Bath Out, Shower In

I agree with most others here. I had a bath but due to arthritis, had problems getting in and out and even sitting in it, so we had it taken out and a walk in shower, the length of the old bath , put in. It's great, so much easier and plenty of room to put a stool in if I need it. You need to look after yourself, take into account what your needs are. As others have said, if you did move, the new owners would probably change it anyway, so have what you need.

I would love to get rid of our bath and have a walk in shower fitted. Can someone advise me how they found the company to do the work. I have had bad experiences with having work done in our home and need to trust whoever is doing the work.

Thank you!

When had a new bathroom installed we had the bath taken out and a walk in shower put in as we were thinking of when we got older and neither of us particularly like baths. Its the best thing we had done which is brought home to me when I am faced with climbing in and out of a bath with an overhead shower in hotels. In fact the last break I had, I ended up just having strip washes as I was so worried about clambering in and out.

Can’t you just get a walk in shower fitted in your house next to your bath my son and his wife had a bath with shower over it and a cupboard next to it so they had cupboard removed and a new bath and a walk in shower next to it. You talk to the shower to use very trendy lol

winterwhite I had a DH who hated showers but a bath lift solved the problem of getting him in and out of the bath. We had a bath in the en suite and took one out of the main bathroom to install a large shower cubicle which suits me and seems to suit visitors too. I need to update the en suite but will retain the bath.

I’d never get rid of my bath. I have an en-suite shower room and hate being enclosed inside that steamy cubicle, can’t breathe in there. Always use the over bath shower in the family bathroom and also love a soak a couple of times a week. As to removing the bath and how it would affect future sales, remember that families with young children do need the bath but could always reinstate one.

Have the largest shower you can get in - don’t worry about the lack of bath - if someone wants one later they will put one in x

I gather it might make a difference to the selling price or the ease in selling a house in the UK, here it doesn't, so I shall not attempt to answer that.

It will, as you say, make a great deal of difference to your personal safety to have the bath removed and a shower installed that is large enough for a shower seat if desirable, and large enough for a carer or nurse to help you shower, if that should become necessary.

Here a small shower would not do in the context of anyone employed to help you, so check Health and Safety requirements where you are.

Falling in the bath, can, as I am sure you know, result in an accident that will permanently incapacite you, if you are unfortunate.

If you live alone, take into consideration that with a broken hip you wouldn't even be able to ring for help!

Tell your plumber what your requirements are and why, and don't let yourself be talked into a smaller tub and a smaller shower.

If making the alteration, have a shower with room for a carer, or a wheel-chair or even better, both at once.

A shower will also be a saving on hot water and water rates, as you will be using less water and heat to heat it.

Sorry not read all the responses.... defo get decent size shower with shower head on hose that will allow for sitting position. Make shower as spacious as possible and also think of the needs of a second person assisting at some future time. We have glazed wall on one side but open ended so no door to think about. I would not recommend those suction grabhandles for long term use tho good for travel. Get chome hand grab rails included in the job.

I changed mine about 5 years ago now - took the bath out and made a room width shower (where the bath was it fitted with about 4" gap) now the shower goes there - little step up and a door which is a bit smaller than the entrance to the shower. Best thing I did - I've had two hip replacements and struggled in the bath, plus I live on my own so was concerned about falling and getting stuck with no help available.

I'd look at shower bath combos. Will be an expensive option but unless you need the money for something else - why not have comfort and choice? Lots of styles - image search www.google.com/search?q=shower+bath+combo+uk&rlz=1C1CHBF_en-GBGB880GB880&sxsrf=AJOqlzX-35bmL8PaBKasWmx-L0BqSVAa7A:1677073569614&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjh54Pzoan9AhXZQUEAHekVAjkQ_AUoAnoECAEQBA&biw=1920&bih=937&dpr=1

I think the problem is that the OP is finding it difficult to get in and out of the bath now, sandelf.

Im starting to find it hard to get in and out the bath, and finding myself using the bath more as a shower now, but im worried about slipping over. I have a bath mat down to help with grip but im not keen.

Caleo You also described your shower room floor. I understand however I wonder what if any is the difference between what you have and a wet room. Also, is your sub floor concrete or wooden floorboards?

