Whether it’s the first thing you do in the morning or the last thing at the end of a busy day, bathing can be uniquely satisfying. Investing in a tub or shower upgrade can take this experience to a higher level, helping you be free from the stress of the day, and enabling you to savor a few moments of pure pleasure and relaxation.
What are the best bathroom upgrades?
This question has no one answer, of course. It’s easy to imagine any number of approaches that might delight others but may not right for your home or your lifestyle. Here are some factors to consider when planning a bathroom upgrade:
- How much space do you have? As much as you may dream of a clawfoot soaking tub that is big enough to swallow you whole, you may not have enough have room for it. Think about everything your dream bathroom might have, from sinks to storage, and try to work out a rough idea of what would fit well in the existing space.
- What is the function of the bathroom you are upgrading? Is this your only bathroom? Must it meet all your needs? Is this the place you shower before work and after exercise? Are you hoping to create a private refuge, a place that you expect to give you much more than just functionality?
- How much are you willing to spend? If you have a rough idea of your budget, and you have no idea how it will work with the usual cost of a bathroom upgrade, think about calling us at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Bay Area. We can help you get the facts about an upgrade – as you might imagine, there’s more to such a renovation than purchasing fixtures.
- Is water conservation a concern? It’s no secret that California has had more than its share of drought years, with more to come. If you are inclined to do your part to help conserve this resource, that doesn’t mean you can’t have the bathroom you imagine. There are an increasing number of water-saving options—but you should pay attention to such things as you look over your options, so you don’t get your heart set on something you can’t live with once you learn more about its water footprint.
The World’s Most Expensive Bathtub
Let’s set these practical considerations aside for a moment to consider just how far it would be possible to go in the search for bathtub bliss. The most expensive bathtub in the world is the Le Grand Queen from designer Simon Krapf. It’s carved from Caijou, petrified wood that is 180 million years old and known for its healing qualities.
It’s said that it takes something on the order of 120,000 man hours to locate and excavate a piece of Caijou that is big enough to carve into this luxurious bathtub. Perhaps that is enough to make you feel comfortable with the $1.7 million price tag! Perhaps, if you had the opportunity to sink into one of the few Le Grand Queen tubs in the world, you’d come away feeling that it was worth every penny. This tub is not likely to appear on most homeowners’ list of best bathtub upgrades, but if you are not hindered by the cost you now have an idea of how high the bar can be set!
Options for the Rest of Us
The best upgrades don’t have to be this expensive. Here are five excellent options:
- Put a seat in your shower – Adding a bench or seat in your shower adds a new dimension to the shower experience, enabling you to scrub anywhere you like without being at risk of toppling over.
- Bring the tile up off the floor – Adding tile above your tub, as a splash guard behind the sink, or even on an entire wall can have a dramatic effect.
- Install a luxurious tub – Many would agree that this is the best bathtub upgrade. A soaking tub doesn’t have to be gigantic and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Many options exist, from minimalist Japanese designs to restored antiques.
- Radiant heat on the floor – What could be more soothing than to step on warm tile before and after you bathe?
- Add attractive and practical storage – Clutter and relaxation are sworn enemies. No matter how your bathroom is configured, there are ways to give yourself all the storage you need for bathroom supplies and contribute to the aesthetics of the room at the same time.
We’d love to help you explore these possibilities, and more. Call us for a consultation.
