If you're concerned about resale, most Home Buyers DO want a tub, but it doesn't necessarily need to be in the Master Bathroom. So long as there is a tub somewhere in the home for kids (and, yes, pets!), it isn't a deal breaker.
That being said, no, a bathtub is definitely not required in a master bathroom. Bathtubs are very often completely underutilized and end up being a waste of space. The exception here is people with young children, in which case bathtubs become essential. Even then, you only need 1 in the house.
But does it come at a price? Typically, a bathroom must have a toilet, sink, and tub to be considered a full bath. A bath with a toilet, sink, and shower, but no tub, would be considered a three-quarter bath. The master bath can be a major selling point or it can be a deal breaker.
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.
No it can't be, no bath, no bathroom. By definition a bathroom is a room with a bath in it.
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.
“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.
The answer is probably not. As long as you have at least one other bathtub in the house it's fine to remove one. In fact, removing a tub can add a lot of value to your home by creating a more functional bathroom with more storage and a better shower.
Many homeowners are ditching their bathtubs in favor of luxurious walk-in showers. This trend isn't just about aesthetics; it's a reflection of changing lifestyles and a desire for bathrooms that prioritize functionality, accessibility, and a spa-like experience.
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.
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.
Half Bathroom
Half-bathrooms have a toilet and a sink. Half-bathrooms are called powder rooms or guest bathrooms as often as they are called half bathrooms.
In larger properties with multiple bathrooms, the absence of a tub in just one of the rooms might not be as detrimental. But if you just have the one bathroom, which is the norm for many homes, removing the only bathtub could significantly diminish the home's appeal to certain buyers.
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.
At a minimum, a master bathroom should be around 40 square feet, with the extra space accommodating larger features such as dual vanities and additional storage. These bathrooms are typically designed to be attached to the master bedroom, but other entrances can also be added.
If it's a guest bathroom, then a walk-in shower is probably a better option. Guest bathrooms are usually smaller than master bathrooms, and walk-in showers tend to take up less space. Also, guests are probably more likely to take showers while visiting you than spending their time soaking in a tub.
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.
Tubs require a lot of water to fill and use, and they are generally less water-efficient than showers. Think of taking out the tub as another move toward a more eco-smart design, like replacing outdated and leaky shower heads or toilets.
Unfortunately, unless you're taking 20-minute showers—more on that later—baths just can't measure up in terms of water usage. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a full bathtub requires about 70 gallons of water, while taking a five-minute shower uses 10 to 25 gallons.
Master Bathrooms without a tub are more spacious, giving you more diverse design options. You could opt for a larger shower, lighting, or additional storage. Without a bathtub, you could also convert the space into a wet room, providing a unique feature to your home.
Without a bath, you'll be limiting your market when you come to sell your property. Regardless of the value of your home, if your property is ideal for families but it doesn't have a bath, it will almost certainly take longer to sell. And the longer your property is on the market, the less it will often sell for.
According to recent data, homes with at least one tub tend to sell for more money than those with showers – and the difference can be quite pronounced in some parts of the country. Keep in mind, though, that this is just one factor among many that you'll need to consider when making this decision.
Not all homes and families need bathtubs—the size of the home and age of the family members matter. Consider keeping your bathtub if you're planning to sell your home.
There is no code that requires a bathtub in a residential home.
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.