Benefits of a Walk-In Shower to Know Before Making a Remodel Mistake

At Atlas Home Improvement, we understand that remodeling your bathroom is a major investment. One of the most impactful upgrades you can make is the addition of a walk-in shower. These versatile, accessible, and stylish shower designs have gained popularity among homeowners in Southeastern Michigan for their blend of functionality and elegance. Whether you’re creating a space for aging-in-place, adding a modern touch to your home, or simply seeking enhanced convenience, a walk-in shower offers numerous benefits.

In this guide, we’ll explore the advantages of walk-in showers, design options, and practical considerations to help you make an informed decision.

What Is a Walk-In Shower?

A walk-in shower, also known as a barrier-free shower, is a doorless shower designed with an open layout. This setup eliminates the need for thresholds, curtains, or doors, offering seamless flooring that enhances the sense of space. Walk-in showers are highly customizable, making them suitable for bathrooms of any size or style.

Popular features of walk-in showers include frameless glass panels, strategically placed drainage systems, and options for luxurious upgrades like rainfall showerheads and spa-like jets. These showers are particularly valued for their accessibility, as they allow easy entry and exit for individuals with mobility challenges.

Key Benefits of Walk-In Showers

Enhanced Accessibility and Safety

Walk-in showers are a practical solution for homeowners seeking accessibility without sacrificing style. Southeastern Michigan families looking to accommodate aging loved ones or individuals with mobility issues will find this option especially appealing.

Barrier-Free Design: Walk-in showers eliminate the need to step over a tub or high threshold, significantly reducing the risk of slips and falls.
ADA Compliance: Features like grab bars, handheld showerheads, and built-in benches can be added to ensure safety and ease of use. For wheelchair users, the ADA recommends a minimum shower size of 36 x 60 inches for optimal maneuverability.
Non-Slip Surfaces: Modern walk-in shower designs incorporate slip-resistant flooring to further enhance safety.

Contemporary, Minimalist Aesthetic

Walk-in showers are synonymous with modern shower design. Their sleek, frameless look creates a clean and open feel, making them a focal point in bathroom renovations.

Unobstructed Views: Without doors or curtains, the shower area becomes part of the room, showcasing stylish tile work or custom finishes.
Customizable Features: Choose from a variety of materials and finishes, including glass, stone, or ceramic, to match your home’s aesthetic.
Timeless Appeal: Walk-in showers maintain a timeless elegance, ensuring that your investment remains visually appealing for years to come.

Space Efficiency

In Southeastern Michigan homes, where bathroom layouts vary widely, walk-in showers provide a flexible solution that maximizes available space.

Small Bathrooms: Walk-in showers are ideal for compact bathrooms, as they create the illusion of a larger area. Their open design eliminates visual barriers, enhancing the room’s overall flow.
Corner Units: For tight spaces, corner walk-in showers are a practical option, making the most of otherwise underutilized areas.
Custom Sizes: Unlike traditional showers, walk-in showers can be tailored to fit unusual or challenging layouts.

Easy Maintenance

Homeowners appreciate the ease of cleaning that walk-in showers offer. Their simple, flat surfaces reduce the buildup of grime, mildew, and soap scum.

Streamlined Cleaning: Without doors, curtains, or thresholds, there are fewer hard-to-reach areas. A quick wipe of the glass and tile is usually all that’s needed to maintain a pristine look.
Efficient Drainage: Linear drains or custom drainage systems ensure water flows smoothly, preventing clogs and standing water.
Durable Materials: Materials like tempered glass and porcelain tiles are designed to withstand wear and tear, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Spa-Like Experience at Home

Imagine transforming your daily shower routine into a luxurious retreat. A walk-in shower offers features that bring the spa experience to your Southeastern Michigan home.

Rainfall Showerheads: Enjoy a calming, zen-like flow of water directly from above.
Body Jets: Multi-directional nozzles can target sore muscles for a therapeutic massage.
Ambient Features: Add mood lighting, aromatherapy systems, or steam options for an immersive experience.
Built-In Seating: Relax on a bench or seat designed for comfort while soaking in the warmth and steam.

Variety of Walk-In Shower Designs

Walk-in showers come in various styles to suit different needs and preferences.

