“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.
Local Preferences: Cultural or regional preferences can also influence buyer expectations. In some areas, homes without bathtubs may be more common and thus more acceptable. Overall, while it can make selling a house more challenging, it's not necessarily a deal-breaker if other aspects of the home are appealing.
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.
Bathtubs are becoming a hot-selling point in the real-estate market since luxury homebuyers view them as required showpieces for a master bath. A home without a good mix of bathrooms might sell poorly, as it is one of the most valued rooms by prospective homebuyers.
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.
The short answer is that if it works for you, there's nothing wrong with going tub-less. However, there are a few considerations to make before you plan the switch. Follow this guide to learn more about those considerations and how to switch from tub to shower.
Miller, a big shot in real estate appraisal, says at least one bathtub is pretty much non-negotiable. Why? It makes your house appeal to more people. Having no bathtub could pose some problems upon resale.
Bathroom Updates for Resale Value
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.
There is no code that requires a bathtub in a residential home.
Generally, a bathtub is seen as more valuable in terms of resale value. This is because bathtubs are seen as more difficult and more expensive to install when compared to showers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Well, it certainly could do – especially if your house is a family home, as potential buyers will likely expect at least one family bathroom with a bath. Even if adding a bath doesn't increase your home's value, it will certainly improve its saleability by appealing to a bigger pool of buyers.
Opting for a shower without tub can significantly improve the safety and accessibility of your bathroom, making aging in place easier. For homeowners not overly concerned about future resale or inheritance issues, the decision to remove the tub becomes simpler.
When it comes to selling your home, most real estate agents will tell you that many home buyers will want a bathtub in at least one bathroom. The need for a tub is most common among two groups: young families with small children and luxury homeowners in the market for a house with multiple bathrooms.
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.
In conclusion, while it may be possible to install a bathroom without a plumber, it's often wise to hire a professional to ensure that everything is properly installed and functioning as it should.
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.
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.
In fact, for every dollar spent on adding a walk-in shower, the increase in home value can average $1.71, a return that's hard to ignore. Despite their appeal, walk-in showers can also present challenges. A bathroom equipped solely with a walk-in shower and no tub is labeled a three-quarter bath.
It's important to determine how many years you expect to live in your house, and weigh whether the bathtub to shower remodel will fit your future lifestyle. If you plan to sell within the next 5-10 years, getting rid of your tub may shrink your potential buyer pool, and lead to lower offers.
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.
While basic bathtubs may be declining in popularity, they're far from gone. Instead, they're finding a new niche as luxury items. Freestanding tubs, for example, have become a focal point in many high-end bathrooms.