Bathroom Updates for Resale Value In general, removing a tub and installing a well-appointed walk-in shower also increases the value of a home. That being said, if you have to choose between a bathtub and a walk-in shower, and most of us do, it's important to consider if you have another tub.
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.
Yes it will hurt resale. There's lots of safety reasons to have a tub aside from baths. A tub can be hidden in during tornados, it can hold drinkable water in hurricanes or water outages, it can help with first aid, etc etc.
A half bath is a selling point, adding about $8,000 to $10,000 to the overall value of your home. Removing it can decrease your home's value—particularly if you have too few bathrooms for the number of bedrooms. That said, it may not make much difference if the number of bathrooms isn't a problem.
“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.
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.
There is no code that requires a bathtub in a residential home.
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.
Age could bring down a home's value, especially if the home needs work. Buying a fixer-upper can translate to all kinds of additional costs. There are cosmetic concerns such as an outdated kitchen or a less-than-modern floor plan, and then there are functional issues like problems with the home's roof or plumbing.
Increased home value: One of the most significant benefits of converting a half bath into a full bath is the potential increase in your home's value. According to real estate experts, homes with more bathrooms—especially full ones—tend to sell faster and at a higher price.
Homeowners are using bathtubs less and wanting a fresh look and style when remodeling. They feel these showers are convenient and provide additional safety.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Putting off maintenance or neglecting to do it at all can lead to lower property values because they can lead to expensive repairs later. A small leak in the plumbing may not seem like a big deal at first, but over time it can cause structural damage, high water bills, or mold.
If your home is in high demand and there is a limited supply of homes on the market, it's likely to drive up prices, while low demand or a surplus of homes can lead to lower prices.
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.
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.
Replacing an old bathtub with a new bathtub is a very difficult project. Much of the tile on the walls will be damaged during the removal. If the old tub is readily accessible, the project can move quickly. If you have to open a wall to remove the old tub and position the new tub, the task is much harder.
When it comes to selling your home, most real estate agents will tell you that many home buyers will want a bathtub in at least one bathroom. The need for a tub is most common among two groups: young families with small children and luxury homeowners in the market for a house with multiple bathrooms.
Not all homes and families need bathtubs—the size of the home and age of the family members matter. Consider keeping your bathtub if you're planning to sell your home.
Miller, a big shot in real estate appraisal, says at least one bathtub is pretty much non-negotiable. Why? It makes your house appeal to more people. Having no bathtub could pose some problems upon resale.