Wet rooms are becoming an increasingly popular option in family homes due to their stylish, modern appearance and practicality. However, like any design choice, they come with their own set of advantages and potential drawbacks. If you’re considering installing a wet room in your family home, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons to ensure it’s the right fit for your space and needs.
Pros of Wet Rooms for Family Homes
- Space-Saving Design
One of the biggest benefits of a wet room is its space-saving nature. Unlike traditional bathrooms, wet rooms don’t require a separate shower enclosure or bath. This open-plan style can make smaller bathrooms feel more spacious, allowing you to maximise the available space for other needs.
Why it’s great for families: In smaller homes or family bathrooms, the added space can be a game-changer, making the bathroom feel larger and more open. Create a seamless wet room design with materials from Plumbworld.
- Easy to Clean and Maintain
Wet rooms are often easier to clean than traditional bathrooms because they have fewer surfaces and fixtures to maintain. The seamless, tiled design means there are no corners or edges for dirt and grime to accumulate, and a simple wipe-down is usually enough to keep everything clean.
Why it’s great for families: With children or pets around, a bathroom that’s quick and easy to clean is a real time-saver, and the risk of mould or soap scum build-up is reduced.
- Accessibility
Wet rooms are an ideal choice for families with young children, elderly family members, or anyone with mobility challenges. The lack of a raised shower tray or bath makes it much easier to get in and out of the shower, making the space more accessible to everyone.
Why it’s great for families: As family members grow or age, a wet room provides an inclusive and safe environment that can accommodate changing needs.
- Stylish and Modern
Wet rooms have a sleek, contemporary aesthetic that can add value to your home. Their minimalist design is often associated with luxury, and their open layout allows for flexibility in design choices, from sleek tiles to unique fixtures.
Why it’s great for families: Not only will you enjoy the aesthetic benefits, but a well-designed wet room can add a sense of luxury and sophistication to your family home.
- Increased Home Value
A well-installed wet room can increase the value of your home, especially if it’s designed to be stylish and functional. It’s a sought-after feature for potential buyers, particularly those looking for modern, low-maintenance spaces.
Why it’s great for families: If you ever decide to sell your home, a wet room can make your property more appealing to buyers, potentially raising its market value.
Cons of Wet Rooms for Family Homes
- Potential for Water Damage
Although wet rooms are designed to handle water, improper installation or inadequate waterproofing can lead to water damage in surrounding areas, such as the floor, walls, or even the ceiling below. This can be costly to repair.
Why it’s a concern for families: If you’re not careful with the installation process, there’s a risk of long-term damage that could affect your family home’s structure.
- Cost of Installation
Installing a wet room can be more expensive than a traditional bathroom, due to the need for professional installation, specialised materials, and waterproofing systems. Additionally, if you want to make it accessible and stylish, the cost can increase further.
Why it’s a concern for families: If you’re on a tight budget, the initial investment might be higher than you’re willing to spend, especially when compared to more traditional bathroom options.
- Slippery Surfaces
Wet rooms, by nature, have wet floors that can become slippery. While slip-resistant tiles can help mitigate this risk, there’s always the potential for accidents, particularly in a busy family bathroom with kids running around.
Why it’s a concern for families: Families with children need to be extra cautious when selecting materials for wet room floors to reduce the risk of slipping and injury.
How to Make a Wet Room Safe
Most people choose to build a wet room because of the security it can offer the whole family. This is particularly true if members have mobility issues and you want to ensure that the bathroom is accessible for all. In fact, some people say that having a wet room makes it easier to clean too.
Of course, you want to ensure that you’re creating a safe wet room. Here are some tips to ensure this happens.
Install Grab Rails
If there are people in your household who struggle with mobility, it’s recommended that you install grab rails. This gives them something that they can hold onto if they feel unsteady on their feet. There are many modern designs you can add to your wet room, and that can blend in.
Choose a Low Shower Tray
There are many people who assume a wet room doesn’t include a shower tray. But, this isn’t necessarily true. There are many you can install that has a low profile and won’t spoil the design. They can help to contain the water and prevent it from pooling. This can reduce the risk of an accident.
Have Underfloor Heating
Have you considered underfloor heating? If you’re creating a wet room, now is the opportunity to have it installed. Not only will this make your bathroom nice and cosy when you’re taking a shower, but it can also help with drying. When the bathroom isn’t wet, it can reduce the risk of slipping.
Conclusion
Wet rooms can be an excellent choice for family homes, offering accessibility, style, and convenience, but they’re not without their challenges. It’s essential to consider your family’s specific needs, budget, and the potential long-term implications before deciding to install one. If you value space, ease of cleaning, and a modern aesthetic, a wet room could be a perfect fit for your home. However, if you’re concerned about water damage, storage space, or the initial cost, you might want to think carefully before taking the plunge. With the right planning and installation, a wet room can be a beautiful and practical addition to any family home.