Thinking about a bathroom renovation that’s worth every penny? A walk-in shower might be the perfect upgrade. More homeowners are choosing these sleek, modern designs—not just for style but for smart investment value. At KBR Kitchen and Bath, we’ve helped countless homeowners turn outdated spaces into stunning retreats, boosting comfort and home appeal in the process.
The Rising Popularity of Walk-In Showers in Bathroom Renovations

Walk-in showers aren’t just a luxury anymore—they’ve become a must-have in modern homes. More than just a design trend, they reflect a shift in how we think about comfort, convenience, and style in our living spaces.
Modern Design Trends Favoring Walk-In Showers

The combination of modern design elements with practical everyday functionality makes walk-in showers transform bathrooms into serene spa setups. KBR Kitchen and Bath helped a homeowner transform a restrictive master bathroom by substituting the large tub-shower combo with a clear glass walk-in shower to create a double-sized space.
Advancements in bathroom design have caused homeowners to choose curbless shower installations that combine sophistication with open concepts. Combining large-format tiles and hidden drainage systems with these bathroom updates produces a sophisticated upscale design that transforms ordinary spaces into modern and fashionable bathrooms.
Accessibility and Convenience for All Ages
Walk-in showers represent both design elements and fundamental functional additions for home improvement. Their zero-entry design ensures safe access for people of all ages including toddlers and older adults who need a low-step environment.
Age 60 and above clients consistently state installing walk-in showers instead of tubs has been their wisest home investment last several years. Built-in benches deliver comfortable seating while eliminating safety concerns from slipping accidents.
Removable handheld showerheads and thermostatic controls in walk-in showers enhance user convenience along with safety for households with young children. The diverse nature of walk-in showers provides attractive features that increase their market value when a home goes up for resale.
Financial Impact: How Walk-In Showers Affect Home Value
KBR Kitchen and Bath exists to provide homeowners with smart and informed decision-making assistance. At KBR Kitchen and Bath, we start by showing accurate cost estimates before proposing significant renovation projects because honesty in pricing matters. The good news? Remodeling bathrooms consistently produces exceptionally high returns on investment thus creating a smart approach for homeowners who want to blend comfort with improved resale potential.
Return on Investment Statistics for Walk-In Showers
Studies of real estate market trends show bathroom remodels featuring contemporary walk-in showers keep between 70-85% of their construction value during property resale while certain premium projects in active selling zones generate approximately 100% return. Walk-in shower renovation projects provide homeowners with superior return on investment among all remodeling options available today.
Old-looking bathrooms push many potential buyers to walk away from properties while modernized bathrooms drive up the property value and sale speed. When homeowners replace outdated bathrooms, they can expect their property to attract more buyers who make faster offers at market rates.
Buyer Preferences and Market Demand
Market research demonstrates that walk-in showers experience continuous growth in popularity because they rank among the most desired features in home purchases. According to real estate agents surveyed during a recent study properties featuring modern walk-in showers gained more viewership and created better offers than traditional shower-tub arrangements.
First-time homebuyer preferences toward walk-in showers reach peak levels among millennial buyers as they have become the leading demographic segment in the market. The young adult housing market selects modern low-maintenance bathroom designs which walk-in showers represent perfectly thus making them great for this buyer segment.
Design Elements That Enhance Value
Not all walk-in showers are created equal. At KBR Kitchen and Bath, we guide our clients through design choices that can significantly impact both their enjoyment of the space and the eventual return on their investment.
Incorporating High-End Materials and Finishes