Barrier-Free Showers: Ideal for mobility-impaired individuals, these showers are designed with zero thresholds and seamless entry.
Open Walk-In Showers: The simplest design, featuring one open side and minimal enclosures.
Enclosed Walk-In Showers: Includes glass panels for better water containment while maintaining an open feel.
Corner Showers: Perfect for small spaces, utilizing a corner layout to maximize efficiency.
Dual Functionality: Decide between a walk-in tub vs walk-in shower, or combine a walk-in shower with a soaking tub to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Comparing the Pros and Cons of Walk-In Showers

Walk-in showers are a sought-after addition to modern bathrooms, offering both advantages and challenges. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Pros

Simple Maintenance: The smooth, open surfaces mean fewer areas for grime and mold to collect, making cleaning a breeze.
Space-Saving Design: An open concept enhances the visual size of the bathroom, making small spaces feel larger.
Mobility-Friendly: Walk-in showers provide easy access, ideal for seniors or individuals with limited mobility.
Seamless Integration: Their versatile design options fit well into bathrooms of any size or style.
Enhanced Lighting: The open structure allows more natural or artificial light into the shower area.

Cons

Higher Installation Costs: Custom builds and premium materials can make walk-in showers a pricier option.
Water Hazard: Splashing water can lead to slippery floors if proper drainage isn’t implemented.
Limited Privacy: The open design may not offer the same privacy as a fully enclosed shower.
Temperature Control: Without barriers, retaining heat in the shower can be more difficult.
Moisture Concerns: Improper ventilation can lead to excess humidity and potential mold growth throughout the bathroom.

By understanding these pros and cons, you can decide if a walk-in shower is the right investment for your home.

Considerations for Walk-In Shower Installation

While walk-in showers offer a host of benefits, it’s important to consider a few factors before installation:

1. Water Containment

One of the most common concerns with walk-in showers is water splashing outside the shower area. Address this by:

Installing glass panels or privacy walls to contain splashes.
Using a rainfall showerhead to direct water flow downward.
Opting for slip-resistant flooring to reduce hazards from stray water.

2. Custom Design Costs

Walk-in showers often require custom designs to ensure proper drainage, water containment, and aesthetic appeal. While pre-fabricated models are available, fully custom showers offer greater flexibility and a polished look.

At Atlas Home Improvement, we provide expert consultation to ensure your walk-in shower fits your budget and meets your expectations. Our team specializes in creating solutions tailored to Southeastern Michigan homes.

3. Maintaining Warmth

Because walk-in showers are open, they can feel cooler than enclosed showers. Adding radiant floor heating or installing heated towel racks can make your shower experience more comfortable, especially during Michigan’s chilly winters.

4. Insurance and Financing Options

Walk-in showers designed for accessibility may qualify for insurance coverage under certain conditions. Check with your insurance provider or Medicare Advantage plan to see if reimbursement is possible. Atlas Home Improvement also offers financing options to make your remodel more affordable.

How to Choose the Right Walk-In Shower for Your Home

Selecting the perfect walk-in shower involves balancing style, functionality, and budget. Here are a few tips:

Assess Your Needs: Consider who will use the shower and whether accessibility features are necessary.
Measure Your Space: Accurate dimensions ensure your shower fits seamlessly into your bathroom layout.
Plan for Customization: Determine which features, like grab bars or body jets, will enhance your experience.
Set a Budget: Work with a trusted contractor like Atlas Home Improvement to find a solution that fits your financial plan.

Ready to Install a Walk-In Shower for Your Home?

A walk-in shower is more than just a functional addition to your bathroom—it’s an investment in safety, style, and comfort. Whether you’re preparing your home for aging-in-place or upgrading to a modern aesthetic, the benefits of a walk-in shower are undeniable.

For homeowners in Southeastern Michigan, Atlas Home Improvement is your trusted partner for bringing your bathroom vision to life. Contact us today to learn more about our walk-in shower options and start your journey toward a beautiful, accessible bathroom.

Want more information? Call us at 734-259-4374 or contact us online to talk to a walk-in shower expert!

