According to the 2023 UK Houzz Bathroom Trends Study of more than 400 respondents, 74% of homeowners upgraded their shower with 68% increasing their shower size during renovations.
Increases in size were substantial, as 32% enlarged the shower by more than half of the original size. In addition, 20% of renovating homeowners chose to remove their bath with 82% of those using that space for a larger shower.
The most common types of shower configurations include shower/bath combinations, 29%, followed by low curb and corner designs, 28% and 24%.
When it comes to shower features, rain/waterfall showerheads are the most popular, 78%, with handheld showerheads and thermostatic mixers following, 71% and 59%.
Some homeowners are also adding features common to ageing-in-place like seats and grab bars, 9% and 8%, while others opted for digital shower controls, 6%.
Marine Sargsyan, Houzz’s staff economist, said: “With major changes such as removing a bath and enlarging a shower, homeowners renovating their bathrooms are enlisting home professionals to bring bathrooms up to date and help carve out more useable space.
“Bathrooms have always been a top room to renovate and we’re seeing that homeowners driven both by aesthetic desires and functional necessities are doubling down on their investment in these private sanctuaries.”
The median spend for bathroom projects increased by 31% to £5,250 in 2022 as homeowners made changes to their bathrooms. Major upgrades include replacing plumbing, electrical or heating systems, 73%, changing the layout of the bathroom, 62%, reframing or moving walls, 33%, and increasing the size of the bathroom, 21%.