The spa bathroom upgrade buyers crave

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Published Date 11/6/2025

No barriers. No doors. No confined cubicle for a shower. Picture yourself stepping into a sleek, open bathroom space brimming with pure, spa-like luxury. You are now experiencing the magic of wet rooms, a bathroom renovation that’s quickly becoming one of the most sought-after home upgrades in today's homes.

Realtor.com’s Anna Baluch explores why these fully waterproofed bathrooms are capturing the hearts of homeowners everywhere, from wellness-focused millennials to empty nesters planning to age in place. Unlike your grandmother’s bathroom, wet rooms feature floors sloped toward a central drain, creating a seamless, barrier-free shower experience. The entire space—floors, walls, and ceiling—is designed to handle water, creating an open and often spa-like environment.

New York-based designer Kati Curtis says the appeal is easy to understand. Just as open living and kitchen areas make square footage seem more expansive, wet rooms make bathrooms feel larger and more luxurious while remaining practical — perfect for smaller bathrooms or for anyone who values an open, uncluttered lifestyle. For those with limited mobility, a curbless shower entry significantly reduces fall risks. Curtis recently completed a wet room for clients who wanted to shower and bathe their toddlers simultaneously—a perfect example of how these spaces blend luxury with everyday convenience.

Before you start planning your own wet room transformation, however, Baluch suggests important considerations to take into account. While a traditional bathroom with 2 sinks plus a separate tub and shower typically starts around $25,000, wet rooms will cost more due to extensive waterproofing requirements. If you’re set on high-end fixtures, add another $10,000 to $25,000—or more. Curtis mentions that her luxury client projects often reach well into the 6 figures, and current tariffs on imported stone and metal fixtures might make domestic options a smarter choice. Oh – and don’t forget the wipe-downs if you’re a bit OCD about water spots. It’s more than just your shower that might get showered.

The good news is that in competitive markets like California, Florida, and the Northeast, wet rooms can significantly increase your home's value, with the potential to cover that hefty price tag when you find a buyer who appreciates spa-like amenities.

This is no DIY project, however. Experts emphasize how proper ventilation, waterproofing, sloping, and drainage are critical and best left to professional contractors. Think about storage solutions like wall-mounted shelves, built-in niches, or vanity storage since you won't have a traditional shower enclosure to hide toiletries. And it’s not a bad idea to add built-in benches and grab bars no matter what your current age.

Just because you “wetroom your bathroom,” however, it won’t make much sense to do it if the rest of your home feels outdated. One thing might definitely lead to another when it comes to renovations. And balance is everything.

Realtor, TBWS

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Jeff Beck - NMLS ID: 19488. To verify licensing, visit NMLS Consumer Access (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). 

Jeff Beck

Loan Expert

NMLS: 19488

American Home Lending USA

240 S Buchanan St, Edwardsville IL 62025

Company NMLS: 2239

Office: 618-310-0091

Cell: 618-806-2281

Email: jbeck@ahlusa1.com

Web: https://www.americanhomelendingusa.com/