Redoing Basement Bathroom...What to do with shower?

[Anonymous]

We're planning to do some fairly basic remodeling/repairs in our basement bathroom (paint, flooring, wall repair, fixtures). The basement has a large rec room, laundry room, and a separate room that we use as a gym. It could be an office or non-legal bedroom, I guess. The bathroom also has a shower that we've never used (there are two other full baths in the house).

Does it make sense to redo the shower as a shower or could we do something more fun like a sauna or steamroom/shower? I'm not even sure those would get used frequently, but I'd like to spend money in a way that makes sense. We don't plan to move any time soon, but is there more value (monetary or utility) to keeping the shower. I know it's a wide-open question but we're in the early stages of deciding what we want to do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We're planning to do some fairly basic remodeling/repairs in our basement bathroom (paint, flooring, wall repair, fixtures). The basement has a large rec room, laundry room, and a separate room that we use as a gym. It could be an office or non-legal bedroom, I guess. The bathroom also has a shower that we've never used (there are two other full baths in the house).

Does it make sense to redo the shower as a shower or could we do something more fun like a sauna or steamroom/shower? I'm not even sure those would get used frequently, but I'd like to spend money in a way that makes sense. We don't plan to move any time soon, but is there more value (monetary or utility) to keeping the shower. I know it's a wide-open question but we're in the early stages of deciding what we want to do.

Keep it a wet area, but upgrade it if you have the funds. No sense in removing it as a shower area.

[Anonymous]

The people I bought my home from put an over the top steam shower/ jetted tub when they redid the basement. I've lived there 5 years and its never been used; assume they never did either as it still had all the owner manuals and protective film on it when we moved in.

In my experience the only time they actually get used is from an unexpected long term guest (newly separated sibling, grieving parent/ in-law, kid and girlfriend w/ baby). I wouldn't spend the money to get rid of it but wouldn't spend a whole lot to keep it either.

[Anonymous]

If you are going to use the steam shower or sauna frequently, go for it. Do what you want. For me, I can’t see going all the way down to basement each time to do this. I’d keep it as is (a shower) but if a tub could fit and would be helpful, I’d do that.

[Anonymous]

If you really want a sauna, go for it. Otherwise, just keep it a shower.

[Anonymous]

Keep the shower. A basement suite is definitely a positive.