At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, we’re often asked whether a doorless shower is a good idea. The answer depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Doorless, or open concept showers, are increasingly popular for their sleek, modern look and the feeling of spaciousness they provide. Without the physical barrier of a door, your bathroom feels more open and airy. However, they do require thoughtful design to ensure functionality. If privacy isn’t a concern and you’re willing to invest in proper waterproofing and drainage, an open concept shower shower can be a fantastic addition to your home, adding both aesthetic appeal and convenience.
What is an Open Shower Called?
An open concept shower, often referred to as a walk-in or doorless shower, is designed without the enclosure or barrier that a typical shower stall has. At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, we’ve seen many homeowners opt for these sleek designs, which can be customized in various ways to fit the overall look and feel of your bathroom. Walk-in showers are also popular in universal design, as they offer easier accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges, making them a great long-term investment in homes where accessibility might become a future concern.
Is it a Good Idea to Have an Open Shower?
Whether an open shower is a good idea comes down to your specific needs and the layout of your bathroom. We love the versatility and beauty of open showers at Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, but we always ensure our clients are informed about their unique requirements. An open shower can make a bathroom feel larger and more modern. However, it also requires careful consideration of water flow, humidity control, and heating. If your bathroom is prone to drafts or if you prefer a steamy shower experience, an open shower might not fully meet your expectations. With the right planning, though, they can be a stunning and functional choice.
How Do Doorless Showers Keep Water Off the Floor?
One of the main concerns homeowners have about doorless showers is keeping water contained. At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, we use strategic design elements to prevent water from spilling out into the rest of the bathroom. A well-angled floor with appropriate drainage is key, along with using rainfall showerheads that focus the water downward rather than spraying out. We also ensure the shower is large enough so that water stays within the defined wet area, sometimes installing partial glass panels or tiled half-walls to help direct the flow. With these considerations, a doorless shower can be just as functional as a traditional one.
Does a Walk-in Shower Devalue Your Home?
A common concern is whether installing a walk-in shower might devalue a home. From our experience at Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, this depends largely on your target market. In general, modern walk-in showers are highly desirable, especially when paired with other luxurious bathroom features. However, in homes with limited bathrooms, removing a bathtub entirely may deter potential buyers, particularly families with small children who prefer the functionality of a tub. A balanced approach, such as maintaining at least one bathtub in the home, is a great way to keep your bathroom modern without losing appeal to future buyers.
How Big Does a Walk-in Shower with No Door Need to Be?
Size matters when it comes to open concept shower showers, and at Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, we make sure to design them with enough space to prevent water from splashing out. Generally, a doorless shower should be at least 36 inches by 36 inches, but for optimal comfort and functionality, we recommend a minimum of 42 inches by 60 inches. The larger the shower, the better the water containment and overall shower experience will be. We always take into consideration your bathroom’s layout to ensure the shower area is large enough to keep water contained without compromising on design.
Reliable Design-Build-Remodel is a full service general construction firm and remodeling contractor operating in the Birmingham metro and Jefferson and Shelby County areas and surrounding communities, including Birmingham, Helena, Chelsea, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Homewood, Montevallo, Alabaster, Vestavia Hills, and Pelham, with over 30 years of servicing our valued clients. Offering full service suite of general remodeling, design and build services. Our specialties include bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, exterior renovations, interior renovations, painting, and more!
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