Replacing a bathtub with a shower can potentially devalue your house, especially if it is your only bathtub and most comparable homes have them. But a luxurious or spacious shower or a bathroom designed for families with young children can lessen the impact.
The Difference Between Showers And Bathtubs
According to the Cost vs. Value Report for Modesto, CA, a shower is typically worth more than a bathtub. In 2024, homeowners who are looking to sell their homes can expect to receive an average of $1,583 more for a home with a shower than for one with a bathtub.
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.
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.
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.
How Much Value Does a Tub Add to My Home? Many home sellers prefer keeping at least one bathtub to widen their potential buyer base. This favors most families as they find it easier to bathe their children in a bathtub rather than a shower.
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.
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.
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. Depending on the size of your bathroom(s), you may even be able to consider buying a corner bath which will give a luxurious feel to the space.
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.
What Is the Average Cost To Convert a Tub Into a Shower? Tub-to-shower conversion costs between $1,200 and $8,000 but averages around $3,000. * Labor can cost thousands more if you hire professionals.
Mobility - Getting into and out of a low-threshold shower is much easier than getting into and out of a tub. As we age and for homeowners choosing to age-in-place, a walk-in shower might be a better and safer choice.
While some may view this style as somewhat dated, the tub/shower combo is making a resurgence, and for good reason. Not only are fresh design inspirations emerging, but its space-saving capabilities, versatility, and cost-effectiveness make it an ideal option for a variety of bathroom styles.
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 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.
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.
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.
Tubs require a lot of water to fill and use, and they are generally less water-efficient than showers. Think of taking out the tub as another move toward a more eco-smart design, like replacing outdated and leaky shower heads or toilets.
Without a bath, you'll be limiting your market when you come to sell your property. Regardless of the value of your home, if your property is ideal for families but it doesn't have a bath, it will almost certainly take longer to sell. And the longer your property is on the market, the less it will often sell for.
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.
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.
Replacing a tub with a shower is a complex task that can take from two days to a full week to complete, but it is a project that often pays itself off after the dust has settled.
Additionally, as of 2021, the same survey found that a full bath on the main level of the home tops the list of most-wanted accessibility features for homebuyers. Real estate professionals also agree that bathtubs are attractive to homeowners with children (and even those with pets).
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.
There is no code that requires a bathtub in a residential home.