How important is it to have a tub in your house?

Author: Kirsten Graham  |  Last update: Sunday, October 12, 2025

If you have young children, bathtubs can be indispensable. And a standard tub — versus a deeper soaking tub — will be more useful for washing the little ones. If you do decide to keep one bathtub for yourself or future buyers, you may want to look beyond your primary bathroom and consider a guest or hall bathroom.

Is it okay to not have a bathtub in a house?

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.

Do I really need a bath in my house?

Ideally, you should have at least one bath (in the main bathroom) and change to a bathroom with shower in an ensuite. 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.

Does a house lose value if it doesn't have a tub?

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.

Can you have a bathroom without a tub?

Yes, a bathroom can still be considered a bathroom even if it does not have a bathtub. A bathroom typically includes a toilet and a sink, and may also have a shower. The key characteristic is that it is a space designated for personal hygiene activities.

Quick Tip Tuesday: Do I Need A Bathtub 🛀 In My House?

Are bathtubs still necessary?

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.

How hard is it to sell a house without a bathtub?

“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.

Why do new homes not have bathtubs?

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.

Do buyers still want bathtubs?

Therefore, you might opt for a bathtub if you want to keep them comfortable. High-income buyers view bathtubs as showpieces and they can always remain status symbols even when they never get used. A bathtub may not be a necessity but can have a dramatic impact when you want to sell your house.

What does not increase home value?

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.

Are people getting rid of bathtubs?

“We've seen a lot of folks wanting to make changes (to tubs and showers) for a lot of different reasons.” More than a quarter of homeowners (26%) are removing tubs during bathroom renovations, according to a 2023 Houzz bathroom trends study.

Does removing a half bath decrease home value?

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.

Is it necessary to bath ever?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Many doctors say a daily shower is fine for most people. (More than that could start to cause skin problems.) But for many people, two to three times a week is enough and may be even better to maintain good health.

Are baths still popular?

So, most Brits prefer a functional shower instead of a bath. But of course, there are many die-hard bath fans who still prefer a good long soak. Because baths are viewed as being more relaxing – especially when paired with candles, bubbles, and music, they are an excellent way to relax and rewind.

Should I shower if I didn't leave the house?

If you're inside all of the time and you truly hate showering, then theres really no reason to do it everyday. though, to keep healthy, comfortable and prevent yourself from getting sick, it is necessary to shower at least once a week in my opinion, even if youre not going anywhere.

Does it hurt home value to not have a bathtub?

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.

Is it code to have a bathtub?

There is no code that requires a bathtub in a residential home.

Should I get rid of the bathtub?

Removing your bath could well devalue your house, especially if your property is a family home. Without a bath, you'll be limiting your market when you come to sell your property.

Is it okay to not have a tub in your house?

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.

Why are bathtubs disappearing?

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.

Is a bathtub worth it?

If you have small children, a tub can make bath time fun and a lot convenient. A stand-alone bathtub can easily be the showstopper of the space; it can transform a mere bathroom into a stylish zone. And there is an endless list of materials and designs to choose from.

Does a walk-in tub devalue your home?

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.

How important is the master bathroom when selling a house?

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.

Does a full bath have to have a tub?

A full bathroom is made up of four parts: a sink, a shower, a bathtub, and a toilet. Anything less than that, and you can't officially consider it a full bath. The math is simple: Each utility is counted as one-quarter, so you add and deduct a quarter for each one, as the case may be.

Previous article
What is the best natural degreaser?
Next article
What are the first signs of Legionnaires' disease?