Though upgrading your tub to a shower could arguably be seen as a “pro” for better resale value, replacing your only tub is not as versatile for every type of homeowner. More difficult to bathe children and pets. Bathtubs can be a must-have for smaller children or pets.
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.
Many parents prefer to bathe children in a tub rather than a shower, and many buyers like to soak in a tub. The National Association of Realtors says as long as the home has at least one tub, switching from a tub to a shower shouldn't negatively impact resale value.
At Ability Bathe, prices for converting your bath to a walk-in shower start at just £3,000. In some cases, the process of replacing a bath with a shower can be more difficult based on the new location of the shower. You may need to make some additional adjustments to your bathroom as you will be moving things around.
Showers take a fraction of the time, save money on gas, save water, and get you cleaner. They feel nicer, are great for thinking (something about the shower on your head, elevating your thought processes), and are easier/safer to get in/out.
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.
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.
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.
The Average Cost of Converting a Tub Into a Walk-In Shower
The installation and costs of a walk in shower remodel range between $5,997 and $11,950, with average coming in at $7,997. Although it may seem like a wide range for a simple project, many other factors contribute to the total cost.
Swapping your old bath for a sparkling new shower enclosure is actually a relatively straightforward task which can be completed over the course of a weekend.
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.
Real estate professionals typically suggest that homeowners have at least one bathtub in the home for the highest resale value: a recent study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) found that over 50 percent of home buyers prefer a master bath with a bathtub and a shower as opposed to just a shower stall.
Generally, the process takes anywhere from one to three days. However, you should always ensure the company you work with is capable of getting the job done quickly and effectively. Long Baths completes most shower and bath remodeling projects in as little as 8 hours without sacrificing the quality of our services.
If you have a small bathroom, you may want to ditch the tub to save space. If you have mobility issues, a walk-in shower can make your life easier. And if you're concerned about cost or resale value, a traditional bathtub may be the better option.
If your home has a particularly large or luxurious bathtub, it may be worth more than a smaller shower. And if you live in an area where most homes have baths rather than showers, your home's value may not be affected as much by whether or not it has a shower.
The average bath needs replacement every 10 to 30 years, with porcelain-enamel products offering the longest lifespan. Towards the end of that period, gaps and cracks will appear, ultimately leading to leaks. Water is one of nature's most destructive elements, so even a subtle leak needs immediate attention.
Shower stall ($700-$1,600)
A prefabricated shower stall kit costs just $1,200–$3,600, slightly cheaper than the $1,800–$4,000 it costs to build one from scratch. These kits include a bottom shower pan base and three shower walls.
Medicare does not usually cover the costs of a walk-in shower. Although a walk-in shower is often easier to navigate than a traditional shower or bathtub, Medicare does not cover it as medically necessary durable medical equipment (DME). Medicare typically considers a walk-in shower a home modification, not DME.
We can help. At Lowe's, we've partnered with Re-Bath to provide complete bathroom renovations, tub and shower conversions, and upgrades that can make your bathroom more accessible. Start your bathroom renovation with a free bathroom design consultation with Re-Bath experts.
If space is limited in your bathroom, one way to compromise is to purchase a bath tub and shower combo, known as a “shower bath”.
Showering daily would come to $64.54 per year per person and using the bath daily would be $195.68 per year per person, approximately three times more expensive.
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.
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.
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.
Childhood aversion – Childhood aversion to baths and showers is not uncommon. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as a fear of getting water or soap in their eyes, a dislike of having their hair washed, a dislike of the change of temperature and sensory issues related to water.