“We've seen a lot of folks wanting to make changes (to tubs and showers) for a lot of different reasons.” More than a quarter of homeowners (26%) are removing tubs during bathroom renovations, according to a 2023 Houzz bathroom trends study.
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.
Although not as popular among adults, bathtubs are still the most effective way to bathe young kids and pets. For young families, a bathtub is practically a necessity. Most children younger than 8 have a difficult time using a shower. In addition, baths are much more efficient when cleaning up multiple kids at once.
Do not remove that tub. It absolutely could affect the sale of that home to the variety of people who need a second bathroom for guests, and one for visiting grandchildren. Seniors do not soak hand washables in the tub. They have a laundry room or other large sink area. That is my insight.
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.
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.
A bath can significantly increase the value of your home as it makes it competitive in the real estate markets. Potential homebuyers may be impressed with the unique features of your home but without a bathtub, they can easily turn down your offer.
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.
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.
Old tub removal
If you opt to allow a contractor to remove and dispose of your tub, expect to pay $200 to $300 for a standard alcove or freestanding tub.
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.
There is no code that requires a bathtub in a residential home.
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.
There are several good reasons to remove a dingy old tub and put in a shower, not the least of which is the potential return on investment (ROI). Zillow reports that bathroom improvements yield the greatest ROI, resulting in a $1.71 increase in home value for every dollar spent.
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.
Though trends come and go, it's safe to say that replacing a tub with a walk-in shower modernizes the overall look of your space. Offers better accessibility and safety. Stepping into a tub-shower combo is awkward and the surface could be slippery.
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.
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.
A recent study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) found that over 72% of home buyers prefer a primary bathroom with a tub and a shower.
Gray is officially out in 2025, and gray-on-gray bathrooms are no exception. Tajik explains, “This look is not only monotonous, it's cold and uninviting. It also seems a bit dull and lifeless for many homeowners' tastes.
Ideally, you should have at least one bath (in the main bathroom) and change to a bathroom with shower in an ensuite. 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.
Generally, a bathtub is seen as more valuable in terms of resale value. This is because bathtubs are seen as more difficult and more expensive to install when compared to showers.
Well, it certainly could do – especially if your house is a family home, as potential buyers will likely expect at least one family bathroom with a bath. Even if adding a bath doesn't increase your home's value, it will certainly improve its saleability by appealing to a bigger pool of buyers.
The impact of a walk-in tub on home value depends on various factors, including market demand, demographic preferences, and overall home features. While some buyers may view it as a desirable accessibility feature, others might see it as a niche amenity, potentially limiting the pool of interested buyers.