My husband says a wet room doesn't have short spans of walls around shower, a curtain to enclose space, a wet room being more open?

Our bath was removed, the floor was all removed. New special (?) sheets of board applied to the floor. Something was applied over the new special boarding to make it impervious to water and reduce any future tile movement. The floor in the rest of the bathroom (not under the shower) was of higher depth by maybe 1.5 cm, (IOW 2 depths of special board were used) than under the shower. The edge was graded down with the applied mix to make it all seem level. Tile over entire floor (with indiscernible slant into shower), and all walls - to the ceiling.

Technical names of supplies allude us. It works well for 2 people washing each other or for a person bathing baby in a portable tub.

We removed the bath, put in a shower and there was room for an extra toilet. Much better arrangement for us. I wouldn't worry about the value if it is safer.

Sorry I wan't clear - the sort I mean is a bath you walk into - various door arrangements - with most you do have to step up but not far. And fill once you are inside. Or shower if you want. www.google.com/search?q=shower+bath+combo+uk&rlz=1C1CHBF_en-GBGB880GB880&sxsrf=AJOqlzX-35bmL8PaBKasWmx-L0BqSVAa7A:1677073569614&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjh54Pzoan9AhXZQUEAHekVAjkQ_AUoAnoECAEQBA&biw=1920&bih=937&dpr=1

What about those 'walk-in' baths with building in seat? Suppose you hurt your back and can't stand for any length of time, then a walk-in bath would be ideal.

I know of two people who have had a grant towards a wet room because of poor health.
We had a completely new bathroom a couple of years ago and had the bath removed and a large, walk in shower (with handle) put in.
We are very pleased with it but if I had my time again, I would probably have made it into a wet room.

I prefer a bath and have a chair that fits in the bath and lowers and raises you. It’s got good suckers that grip the bottom of the bath. The unit has a rechargeable battery. You don’t need any special installation. I got mine from a supplier that sells through Amazon, it was about £250.00
. If you have a recognised disability you can make a declaration to the company and they deduct VAT

For those needing a wet room but thinking they cannot afford it, can I remind you that the Council may help.

sandelf oh, ok.

I looked at the link and saw those shaped baths with over-bath showers.

I would not worry about selling the house TBH, putting a nice walk in shower will enable to stay in the house longer, realistically in the grand scheme of things the " family " will be selling either after your days or for you to go into a care home either way it won't be your problem and will probably be outdated by then so a new bathroom will be reflected in the price at the time.

I always preferred a shower to a bath but many years ago when after gardening I took a bath and had trouble in getting out I was advised by the Occupational therapist to change my bathroom and got a grant from the Council to make it a wet room.
With poor mobility I don’t think one should have a shower cubicle as opening the door would be a problem.
Regarding selling the property the purchaser would most likely have a new bathroom and kitchen anyway.
Regarding bidets. I cannot understand why the British are so against them. They are so very useful.

We have dormer type house with sloped roof upstairs. Means bathroom is small. Had a feeble over bath shower. DH wanted a power shower. So we turned it into bathroom without bath and proper shower cubicle. But I love the occasional bath and we were lucky enough have a small downstairs loo/utility area which we turned into downstairs bathroom with a corner bath. Cost a bit, but perfect solution. And I've also used bath to wash king size duvet, and also our sons little doggo. I had also thought that removing bath totally might have lowered price or desirability of our house if we wanted to sell. I do think anyone with young children still needs a bath.

My elderly parents struggled to get in and out of the bath and I was fearful one would slip n fall. I had a walk in shower put in with room for a bathroom plastic chair. It was a Godsend for them although did get a few grumbles bout how they missed their bath! I’m about now to sell their house but I honestly doubt it will make a great difference to sale price. I would go for a walk in tiled shower room .

I stupidly insisted upon having a bath with a shower over - and then found that we didn't use the bath at all. After a couple of years, and then a grovelling conversation with OH (he had insisted that we didn't need the bath) we had a large walk in shower installed, with wall panels instead of tiling, and it is wonderful. So easy to clean, so quick to use, and anyone buying this house who wanted a bath would find it easy to convert - whip out shower tray, replace with bath. I can't imagine that anyone who wants a house would try to talk down the price for an alteration that wouldn't cost the earth.