According to the National Association of Home Builders reports, adding a full bath can increase the value of your home by 20 percent. This percentage increase holds if the number of bathrooms and bedrooms are equal before making the addition.
Real estate professionals also agree that bathtubs are attractive to homeowners with children (and even those with pets). If your home has at least one bathtub when it's time to sell you will likely attract a larger group of prospective buyers, which could net you a larger profit.
The bottom line is you will narrow the field of potential buyers if you don't have a bathtub. Depending on how hot your market is (**when you sell, not right now), that might not be a problem. You may still have plenty of interested parties. But you will absolutely have LESS interested buyers without a bathtub.
A tub should not be mandatory but lack of a tub could be a functional obsolescence in some markets, say 55+ age communities. Like any other amenity, if you want a tub, buy the property that has a tub. If you can't find one in your market, be the first on your block to install a tub.
There is no code that requires a bathtub in a residential home.
A bathtub is a bathroom fixture that adds a bit of luxury to your space. It can also serve as the focal point of your bathroom.
Designing a master bathroom without a tub is commonplace in the world of bathroom design. While bathtubs were once a staple in master baths, more and more homeowners are now opting for luxurious walk-in showers or wet rooms instead. With more space, you can incorporate a spacious and indulgent 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.
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.
“Taking a bath has great physical and mental health benefits,” says family medicine provider Amy Zack, MD. “Soaking in a tub is something many people have access to but don't take advantage of enough. But it can be beneficial for a lot of people.” Baths shouldn't be an everyday thing.
The rooms buyers most closely inspect (and judge) in a house are the kitchen and master bath. These are the interior spaces where the most value can be added during a sale, so they need to look their best.
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.
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.
Sell a House Without a Bathtub to a Cash Home Buyer
While having a bathtub isn't a legal requirement, it is a standard expectation among today's home buyers. Sellers could renovate their homes to replace a walk-in shower with a bathtub, but that comes with a price.
It is cheaper to install showers looking at the amount of labor and materials needed during installation. One of the reasons why homeowners prefer a shower to a bathtub is that it helps you save more on monthly bills such as water and electricity.
Showers Are Easier to Get In & Out Of
For more mature adults and those with limited mobility, getting into and out of a traditional tub can be difficult, A tub-to-shower conversion is ideal for homeowners who want to maximize their bathroom's comfort and safety.
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.
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.
What Is the Lifespan of a Bathtub? Bathtubs typically last 10-30 years, depending on the material used. Modern, low-cost acrylic and fiberglass tubs will survive for 10-15 years. Although a porcelain-enameled cast-iron tub will survive far longer, it will need to be refinished every 5-15 years.
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. Keep in mind, though, that this is just one factor among many that you'll need to consider when making this decision.
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 homeowners are ditching their bathtubs in favor of luxurious walk-in showers. This trend isn't just about aesthetics; it's a reflection of changing lifestyles and a desire for bathrooms that prioritize functionality, accessibility, and a spa-like experience.
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.
Even unused tubs require cleaning and upkeep, and a big empty basin can often be an appealing spot for things to be "temporarily" stored but never ultimately put away. The open space created by removing a tub can be used for a bench or seat, a hamper, or even just open floor that helps the bathroom feel more spacious.
In the end, it all comes down to personal choice. If your home is to be occupied by a young family, we recommend having at least one bath in the home. Being able to bath young children – or even wash the family dog! – are essential requirements for young families.