Though trends come and go, it's safe to say that replacing a tub with a walk-in shower modernizes the overall look of your space. Offers better accessibility and safety. Stepping into a tub-shower combo is awkward and the surface could be slippery.
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 an article in Forbes, the average cost of a tub to shower conversion is $3,000, with a range of $1,200 to $8,000 or more. Why does this range vary so greatly?
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.
Replace bath with walk in shower cost
To calculate the cost of replacing your bath with a walk in shower, take into account the average bath removal cost (£400) and the average walk in shower installation cost (£2,100). To replace the bath with a walk-in shower, the average cost is £2,500.
For the average professional installation, you can usually expect the job to take anywhere from one to five days for a simple replacement.
Versatility: If you're set on the idea of a bathtub but are working with limited space, a shower-over-bathtub design could give you the best of both worlds. It's great for families with small children and offers more privacy than a regular shower with a glass screen, as you can easily install a shower curtain.
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.
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.
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.
A tub takes up a lot of water making it more costly than a shower. While it may seem comfortable to soak yourself in a warm bath, it takes up a lot of water, which may result in high sewerage bills and monthly water expenses. It is important to consider how your new shower or bathtub will affect your monthly bills.
Open-concept, or curbless showers are a concept that's growing in popularity – and for good reason. They offer accessibility – and lots of flexibility in design. And when we remove the barriers for our shower, we can also create a seamless look in the bathroom, making it look and feel bigger.
The Cost of a Walk-In Shower
Nationally, the cost typically falls between $4,200 and $8,500, with more luxurious designs reaching upwards of $15,000. Along with materials, labor costs can significantly impact the overall expense of a walk-in shower installation, particularly for complex designs.
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.
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.
Space and Accessibility
It is also a good choice if you have limited mobility, as it is easier to step into a walk-in shower than a tub. However, if you have small children or older adults in the house, a tub may be better suited as it provides a safer and more secure environment for bathing.
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.
Costs vary widely based on location, materials, and project scope. On average, you can expect to pay between $4,500 and $10,000 for a bathtub to shower conversion, with a median cost of around $7,250.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Frees Up Space
If you're already renovating a bathroom, opting for just a shower rather than a bath will allow you to invest in a luxury wet room. These are practical, stylish and easy to maintain.
Some people find it more hygienic to have a shower, rather than sitting in bathwater. But a hot bath can also be excellent for reducing stress and soaking aching muscles. So, it's ultimately down to personal preference.
The low step-in of the tub makes it easier for people to get in and out of the shower without risking injury. This design helps to save space. Instead of having two separate spaces for a shower and tub, a tub and shower combo allows both to function in one unit, freeing up valuable floor space.