Forward Thinking: Walk-In Shower Remodel Tips to Meet Future Needs

You’re the type of homeowner who thinks long and hard before making a big investment in your property. You know that your new shower could cost up to $25,000 or more, and that by partnering with the right installers, it could last for up to 20 years. That means you’re not just designing a shower for today, or next year. You’re designing a shower for your future.

At ZINTEX Remodeling Group, we stand behind our products and our craftsmanship not only with lifetime warranties you can really use, but with thoughtful designs that grow with you. Today, we’re going to share some of the top tips we’ve collected over 25 years of design consultations and walk-in shower installations. Read on for walk-in shower remodel tips to meet your future needs, whether you're designing a shower for:

• Your growing family

• A primary bathroom or child-free household
• Your forever home
• Resale value

Designing a Shower for Your Growing Family

Do you have kids under the age of seven? Are you planning on having kids while still living in your current house? Are you remodeling a bathroom those kids will use?

If you’re remodeling a bathroom that kids under seven will use, you’re going to want to stick with a classic tub-and-shower combo design. This is the most versatile choice to accommodate both your bath-takers and your older kids who prefer the shower experience. Consider outfitting your tub-and-shower combination with:

• Water-resistant, mold-resistant, easy-to-clean materials like acrylic
• Organization accessories like soap niches and corner caddies that keep your tub ledge clear of clutter
• A shower curtain rod (as opposed to a glass enclosure) so you can have unobstructed access to your tub when bathing kids who need more help

Designing a Shower for a Primary Bathroom or Child-Free Household

Are you designing a shower remodel for a primary bathroom? Are you living in a child-free household for the foreseeable future?

If you’re remodeling a shower for adults only, a walk-in shower is the sleek, modern choice that can make even small bathrooms feel spacious and functional. Naturally, you’ll want to keep at least one working bathtub in your home if you use it. If you aren’t using the soaking feature of your tub-and-shower combo, a walk-in shower is the way to go, especially with features like:

• Attractive wall colors and designs, including premium etched patterns that resemble tile without the hassle
• Built-in seating for comfortable shaving
• A shower head that creates your dream shower experience, whether that’s softened water or a massage feature

Designing a Shower for Your Forever Home

It’s no secret that while most seniors want to age in place, the average home doesn’t have the safest layout for changing mobility needs. According to the National Council on Aging, home hazards are one of the leading causes of falls in seniors, but you and your family can make targeted upgrades to lower that risk. Why not take a proactive approach and make accessible design choices before you need them?

If you’re in the home you plan to stay in as you age, choose a walk-in shower design that supports senior safety. This is going to include features like:

• A low-threshold entry, an accessibility-friendly water containment lip that is no more than 3” tall
• At least one grab bar installed on the entry wall of your shower to make stabilization easy while you get in and out of the shower
• A built-in bench or seat for seated bathing, ideal for anyone with mobility or balance issues

Designing a Shower for Resale Value

Are you preparing your home to put on the market in the next year or so? Are the design choices you’re making less about meeting your needs and goals and more about maximizing ROI?

If your walk-in shower remodel is primarily serving the purpose of making your home market-ready, you’re going to want to focus on functional improvements and neutral aesthetic upgrades. Take a look at our guide to bathroom remodel ROI to get a better sense of why these choices can support resale value. Your remodel should:

• Address problems that are hurting your property value, like water damage and mold
• Stick to basic features like standard shower walls in plain colors to prevent overspending on customizations that don’t guarantee a high return (like luxury walls)
• Meet the needs of your target homebuyer

(What does it mean to meet the needs of your target homebuyer? You can actually use the rest of this guide to find out. For example, if you think your target homebuyer will have kids, take a look at the tips we offer above for family-friendly bathrooms.)

No Matter Your Future Bathroom Remodel Needs, ZINTEX Remodeling Is Here to Help

To make a smart investment, you have to think about not just your current needs but also what your future looks like. With this guide, you can get a sense of the types of walk-in shower remodel tips to incorporate for any stage of life.

Now, it’s time to find the bathroom remodeling company near you that can bring your vision to life. With 25 years of experience across eleven states, each ZINTEX branch combines the ZINTEX experience with local expertise. Learn more about the ZINTEX walk-in shower experience in this guide to our 16-step installation method.