Bath vs Walk-In Shower: How to Plan a Future-Focused Bathroom Renovation in Brendale

One of the biggest questions people ask when planning a bathroom renovation in Brendale or across Brisbane is simple: do we keep the bath or not? Closely followed by: how big should the vanity be, and will this work for our family in a few years’ time? These decisions might feel small on paper, but they have a huge impact on how your bathroom functions day-to-day, as well as how future buyers see your home.

Should you keep the bath?

The “keep or lose the bath” debate really comes down to lifestyle, space and future resale.
If you’ve got young kids (or plan to), a bath can be incredibly handy. It makes bath time easier and often becomes a nightly routine. Families shopping for homes in Brisbane and Northside suburbs often look for at least one bath somewhere in the house, especially in the main family bathroom.

On the other hand, if you’re in a smaller home, apartment or you’re past the bath-time stage of life, you might barely use it. In that case, removing the bath to create a more spacious walk-in shower can completely transform the room. The extra space can make a compact bathroom feel open, airy and modern – and in many cases, that’s more valuable to you every day than a tub that’s hardly used.

A good middle ground is this: if you can, keep one bath in the home somewhere (often the family bathroom), and feel free to go shower-only in the ensuite.

The rise of the walk-in shower

Walk-in showers are one of the most requested features in bathroom renovations across Brisbane. They look clean and modern, are easier to access for people of all ages, and are much simpler to clean than old framed shower screens. With smart design and a quality fall in the tiling, you can get a shower that sits flush with the floor, reducing trip hazards and giving the bathroom a more spacious feel.

For homes in Brendale and surrounding suburbs, a walk-in shower is also a smart choice for future-proofing. As we age, stepping into a shower over a bath gets more difficult, while a walk-in shower with a simple screen or nib wall is much more user-friendly. If you’re planning to stay in your home long-term, thinking ahead now can save another renovation down the track.

Larger vanity vs open space: what’s more important?

The vanity is the workhorse of the bathroom. It’s where you store your essentials and where most people start and finish their day. A larger vanity with deep drawers and well-planned storage can make a massive difference to how tidy and practical your bathroom feels. No one enjoys juggling hair dryers, makeup or shaving gear on a tiny bench with no real storage.

However, going too big with the vanity can make a bathroom feel cramped, especially in smaller rooms. The key is to balance bench space, storage and circulation space – enough room for people to comfortably move around, dry off and get ready without bumping into each other. In family homes, we frequently recommend vanities with drawers rather than cupboards, as they’re easier to access and keep organised.

Thinking about future home value

When planning a bathroom renovation in Brendale or anywhere in Brisbane, it’s smart to think beyond just what you want now. Ask yourself:

• Will this layout suit us in five to ten years?

• Would a buyer in this area expect a bath in the main bathroom?

• Is this design family-friendly, or more suited to downsizers and couples?

In family-oriented suburbs, having at least one bath somewhere in the house is often a selling point. In more urban or apartment settings, a sleek, low-maintenance bathroom with a generous walk-in shower and great storage can be more appealing. The good news is, you don’t have to guess – this is exactly the kind of decision we help our Diaz Bathroom Refurbs clients work through every day.

Designing a bathroom that works now and later

A well-planned bathroom renovation balances your current lifestyle and your future plans. That might mean:

• Keeping the bath in the family bathroom but going shower-only in the ensuite

• Adding a double vanity to reduce chaos in the mornings

• Choosing fittings and tiles that won’t date quickly

• Ensuring layouts and access points will still work as you get older

At Diaz Bathroom Refurbs, we specialise in practical bathroom renovation solutions across Brisbane’s north, helping you decide where to spend, where to save and how to design a bathroom you’ll love using for years.