Bathrooms are more than mere utilities. They can be personal sanctuaries, relaxation spaces, and a reflection of style. When done well, they can also significantly increase a home's value and attract buyers. According to the 2024 US Houzz Bathrooms Trends Study, bathroom remodels increased resale value by 26%. The report also shows that wet rooms are gaining popularity in modern home designs, with the top motivation for installation being design versatility, space efficiency, and ease of cleaning. Here's what you need to know about wet rooms and whether or not you should add one to your home.

"A wet room is essentially a bathroom with all the normal fixtures, but it's designed to allow for using the shower without being inside an enclosure," says Ellen Hatton of BarnesVanze Architects. "It is fully waterproofed and tiled, with a floor drain that serves the entire space, and the showering area positioned as a focus rather than hidden away or behind glass."

Wet rooms are trending both because of their visual impact and their ease of us. "A wet room can also be barrier-free and accessible for those who would otherwise have trouble with a shower door and curb," Hatton adds.

With the shower floor on the same level as the rest of the bathroom, a gentle slope guides water toward the drain. It seamlessly integrates with the rest of the room without the physical barriers of a traditional enclosure or a raised tray. Wet room surfaces, including the walls and floors, are all 100% waterproof to withstand moisture without causing damage or leaks.

Wet rooms can sometimes be confused with other bathroom features, such as enclosed shower rooms or walk-in showers. However, while some bathrooms have wet room features, they may not be categorized as wet rooms. A bathroom with any physical barrier, including shower screens and a low-level shower tray, is not a wet room. While some wet rooms may feature a shower screen to reduce the water splashing around, the key is that the shower floor remains flush with the rest of the bathroom floor.

Doron Zwickel, a New York City real estate broker, says there are many reasons buyers are looking for wet rooms in their homes. "The buyers I'm seeing in NYC like the added flexibility they bring to a bathroom," he says. "They can be great for people with children and of course for those with mobility issues." Since there are no physical barriers, nothing to step over, no doors to open or close, or things to move out of the way, a wet room allows for greater flexibility of movement. They are also excellent for washing pets.

Another benefit is space efficiency. The wet room design unlocks possibilities for compact bathrooms, including creating an illusion of space even in the smallest rooms. Without the need for bulky enclosures or curtains, homeowners can focus on spa-like features and luxurious finishes that are highly functional and aesthetically pleasing. Homeowners can incorporate additional elements, such as a freestanding tub, vanity, or seating. With a wider waterproofed space, specialty double showerheads are also a realistic upgrade.

"By creating a seamless design and the illusion of greater space, wet rooms are the perfect way to make even a New York City bathroom feel more expansive," Zwickel adds. "Without barriers or bulk fixtures, wet rooms make a room feel more open and airy."

While all of the benefits of wet rooms sound pretty great, the cons can be devastating. Working with the wrong contractor or not properly waterproofing a wet room can cause lasting damage to your home, says Zwickel. It can also impact any adjoining units if you live in a building that shares walls and fixtures with a neighbor.

Wet room remodels typically cost about 20-30% more than traditional bathroom installations, according to Fixr data. The price may vary depending on factors like location and materials used. The high cost is due to the need for extensive waterproofing and specialized drainage. Also, the floors must be graded so water flows effortlessly to the drain.

Another disadvantage is that open or true wet rooms have no screens, meaning there's the potential for everything in the room to get wet. Smaller wet rooms can get really steamy and may need extra ventilation fans to prevent mold and mildew. Clever design choices, however, can work around and overcome these downsides.

Last, not all potential buyers prefer wet rooms. So, resale value varies greatly by taste and timing.

Hatton says that you should really understand the construction impact of installing a wet room before you move forward. "You'll need to get the entire floor to slope to a drain, which may involve shaving down or replacing floor joists in a renovation," she explains. "The waterproofing pan that would normally be just inside the shower now needs to protect the entire space; and you'll have to think carefully about your transition to other materials that [you] don't want to be wet, such as wood vanities or a wood door into the room."

Some key considerations when planning the wet room include the location of the plumbing features, size, layout, type of floor, flow rates, drainage, type of showerhead, waterproofing, ventilation, and budget. To get it all right, you'll need to work with an experienced professional that's familiar with the plumbing, building codes, and materials typical to your region.