If nothing else, removing your bathtub will make your bathroom seem bigger without a costly renovation. Bathtubs definitely have their uses and their appeal, but they aren't necessary in most modern homes.
Absolutely do not it get rid of a tub. Especially in a 2-bedroom home. Tub serves many purposes, cleaning pets, bath soaking, families with kids, etc... On top of that, a tub will last longer and has less chance for leaks.
Homeowners are using bathtubs less and wanting a fresh look and style when remodeling. They feel these showers are convenient and provide additional safety. “I think it's easier just to jump in the shower real quick and jump out,” Fielden said.
Whether a shower or tub is better for resale is a common question many homeowners consider before removing a tub. 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.
Really, at the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference. if resale is a concern, and you have the space, i would definately put a bath in. even if you rarely use it. but if space is very limited, then maybe remove it.
Challenges in Selling Homes without Bathtubs
Selling homes without bathtubs can be tricky. Some potential buyers simply won't bite if there's nowhere to soak after a long day or give their mini-me's bubble baths.
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.
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.
Removing an existing tub typically costs between $59 and $108. This includes breaking up the tub, if necessary, and disposing of it—usually in a contractor-provided dumpster. Costs increase for heavy cast iron tubs due to the extra labor required.
If you rarely use it, removing the tub might make sense. However, if a bathtub is part of your daily relaxation routine, or you need it for therapeutic reasons, then keeping it would make more sense. If you have young children or pets in the home, a bathtub may also be a safer and more convenient way of bathing them.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How much does bathtub removal cost? The average cost for bathtub disposal from LoadUp starts at $107 and you can check out our easy upfront pricing guide here.
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.
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.
Local junk collection professionals are capable of helping remove trash from your home, even bathtubs and toilets. Thus, you may contact junk collection crews all around the country who are available for junk collection services, including the removal of bathtubs.
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.
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.
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.
There is no code that requires a bathtub in a residential home.
“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.
According to the National Association of Home Builders reports, adding a full bath can increase the value of your home by 20 percent. This percentage increase holds if the number of bathrooms and bedrooms are equal before making the addition.
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.