Bathroom Updates for Resale Value Removing your only tub to install a walk-in shower can make your home's value take a hit because most prospective homebuyers, especially families with small kids, want at least one bathtub.
If your home has a particularly large or luxurious bathtub, it may be worth more than a smaller shower. And if you live in an area where most homes have baths rather than showers, your home's value may not be affected as much by whether or not it has a shower.
Real estate professionals typically suggest that homeowners have at least one bathtub in the home for the highest resale value: a recent study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) found that over 50 percent of home buyers prefer a master bath with a bathtub and a shower as opposed to just a shower stall.
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.
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.
Showering daily would come to $64.54 per year per person and using the bath daily would be $195.68 per year per person, approximately three times more expensive.
Remodeling your bathroom can be a great way to increase your home's market value and desirability to potential buyers. In fact, a full remodel may not even be necessary to see a strong return on your investment: Updating to a glass shower alone can add tremendous value and can help you to sell your home more quickly.
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.
“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.
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.
In larger properties with multiple bathrooms, the absence of a tub in just one of the rooms might not be as detrimental. But if you just have the one bathroom, which is the norm for many homes, removing the only bathtub could significantly diminish the home's appeal to certain buyers.
The average house price in Bath and North East Somerset was £431,000 in November 2024 (provisional), similar to the revised figure for November 2023. Across the South West, the average house price rose by 2.2% over the same period.
Bathroom Updates for Resale Value
Removing your only tub to install a walk-in shower can make your home's value take a hit because most prospective homebuyers, especially families with small kids, want at least one bathtub.
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.
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.
Real estate professionals advise that as long as it's not your only bathtub, converting a tub to a shower shouldn't hurt (and might even help) your home's resale value. If your home is located in an area that younger families tend to move to, you might want to keep at least one bathtub in your home for resale purposes.
A walk-in tub can add value to a home by making it more accessible and appealing to a wider range of buyers. These tubs are specifically designed to accommodate individuals with limited mobility or disabilities, providing a safer and more comfortable bathing experience.
A property with just a shower may need to be strategically priced to attract buyers. Some buyers may attempt to negotiate the deal or request that the seller cover the cost of a remodel that includes a tub. Sellers can also list at a competitive price to avoid negotiations or lowball offers.
The bathtub is the most traditional and preferred format for those who like to enjoy their bath for hours. One of the most advantageous features of bathtubs is their comfort and spaciousness. Both can offer therapeutic water flow options. The ideal debate between shower and bathtub continues.
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.
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.
Replacing the tub with a shower in the only bathroom is riskier than switching from tub to shower in a second or third bathroom. Eliminating a home's only full bathroom could turn off potential buyers. Many parents prefer to bathe children in a tub rather than a shower, and many buyers like to soak in a tub.
If you're looking for a way to update your bathroom, replacing your bath with a shower is a great option. Showers are more efficient than baths, so they can help you save water and money on your energy bills. They're also easier to clean, and they can be a great way to add a touch of luxury to your bathroom.