February Financing Offer*

Offer Details: New orders only. Offer not valid on previous sales or estimates and cannot be combined with other offers. Expires on 2/28/25. CBL: 2102182001. Financing Terms: Subject to credit approval with minimum purchase made at initial appointment. Atlas Home Improvement is neither a broker nor a lender. Financing is provided by third-party lenders unaffiliated with Atlas Home Improvement, under terms and conditions arranged directly between the customer and such lender, all subject to credit requirements and satisfactory completion of finance documents. Interest is billed during the promotional period but is waived if paid in full within the promotional period”. 0% APR if Equal payments are made over 12 months. Consult with our design team for more details.

Customer Reviews

Rating4.9

Rating4.8

Rating4.5

"WOW! Our gutters look great! Josh And Kamrin arrived right on time and got quickly to work. They were very friendly and didn't mind our 6 year old grandson asking questions. I would recommend Atlas to our friends."

– Kathy S.

"I have been impressed with Atlas home improvement they do things the way I would. Kelly was our installer and was unbelievably hard-working very conscientious and even went the extra mile and called in a grizzly Veteran plumber when presented with a problem. We have used Atlas before and will again soon!"

– Tony M.

"Just a quick note to thank Atlas Home Improvement for the new Gutter Helmet install we received today . From the sales representative Hunter who answered all our question about the product and the company itself to the office personnel that scheduled and kept us informed about the date and times the install crew would arrive (Brook). Kevin and Rick did a great job installing and cleaning up afterwards . Thank you Rick for calling us the morning of install just to verify that indeed you would be arriving shortly . Undoubtably one of the best companies I have dealt with . Atlas made it so very easy to keep myself Safe and my home secure from gutter water damage ."

– Harold B.

"This was our second experience with Atlas. The shower in our last home was truly a primary selling feature. We returned to Atlas because of the quality of the job and the professionalism of the install. We were happy to see the same installers we had at our other house three years ago arrive here today. Chad and Bill did an excellent job. We received the same professionalism and quality we expected. They arrived with all the materials they would need, no hidden surprises, quality materials. They truly live up to everything they promise!"

– Rob R.

"Chris and Brandon did a great job on my Kitchen, I love how it looks! Chris had to come back to fix some things and he fixed all of it."

– Linda B.

"Recently, Atlas Home Improvement finished the second phase of my bathroom remodel. Matt and Chad were here every morning on time, stated in their morning phone call. They were friendly, efficient, knew their job and the job site was always in order and clean. They even went out of their way to make sure I was aware of all aspects of the job. They were GREAT!!! This is a great company!!! Very clean and considerate while putting in my new shower. Time the sales consultant was wonderful and really listened to what I want and was never pushy or tried to sell me something I didn't want. David did a wonderful job installing my shower. Great product they sell. I recommend this company highly!"

– Donna P.

"Dave put in a stair lift for me and I was very, very pleased with the whole experience. He assessed the situation with an eye on my safety and recommended changing the side of the staircase the lift was to be installed on. He did the installation quietly and quickly and without creating any mess. And he made sure I understood how the equipment worked and watched me test ride it. I could not have been more satisfied with the whole process. I would highly recommend Atlas to any senior looking to modify their home so that they can age in place."

– Dorrie R.

"We were experiencing temperature problems with our brand new walk-in tub, in that the temperature would not get very hot. After a call to Atlas we were scheduled by the office staff for an appointment within 2 days, which we very much appreciated. Dave arrived on time and immediately diagnosed the problem - and he quickly fixed it. Dave was very professional, pleasant, friendly, and knowledgeable. Our problem has now been fixed! Thank you Atlas for having such a great installation, office, and repair staff."

– Norv S.

"We had our shower completely re-done by Dave. It was a custom job that involved replacing a sub floor and some plumbing issues. They were friendly, hard workers, our shower turned out perfect! I strongly recommend Atlas Home Improvement they stand by their work!"

– Sherry G.

"Our dealings with Atlas Home Improvement have been nothing but a delight. We had booked them through Home Depot Home Services which had a salesman come out and was easy to deal with and took his time to explain all of the steps to the process. Atlas delivered the exact way they had promised we were in the loop knowing when our materials were ordered when they came in and to finally setting up the appointment. The workmanship was 5 star excellent and we could not have been happier with our new shower enclosure it really made a difference!"

– Sharron R.

See all reviews

Atlas Home Improvement, LLC BBB Business Review