Paying attention to quality materials brings long-lasting benefits together with improved visual attractiveness for buildings. Hospitality investors prefer natural stone features such as marble or travertine, but they also appreciate the sophisticated appearance and reasonable price points of high-quality porcelain tiles which resemble stone offerings.
Our company finished a project by installing large-format porcelain tiles which featured a faint veining pattern on shower walls. Our clients appreciated that this space mirrored marble elegance but required no upkeep thus presenting a strength that future buyers will appreciate.
People need to think through their choices of metal surface treatments. The market shows that brushed nickel and matte black fixtures maintain their enduring appeal, but brass has stepped back into popularity as a design choice during recent years. Fixtures selected for bathrooms should feature single coherent finishes that unite the room into an elegant, unified design.
Features Like Frameless Glass and Rainfall Showerheads
Luxury walk-in showers have certain features which people automatically link to sophisticated shower designs. Complete glass enclosures eliminate frame interruptions to produce expanded viewing perspectives which enhance bathroom proportions and open up spaces. Beyond initial cost expectations the tidy appearance along with straightforward maintenance justify investing in these shower options.
The trend demonstrates rainfall showerheads moving from extravagant accessories to basic features which create upscale bathroom experiences. Our clients currently choose dual shower systems that integrate fixed rainfall showerheads with handheld options to achieve luxury combined with everyday convenience.
Our design process includes the regular integration of built-in shower product niches together with integrated seating and customizable lighting solutions. These intentionally well-chosen details redefine ordinary moments by showing superior construction qualities to potential purchasers.
Considerations Before Replacing a Bathtub
Before deciding to remove every tub from your home, there are important market considerations to weigh. At KBR Kitchen and Bath, we help our clients make decisions based on their specific circumstances and long-term plans.
Assessing Buyer Demographics and Preferences
We always consider the typical buyer profile in your neighborhood. Family-oriented communities with many young children might still place significant value on bathtubs, while areas dominated by professional couples or empty nesters often prefer the sophisticated look of walk-in showers.
Location matters too. We’ve found that urban condos and apartments generally see higher demand for walk-in showers that maximize limited space, while suburban single-family homes might benefit from a more balanced approach.
Importance of Having At Least One Bathtub in the Home
As experienced bathroom remodeling professionals, we almost universally recommend maintaining at least one bathtub in your home, preferably in a secondary or guest bathroom. This preserves your property’s appeal to the broadest possible market, including families with young children or those who simply enjoy occasional soaking.
If your home has multiple bathrooms, we often suggest converting all but one tub to walk-in showers as the optimal strategy for both current enjoyment and future resale value.
Collaborating with Bathroom Remodeling Companies
At KBR Kitchen and Bath, we believe the success of your bathroom renovation depends significantly on choosing the right partners for the project. This isn’t a typical DIY undertaking—professional expertise makes a substantial difference in both the process and results.
Selecting Experienced Contractors for Quality Workmanship
The technical aspects of installing a walk-in shower, particularly curbless designs, require specialized knowledge. Proper waterproofing, sloping for drainage, and structural considerations are critical to prevent costly water damage down the line. As an experienced bathroom remodeling company, we bring not only technical skill but also awareness of local building codes and best practices.
We encourage homeowners to look for contractors with portfolios featuring similar projects and check references specifically about their shower installations. The investment in quality workmanship protects both your immediate renovation dollars and your long-term home value.
Customizing Designs to Match Home Aesthetics
While contemporary walk-in showers can work beautifully in almost any home, thoughtful customization ensures they complement your specific property. In historic homes, for instance, our designers create walk-in showers with traditional elements that honor architectural heritage while providing modern convenience.
Our professional design team helps strike the perfect balance between trendy and timeless, ensuring your renovation remains appealing for years to come. We also identify opportunities to incorporate universal design elements subtly, increasing accessibility without creating an institutional feel.
Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions for Your Bathroom Remodel
A bathroom renovation represents a significant investment in both your daily living experience and your home’s market position. At KBR Kitchen and Bath, we believe taking the time to research options and plan carefully pays dividends in both areas.
Balancing Personal Preferences with Market Trends
The most successful bathroom remodels strike a balance between personal taste and broader market appeal. While you should certainly create a space you’ll enjoy using, keeping potential future buyers in mind helps protect your financial investment.
We often suggest consulting with a local real estate professional before finalizing plans, particularly for major changes like removing all bathtubs. Their perspective on neighborhood trends and buyer expectations can provide valuable context for your decisions.
Long-Term Benefits of Investing in a Walk-In Shower
Beyond immediate enjoyment and potential resale value, walk-in showers offer practical advantages that continue delivering returns year after year. Their accessible design adapts to changing physical needs, potentially allowing you to remain in your home longer as you age. The simplified maintenance compared to shower-tub combinations saves time and effort on regular cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does installing a walk-in shower typically cost?
Walk-in shower costs vary widely based on size, materials, and features. Basic installations might start around $3,500, while luxury custom designs with high-end materials can exceed $15,000. The national average falls between $6,000-$9,000 for a complete installation. At KBR Kitchen and Bath, we provide detailed quotes based on your specific needs and preferences.
2. Will removing a bathtub hurt my home’s resale value?
It depends on your overall bathroom configuration. Removing the only bathtub in the home can limit your buyer pool and potentially impact value. However, converting a tub to a walk-in shower in a home with multiple bathrooms (while keeping at least one tub) typically enhances appeal and value. Our design consultants can help you assess the best approach for your specific situation.
3. How long does a walk-in shower installation take?
At KBR Kitchen and Bath, a typical installation takes 2-7 days for the shower itself, but a complete bathroom renovation incorporating a new walk-in shower usually requires 2-3 weeks from demolition to final details. We pride ourselves on efficient project management to minimize disruption to your home.
4. Are walk-in showers more difficult to clean than traditional shower-tub combinations?
Most of our clients find walk-in showers easier to maintain, especially those with frameless glass enclosures and minimal hardware. The absence of shower curtains and fewer corners means fewer places for mold and mildew to develop. We can recommend specific materials and designs that further simplify cleaning and maintenance.
5. Can I install a walk-in shower in a small bathroom?
Absolutely! We’ve designed walk-in showers that actually make small bathrooms feel larger by improving visual flow. Our space-saving designs can work in areas as small as 3′ x 3′, though 4′ x 4′ or larger provides more comfortable use. Our design team specializes in maximizing functionality in limited spaces.
Want to transform your bathroom into your own oasis? Stop by any of our lovely showrooms in Bethesda, Fairfax or Manassas to see walk in shower designs that are comfortable, stylish and long-term value. Our knowledgeable staff at KBR Kitchen and Bath will be there to see you through the process of inspiration to installation, be it the modern sleek update, or the classic spa like retreat. We have plenty of satisfied customers and many successful renovations under our belt, and we are happy to make the homeowners fall in love with their bathrooms once again.
Give us a call now! And we will make your dream bathroom a reality- one step at a time, one tile at a time.