Bathtubs & Showers Buying Checklist Printable Updated March 2, 2026 Use This ChecklistPrint this checklist before shopping for Bathtubs & Showers. It covers everything from choosing the right type to avoiding common mistakes. Print This Checklist Research PhaseResearch the 5 types of bathtubs & showers availableAlcove vs Freestanding vs Drop-InMaterial ComparisonSoaking Depth & ComfortBest Overall: Speakman Anystream S-2252Best Handheld: Waterpik PowerPulse XPB-765Best Budget: High Sierra All Metal 1.5 GPMCompare prices across at least 3 brandsRead warranty terms before purchasingCheck compatibility with your existing plumbing Shopping TipsMeasure the bathroom first. Know your space constraints before falling in love with a tub that will not fit.Check floor support for heavy tubs. Cast iron and composite stone tubs can exceed 800 lbs full of water and a person.Match the drain side (left or right) to your existing plumbing to avoid costly rework.Before buying a new shower head, check if the real problem is fixable: clean the existing head's nozzles (mineral clog), check the shut-off valve (may be partially closed), or remove the flow restrictor disc inside the shower arm connection (a small plastic disc that limits flow).Flow restrictors are required by federal law in new shower heads (2.5 GPM max at 80 PSI). Removing the restrictor increases flow but uses more water. On low-pressure systems, the restrictor barely affects flow anyway -- the pressure is the bottleneck, not the restrictor.If pressure is low at ALL fixtures in the house (not just the shower), the problem is the main supply, PRV, or house plumbing -- a new shower head will not fix a systemic pressure issue. Test pressure at a hose bib with a gauge ($10-$15).Check water pressure before upgrading. Multi-outlet systems need 45+ PSI to run all jets effectively.Water heater capacity matters. Running 6 body jets at 8 GPM total drains a 50-gallon tank in minutes.A thermostatic valve is essential for multi-outlet systems -- it prevents scalding when pressure changes.Keep a tub in at least one bathroom for resale. Convert other bathrooms to shower-only if you prefer.If space is tight (under 60 sq ft), a tub-shower combo is the only practical option that serves both functions.For the primary suite, a large walk-in shower is used more often than a soaking tub by most adults.If you are converting your only tub to a shower, consider whether you plan to sell the house within 5 years. Buyers with young children will pass on a house with no tub.A curbless shower adds $500-$2,000 over a curbed shower but dramatically improves accessibility and creates a more open visual feel.Glass enclosures make a shower feel larger. A frameless glass panel ($500-$1,500) is more open than a framed door ($200-$600).Plan ahead. Retrofitting an existing bathroom for accessibility costs 30-50% more than building it in during a remodel.Install blocking (2x6 plywood) behind the drywall in shower and toilet areas now, even if you do not need grab bars yet.A barrier-free shower with a seat is generally more practical and less expensive than a walk-in tub for daily use. Mistakes to AvoidBuying a freestanding tub without planning the faucet. Floor-mount fillers cost -1500 extra and are not included.Choosing fiberglass for a primary bathroom. It degrades faster than acrylic and is harder to repair. Save it for rentals.Ignoring weight. A cast iron tub on a second floor can require structural reinforcement.Buying a rain shower head expecting it to feel powerful at 30 PSI. Rain heads spread water across 8-12 inches of surface area. At low pressure, the coverage is gentle, not forceful.Removing the flow restrictor and expecting a dramatic difference. On a low-pressure system, the restrictor is not the bottleneck -- the supply pressure is. Removing it may add 0.2-0.5 GPM at most.Choosing a shower head based on the number of spray settings instead of the nozzle design. A 6-setting head with a cheap spray plate feels weaker than a 1-setting head with concentrated nozzles.Installing a rain head on low water pressure. The result is a disappointing drizzle instead of a rainfall.Running multiple outlets without a thermostatic valve. Temperature swings are dangerous and uncomfortable.Choosing a cheap panel system. Budget panels have weak jets and poor build quality. Mid-range (+) is the minimum for a good experience.Removing the only tub in the house. Families with young children and many buyers require at least one.Installing a small, cramped separate shower to make room for a freestanding tub. Both should be generous or keep the combo.Forgetting that a freestanding tub needs a separate filler -- budget -1,500 for the faucet in addition to the tub.Removing the only bathtub in the house to install a walk-in shower without considering resale impact.Building a walk-in shower that is too small. A 30x30 shower is code minimum but feels cramped. Budget for at least 36x36, preferably 48x36.Skipping the waterproof membrane on a custom tile shower to save $200-$500. A failed membrane leads to mold and a $5,000-$10,000 tear-out in 5-10 years.Relying on suction-cup grab bars. They fail under load. Only anchored-to-stud bars are safe.Buying a walk-in tub without understanding the fill/drain time. Users sit in the tub cold for 10+ minutes while it fills.Skipping the anti-scald valve. Reduced reaction time makes scalding a serious risk for elderly or disabled users. Installation PrepHave ready: Adjustable wrench and pliersHave ready: Level (2-foot minimum)Have ready: Reciprocating saw (for demo)Assess difficulty level: IntermediateBudget for installation: $200-$500 DIY / $800-$2,000 proHave ready: Level (4-foot preferred)Have ready: Adjustable wrenchHave ready: Drain assembly kit for freestanding tubAssess difficulty level: IntermediateBudget for installation: $300-$800 install / tub $500-$5,000+ Helpful ResourcesComplete Bathtubs & Showers GuideEverything in one placeBathtubs & Showers TypesCompare all typesCost GuidesBudget planning See AlsoAlcove BathtubsBathtub Types & MaterialsAlcove Tub InstallationBathtub Prices by TypeHow to Recaulk a Bathtub
