging in Place Considerations

If you plan to stay in your home long-term:

### Shower Features to Consider

- Curbless entry (no tripping hazard)

- Built-in bench

- Handheld showerhead

- Grab bars (or blocking for future)

- Non-slip flooring

### Future-Proofing Now

Install grab bar blocking during renovation:

- Cost: $50-100 extra

- Allows easy bar installation later

- Invisible until needed

---

## Our Recommendation {#recommendation}

### For Most Ottawa Homeowners

**If you have only one bathroom:**

Keep a tub (or tub/shower combo). Even if you never use it, future buyers might need it.

**If you have two bathrooms:**

Convert secondary bath to walk-in shower, keep tub in main bath.

**If you have three+ bathrooms:**

You have flexibility. One tub is enough for resale.

### Personal Use Priority

**Choose shower if you:**

- Never take baths

- Value quick, daily convenience

- Have mobility concerns

- Want modern aesthetic

- Are converting for accessibility

**Choose tub if you:**

- Enjoy soaking baths

- Have young children

- Have pets to bathe

- Want relaxation space

- Are in only bathroom

### The Best of Both Worlds

Many of our clients choose:

- Master: Walk-in shower (daily luxury)

- Main/Hall bath: Tub/shower combo (family, guests, resale)

- Basement: Shower only (practical)

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*Need help deciding what's right for your bathroom? [Contact us](/contact) for a free consultation.*