Removing a garden tub provides a significant footprint for several functional and luxury upgrades. Common 2026 trends include converting the area into a larger walk-in shower or specialized zones like makeup vanities and storage centers.
So why let it sit around taking up valuable square footage in your bathroom? More homeowners are choosing to remove their outdated garden tubs in favor of spacious walk-in showers they'll actually use, saving space and water - and giving you a beautiful bathroom you'll enjoy spending time in!
Tub-to-shower conversions typically cost $2,000–$12,000, with pricing largely driven by shower type, plumbing adjustments, and structural complexity. Shower type, plumbing modifications, and glass enclosures are the biggest factors influencing total project costs.
Removing your only tub can narrow appeal in some markets, but your current needs and wants outweigh those of potential future buyers. Pestano sums it up nicely: “Removing a bath doesn't automatically lower home value,” he says. “It simply shifts your buyer pool.
If you're considering repurposing an unused bathtub without complete removal, here are some creative options.
Lauren Saab, founder of Saab Studios, explains, “Instead of being a perfect rectangle, a Cinderella tub is cut on a diagonal to fit into a corner, which creates a wide, rounded front for sitting and soaking.” Often, one end would be more shallow than the other, creating just the right incline for bathing comfortably.
Dish soap isn't just for dishes; it can serve as an effective cleaner for your bathtub when you're alone at home. The surfactants in dish soap break down grease and grime, making it an efficient choice for tackling soap scum and dirt in your bathroom.
Below are some of the most common things that can significantly decrease property value.
Removing and disposing of an old bathtub costs around $150 to over $4,500, depending on the type of bathtub. Fiberglass tubs, which are lighter in weight, cost $50 to $100 to remove. Hauling away a heavy cast-iron bathtub could cost $300 or more. Disposing of the old tub can cost $100 to $4,200.
The 30% rule is a simple budgeting tool used in home improvements. It suggests that you shouldn't spend more than 30% of your home's value on a renovation project. For example, if your house is worth $300,000, your renovation costs should stay below $90,000.
Medicare generally doesn't cover bath-to-shower conversions for seniors, as these upgrades are typically not classified as “medically necessary.” Learn about what Medicare does and doesn't cover for walk-in showers, and how you can get assistance paying for a senior-friendly bathroom remodel as you age-in-place.
Acrylic, solid surface, vinyl, fiberglass, tile, and wet wall panels are the most common shower wall options. Each varies in durability, cost, and maintenance requirements.
Our acrylic is chip and scratch-resistant, so you won't have to worry about replacing your bath and shower for decades to come.
Wet-area renovations like a tub to shower conversions cost about $8,000 to $15,000, including materials and labor. Your project may cost more or less, but this average figure is a good one to keep in mind.
A standard garden tub is 42 inches wide, 60 inches long, and 24 inches deep. But they can come in any size and are often much larger—as much as 70 inches wide and twice as deep as a conventional tub. It can be more challenging to install than a traditional tub, too.
Although your doctor may recommend making changes to your home, such as adding a wheelchair ramp, widening doorways or installing a new walk-in tub or shower with handrails, Medicare doesn't usually count these items as durable medical equipment (DME) and therefore won't pay for them.
Showers Are Easier to Get In & Out Of
For more mature adults and those with limited mobility, getting into and out of a traditional tub can be difficult, A tub-to-shower conversion is ideal for homeowners who want to maximize their bathroom's comfort and safety.
It will usually cost less to do the project yourself, as long as you know what you're doing. However, mistakes sometimes cost time and money to correct. If you're unsure of how to accomplish the job, the best option may be to hire a plumber.
If you cannot access your plumbing you can look at using an electric saw to cut the wider panel off. In these more complicated setups, we'd recommend getting In contact with a professional especially if you are unsure. You should prioritise shutting off the water to your bath.
Since demand outweighs supply, housing prices are higher, and homes sell faster. Meanwhile, the worst months to sell a house are November through March or during the fall to winter, when potential buyers are preoccupied with holiday plans. Sellers should expect lower sales prices and higher DOM during these months.
As of 2023, China has one of the highest home ownership rates in the world, with 90% of urban households owning their homes.
Dish soap has the ability to lubricate and break down the bonds of fats and grease. When poured into the toilet, dish soap helps lubricate the waste causing the clog, while also breaking down its structure, allowing it to easily flow down the drain.
The Simple Shower-Cleaning Hack
"I have dish soap in the shower," wrote @BBrea101. "On days when I'm deep conditioning my hair, I wash the walls off with dish soap and rinse with the shower head. When the shower is turned off, I squeegee the walls and tub to help remove soap scum from the walls.
Leaving dish soap in the toilet overnight is not a miracle cure, but for soft clogs and slow drains, it is one of the simplest, lowest-risk fixes to try before calling for help. It didn't just clear the clog, it reduced the chance of a messy backup, and that alone made the experiment worth it.