While basic bathtubs may be declining in popularity, they're far from gone. Instead, they're finding a new niche as luxury items. Freestanding tubs, for example, have become a focal point in many high-end bathrooms.
Increasingly, homeowners are getting rid of their tubs for lavish, high-end showers. Small spaces and homes owned by millennials and kid-free adults are particularly more apt to agree with the bathtub becoming obsolete. They simply ditch the tub.
The short answer is no, they are not going out of style. Freestanding baths are very much still popular, with people purchasing them all the time to give their home a more luxurious feel.
According to a recent survey, only 23 percent of homeowners actually use their bathtubs on a regular basis. This means that the vast majority of bathrooms have tubs that just take up space. If you aren't using your bathtub, you can have it removed and give yourself a bigger and more comfortable bathroom.
It is unlikely to decrease value directly, but it may decrease due to less competition - people with small kids are going to be more likely to walk away from a house without a bath. More likely than not it's not an issue.
According to recent data, homes with at least one tub tend to sell for more money than those with showers – and the difference can be quite pronounced in some parts of the country. Keep in mind, though, that this is just one factor among many that you'll need to consider when making this decision.
Many younger homeowners are opting for shower-only bathrooms, valuing the time and space savings over the option to soak in a tub. Additionally, the trend toward smaller, more urban homes with limited bathroom space means that showers often win out.
Homeowners are using bathtubs less and wanting a fresh look and style when remodeling. They feel these showers are convenient and provide additional safety. “I think it's easier just to jump in the shower real quick and jump out,” Fielden said.
Many younger homeowners are opting for shower-only bathrooms, valuing the time and space savings over the option to soak in a tub. Additionally, the trend toward smaller, more urban homes with limited bathroom space means that showers often win out.
Even if you don't use the bath often, it is well worth keeping one to maximise the return potential on your house value when it comes to selling your home. Depending on the size of your bathroom(s), you may even be able to consider buying a corner bath which will give a luxurious feel to the space.
Hotel bathrooms are getting more spacious, and shower footprints are increasing. In 2021, the curbless walk-in shower will take center stage, and because showers are gaining space, built-in bathtubs are being removed. There are several other reasons why tub-to-shower conversions have become the new standard.
The top trends for 2024 include barrier-free, accessible designs, digital shower systems with precise control over water temperature and flow, and biophilic elements like natural stone and wood.
Despite the fact that most people no longer take morning and evening baths, the bathtub is still widely regarded as a symbol of the bathroom. And one that many people will always be unwilling to be without, at least for occasional use when the mood strikes.
A: While there is no right or wrong answer, it is helpful to examine your personal habits, lifestyle and space considerations before deciding to keep or ditch the bathtub. In any case, there are many shower options that can compete with bathtubs when it comes to resale value.
Although there are conflicting opinions on this issue, one thing is for sure: The era of oversized jetted tubs is over. In fact, tubs have already overstayed their period and are more of a style statement in your bathroom than being actually useful.
Though upgrading your tub to a shower could arguably be seen as a “pro” for better resale value, replacing your only tub is not as versatile for every type of homeowner. More difficult to bathe children and pets. Bathtubs can be a must-have for smaller children or pets.
Tubs require a lot of water to fill and use, and they are generally less water-efficient than showers. Think of taking out the tub as another move toward a more eco-smart design, like replacing outdated and leaky shower heads or toilets.
It's important to determine how many years you expect to live in your house, and weigh whether the bathtub to shower remodel will fit your future lifestyle. If you plan to sell within the next 5-10 years, getting rid of your tub may shrink your potential buyer pool, and lead to lower offers.
Unfortunately, unless you're taking 20-minute showers—more on that later—baths just can't measure up in terms of water usage. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a full bathtub requires about 70 gallons of water, while taking a five-minute shower uses 10 to 25 gallons.
Replacing a bathtub with a shower can potentially devalue your house, especially if it is your only bathtub and most comparable homes have them. But a luxurious or spacious shower or a bathroom designed for families with young children can lessen the impact.
“There absolutely has to be at least one bathtub in any condo or home. When you sell, you're also selling a lifestyle and having no tub will hinder a sale to most buyers,” she says. Research backs up the anecdotal evidence.
Some people find it more hygienic to have a shower, rather than sitting in bathwater. But a hot bath can also be excellent for reducing stress and soaking aching muscles. So, it's ultimately down to personal preference.
Bathtubs are becoming a hot-selling point in the real-estate market since luxury homebuyers view them as required showpieces for a master bath. A home without a good mix of bathrooms might sell poorly, as it is one of the most valued rooms by prospective homebuyers.
There is no code that requires a bathtub in a residential home.
The short answer is, it depends. Understanding the potential buyer of your home is key. If your neighborhood attracts many young families, removing the tub could indeed lower your home's resale value. However, there are situations where this might not be a significant concern.