A bathtub is not legally required in a house, but it is highly recommended for resale value, particularly for families with children. While many homeowners prefer walk-in showers for daily use, having at least one bathtub in the house is a key factor for roughly half of buyers, according to Reddit users and designers like The Decorologist.
It is perfectly fine to have no bathtub in your house as long as it suits your lifestyle. However, it can slightly limit your pool of potential buyers and impact resale value if you plan to move within the next 5 to 10 years.
Yes, warm baths are highly effective for lowering cortisol. The heat and buoyancy trigger a thermal relaxation response that dilates blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, and shifts the nervous system out of "fight or flight" mode.
A house does not automatically lose value without a bathtub, but it narrows your buyer pool. In real estate, the "one-tub rule" applies: if your home has zero bathtubs anywhere on the property—which is a dealbreaker for families with small children or pets—it can take longer to sell or limit future offers.
But, all sellers should remember that baths are an essential part of the house. Some buyers want a bath over larger bathroom space. Of course, if you have more than one bathroom, replacing a single tub with a contemporary, spacious shower won't be harmful as long as you still have one elsewhere.
Selling a house without a bathtub isn't necessarily hard, but it narrows your buyer pool. Because the bathroom functions differently for every demographic, the impact of having no tub depends heavily on your property type and target audience.
Yes, people still want bathtubs, but their role has shifted from a daily necessity to a specialized luxury or practical tool for specific needs. While many homeowners now opt for large, walk-in showers in primary bathrooms for convenience and space, others prefer a high-end, freestanding tub as a relaxing "statement piece" or "at-home spa".
Only if the bathroom is really small, it would be advisable to replace the bathtub with a shower. But before making a decision, the advice is to measure very well and keep in mind that a bathtub does not necessarily have to be huge to be able to enjoy it.
Do houses sell better with a bathtub? Homes with at least one tub often attract more family buyers. At the same time, buyers increasingly value accessible, modern showers. Keeping one tub and converting another bathroom to a shower gives your home flexibility and broad appeal.
The 4-minute shower rule is a water-conservation and energy-saving guideline that encourages people to limit their daily showers to exactly four minutes. Championed by environmental organizations and utility companies, it is designed to cut down on utility bills and lower carbon emissions.
High cortisol—often caused by chronic stress or conditions like Cushing's syndrome—disrupts your body's essential functions. If left unmanaged, it can negatively affect your metabolism, sleep cycle, and immune system.
Japanese people take a bath every day primarily for relaxation, physical recovery, and spiritual purification. Rather than for getting clean, the Japanese bath (furo) is a hot soaking ritual intended to melt away the day's stress and warm the body before sleep.
The best time to take a bath depends on your goals:
The ultimate bathroom trend for 2026 is "Warm Minimalism" combined with spa-inspired functionality. Moving away from stark whites and cold greys, this aesthetic creates a calming sanctuary by pairing earthy neutrals and natural textures with invisible, high-end technology.
Adding livable square footage, such as finishing a basement or adding a bedroom/bathroom, yields the absolute largest increase in a house’s market value. For the best return on investment (ROI), prioritize updates to kitchens, baths, and exterior curb appeal.
You should only get rid of a bathtub if you have at least one other tub in the house. Real estate experts strongly advise keeping at least one bathtub to maintain resale value, as families with young children or buyers requiring soaking tubs often pass on homes without one.
The biggest hits to property value typically fall into three categories: structural neglect, poor location/market flaws, and unpermitted or hyper-customized DIY work. These factors act as major red flags for buyers and appraisers, severely reducing offers.
Hotels are removing bathtubs to maximize room efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and meet changing guest preferences. Surveys show the vast majority of modern travelers prefer quick, spacious walk-in showers over baths.
Most experts and dermatologists recommend showering 2 to 3 times a week. While many people prefer to shower daily for personal preference or habit, washing too frequently can strip your skin of natural moisture and cause dryness or irritation.
After two weeks without a shower, dead skin cells, sebum (body oil), and sweat accumulate. This buildup causes noticeable body odor, greasy hair, clogged pores, and itchy skin. Without basic hygiene, skin folds become highly susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections, potentially leading to inflamed rashes.
Bathroom remodeling has always reflected lifestyle, comfort, and practicality. In the past, a master bathroom wasn't considered complete without a soaking tub. Today, however, more homeowners are choosing to remove their bathtub entirely and replace it with a luxurious walk-in shower.
The single most expensive part of a bathroom remodel is labor and plumbing, specifically if you change the bathroom layout. Relocating toilets, sinks, or showers requires opening walls, installing new drain lines, and ensuring strict code compliance, which easily drives up costs.
Plumbers generally recommend acrylic tubs for easy, lightweight installation, and enameled cast iron or cast resin (like American Standard's Americast) for long-term durability and heat retention. For reliable brands, professionals consistently point to Kohler, American Standard, and Delta for their quality construction, thick flanges, and parts availability.
Bathtubs are losing popularity as modern homeowners and builders prioritize practicality, space efficiency, and accessibility. Instead of traditional tubs, renovations increasingly favor large, luxurious walk-in showers and "wet rooms".
A home usually does not drop in absolute appraisal value if it lacks a bathtub, as long as it has at least one in the house. However, completely removing all tubs can shrink your buyer pool by deterring young families and pet owners, which may indirectly impact your negotiating leverage when selling.