Does Adding a Wet Room Add Value to Your Home?

ProSource | 6/23/2025

Tricks of the Trade is an article series dedicated to providing answers to commonly asked questions. The interviews are conducted with ProSource Wholesale^® trade professional members, looking to offer their insights and experience to these thoughts that arise during the building or remodeling process.

Linette Brown is the owner of ABLE Tile and Specialty Flooring and a proud member of ProSource of Knoxville.

With years of tile and waterproofing expertise under her belt, Linette shares her take on one of today’s most talked-about trends in bathroom remodels: wet rooms.

What Is a Wet Room, Really?

A wet room is a fully waterproofed bathroom where the shower space is open—often with no separate enclosure—allowing water to flow freely throughout the space. As Linette explained, “Everything in the room is waterproof… your shower isn’t directed to get everything in the room wet. It’s just more of an open concept.”

That openness gives wet rooms their signature modern feel, but Linette cautions that not everyone’s ready for the experience: “There’s no walls to separate the shower or the tub or the toilet… it is not private.”

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Why Homeowners Are Opting In

Wet rooms offer more than just sleek design—they’re functional, accessible, and adaptable to different bathroom sizes. In fact, Linette shared that they can be ideal in compact spaces: “Sometimes they work better in smaller bathrooms because you don’t have room for walls that divide everything.”

Homeowners looking for a clean, spa-like environment are especially drawn to the open layout. “People love that crisp, clean look—usually white or shades of white with subtle accents,” Linette said. Add in premium materials like marble or travertine, and you’ve got a bathroom that feels high-end without necessarily being high-cost.

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Popular Features and Materials

Wet rooms can be customized to match a range of styles—from modern to traditional. “We’re seeing more contemporary and modern influences with cleaner lines,” Linette noted, “but in Knoxville, people still lean traditional.”

Top design requests include walk-in showers, heated floors and benches, tiled niches with lighting, and eye-catching statement tubs. “You could spend $20,000 on a copper bathtub,” Linette joked, “but you can also find something beautiful and affordable—especially at ProSource.”

Durability and ease of maintenance are key. That’s why Linette swears by the Schluter waterproofing system. “If your waterproofing’s not done well, it’s a fail every time. Tile is just the pretty part.”

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What Homeowners Should Know Before Remodeling

Converting to a wet room requires expertise—especially when it comes to waterproofing. Linette’s advice? “Call a professional. The biggest issue is they get into waterproofing or lack thereof. And then their shower leaks or they start growing mold.”

She stressed the importance of hiring a remodeling contractor who specializes in bathrooms and has a portfolio to prove it. “Don’t call a handyman. Call someone who does this every day.”

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Cost and Value Insights

While it may seem like a luxury upgrade, Linette explained that a wet room doesn’t necessarily cost more than a standard bathroom remodel. “We usually waterproof the whole floor anyway. It might cost more if you add heating or premium features, but overall, the price difference isn’t huge.”

And when it comes to resale value? “A neat, clean, workable bathroom will always help a home sell,” Linette said. But don’t expect a wet room alone to drive up your home’s worth—especially if it comes at the expense of privacy or functionality for the next owner.

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Real-World Insight: The Value of a ProSource Partnership

As a ProSource Wholesale^® member from day one, Linette credits her showroom partnership with streamlining her projects. “The staff is knowledgeable and helps me help my clients. They share info, explain how things work, and have a great selection—more than most tile shops.”

Even when working remotely, Linette’s team takes advantage of the ProSource network. “We had a client in New Jersey who was building here in Tennessee. They picked everything out at their local ProSource, and we installed it down here.”

That convenience and consistency are why Linette continues to rely on ProSource. “They make my job easier, and my clients leave 100% satisfied.”

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Planning Your Bathroom Remodel?

Whether you're dreaming of a wet room or just exploring options for a walk-in shower or updated tile, your local ProSource Wholesale^® showroom is the place to start. Explore waterproofing systems, browse bathroom remodeling materials, and get expert help from pros who understand your vision.

Need a remodeling contractor you can trust? Use our Find a Pro tool to connect with trusted trade pros like Linette Brown, ready to bring your vision to life.

Tagged: Tile Accessories Bath Sink Faucets Bath Sinks Shower Bases Shower Doors Shower Faucets Shower Heads Bathroom Tubs Tub Faucets