Increases Property Value 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.
If so, it might be worth considering adding a full bath or a shower during your bathroom renovation. 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.
Bathroom Features that Boost Resale Value
A home appraiser pointed out that having at least one tub is crucial since it appeals to a broader audience. Think about young families needing bath-time ease or just anyone looking forward to unwind; they're all eyeing that tub. Showers aren't slacking, though.
Yes, replacing a bathtub with a shower can be a good idea if you're seeking to save space, increase accessibility, or update the look of your bathroom. It's especially beneficial for those who prefer showers over baths or need a more accessible bathroom solution.
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.
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.
A soaking tub offers a deep, spa-like bathing experience, making it a luxurious addition to modern bathrooms. Benefits include enhanced relaxation, therapeutic advantages, aesthetic appeal, and potential to increase property value.
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.
Space and Accessibility
It is also a good choice if you have limited mobility, as it is easier to step into a walk-in shower than a tub. However, if you have small children or older adults in the house, a tub may be better suited as it provides a safer and more secure environment for bathing.
A bathroom is a must-have for families, whether it be for bathing the kids or when you want a moment to relax. As a result, if you are thinking about turning a bathtub into a shower, the short simple answer is no – you should avoid removing a bath at all costs to prevent devaluing your home.
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.
Don't expect a dollar-for-dollar return
However, big-ticket items, such as pools, major kitchen and bath remodels and extensive landscaping undertaken for the sole reason of adding value might not bring the return you hoped for.
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.
Now consider this fact: a primary bathroom with a bathtub can certainly increase the value of your home. 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.
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.
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.
Replacing an existing tub with a luxurious walk-in shower can cost about $15,000 or higher depending on the complexity of the project. The amount you pay may vary depending on whether you choose a custom design or a one-piece stall.
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.
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.
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.
Removing an existing tub typically costs between $59 and $108. This includes breaking up the tub, if necessary, and disposing of it—usually in a contractor-provided dumpster. Costs increase for heavy cast iron tubs due to the extra labor required.
If you're contemplating a home improvement project, think about installing a freestanding bath or a Japanese bathing tub. This upgrade could be the catalyst that elevates your property's value and marketability, making it a hot favorite among potential buyers.
The key takeaway is there's no definitive proof of any significant difference between a bath and a shower when it comes to resale value. If you want to hedge your bets and you're not on a tight budget, adding a shower to a bathtub might be the optimal solution.