Yes, bathtubs remain popular, but their role in the home has shifted from standard functionality to a luxury design statement. While basic, built-in tubs are declining in favor of walk-in showers, freestanding soaking tubs are highly sought after for self-care, resale value, and aesthetics.
In terms of both functionality and aesthetics, bathtubs are here to stay. In small homes where space is tight and baths aren't part of daily life, removing a tub in favor of a shower can make sense.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) makes it clear that a home absolutely must have at least one bathtub to preserve resale value and be considered move-in ready for most buyers. Tubs are still preferred in most markets and price ranges.
Replacing a bathtub with a shower can dramatically update your bathroom's look. Showers offer a sleek, contemporary aesthetic that can refresh any space. With a variety of design options, including glass enclosures and elegant tile choices, showers can be tailored to match your personal style preferences.
Not having a bathtub generally does not lower a home's overall value, but it can shrink your buyer pool. The impact depends on how many bathrooms you have and the types of buyers attracted to your neighborhood.
Selling a house without a bathtub isn't necessarily hard, but it narrows your buyer pool. Because the bathroom functions differently for every demographic, the impact of having no tub depends heavily on your property type and target audience.
Factors that decrease property value the most fall into three main categories: location issues, structural damage, and poor neighborhood conditions. These factors can collectively slash a property’s value by 5% to 30% or more.
Bathroom trends are shifting sharply toward warm, organic, and highly personalized spaces. The stark, all-white and cold gray aesthetics are out. In their place are soothing earth tones, textural natural materials, stealth-wealth luxury, and integrated, functional smart tech to create an inviting in-home spa.
Remove your tub if you are remodeling a primary bathroom, you have another tub in the house, or you prefer a spacious, accessible walk-in shower. However, keep at least one bathtub in your home if it is your only bathroom, you have young children or pets, or you plan to sell soon.
Chipped tiles, stained grout, and brightly colored porcelain tubs and toilets (think avocado green, mustard yellow, or bubblegum pink) instantly make a bathroom look neglected. No matter how clean the rest of the space is, damaged surfaces or retro fixtures give off a dated vibe.
Kitchen and bathroom remodels deliver the highest return on investment (ROI), often recouping ≈70% to 100% of their costs. For maximum value, focus on minor/midrange updates—like replacing countertops, refacing cabinets, and upgrading fixtures—rather than expensive full-gut renovations.
Do houses sell better with a bathtub? Homes with at least one tub often attract more family buyers. At the same time, buyers increasingly value accessible, modern showers. Keeping one tub and converting another bathroom to a shower gives your home flexibility and broad appeal.
Current bathtub trends favor sculptural luxury and spa-like relaxation, dominated by sleek, minimalist designs. The most in-demand styles include:
Yes, it is perfectly fine to not have a bathtub in a house, as long as you have at least one walk-in shower. However, the decision depends heavily on your lifestyle, your home's layout, and future resale value.
What Tubs Do Plumbers Recommend?
A Cinderella tub is a vintage, space-saving corner bathtub popular from the 1930s to the 1950s. It is designed to fit diagonally into a corner, featuring a wide, rounded front and built-in seating on the sides. These cast-iron, often colorful (pink, blue, yellow) tubs maximize functionality in small bathrooms.
Dish soap isn't just for dishes; it can serve as an effective cleaner for your bathtub when you're alone at home. The surfactants in dish soap break down grease and grime, making it an efficient choice for tackling soap scum and dirt in your bathroom.
Removing a bath generally won't devalue your home, provided you keep at least one bathtub elsewhere in the house. However, eliminating the only tub will shrink your buyer pool—particularly among families with young children—which could impact how quickly your home sells.
Timeless bathroom colors rely on calm, neutral foundations that won't feel dated. The best enduring choices are crisp or warm whites, soft grays, nature-inspired muted greens, and classic black-and-white. These adaptable hues maximize light and provide a versatile canvas for evolving your decor.
A realistic bathroom remodel budget ranges from $15,000 to $35,000+. Costs depend on the scope and your location. In Southern California, for example, a mid-range 40-square-foot guest bath costs roughly $25,000 to $36,000. For a simple cosmetic refresh, you might spend $12,000 to $16,000, while a luxury primary suite can exceed $50,000.
Common Signs of An Outdated Bathroom
Cracked or chipped tiles can also be an eyesore. Leaky or Old Faucets: Dripping faucets not only waste water but also give off an impression of neglect. Upgrading to modern fixtures can instantly elevate the look and functionality of your bathroom.
Since demand outweighs supply, housing prices are higher, and homes sell faster. Meanwhile, the worst months to sell a house are November through March or during the fall to winter, when potential buyers are preoccupied with holiday plans. Sellers should expect lower sales prices and higher DOM during these months.
As of 2023, China has one of the highest home ownership rates in the world, with 90% of urban households owning their homes.
The biggest red flag in a home inspection is compromised structural integrity, frequently caused by hidden water damage or foundation issues. While minor electrical or plumbing fixes are easy to manage, structural failures compromise the safety of the entire home and can cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair.