Walk-in shower or bath? How to decide for your bathroom renovation

A walk-in shower opens a small room up and makes it easier to get in and out, which suits people who want a lower-maintenance space or who are planning for the long term. It also allows large-format tiles and a glass screen that lets light through. We fitted a walk-in shower with a dark-framed glass screen and rain head in a bathroom in Biggleswade and another with a wooden vanity and tall storage unit at Cotton End Road.

If you have young children, or you like to soak, a bath matters. A shower bath, with a glass screen and a shower head over the bath, gives both in the same space. That is what we used in a bathroom in St Neots. Many buyers also like to see at least one bath in a family home, so think about resale if it would be the only one.

• Floor and falls. A walk-in shower needs the floor to slope to a drain. That may involve lowering joists or building up the floor.
• Tray or wet room. A low-profile tray is quicker to fit. A fully tiled wet room is more flexible but needs careful tanking.
• Waterproofing. Wet areas should be tanked before tiling, not left to grout and silicone alone.
• Ventilation and heating. Good extraction and a heated towel rail prevent condensation.
• Electrics. Any new circuit in a bathroom must meet Part P of the Building Regulations and be certified.

Measure the room, think about who uses it, and check the plumbing and floor construction before you fall in love with a design. Our bathrooms page explains how we approach a full renovation, or contact us and we can advise on site.