Showers open up the space. In a smaller bathroom, a tub does little more than make the bathroom feel cramped and pokey. Removing the tub during your bathroom renovations allows you to turn that hard to access, under-used or out-of-date bathtub into a fully functional, easy to access shower.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There is no code that requires a bathtub in a residential home.
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.
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.
Even unused tubs require cleaning and upkeep, and a big empty basin can often be an appealing spot for things to be "temporarily" stored but never ultimately put away. The open space created by removing a tub can be used for a bench or seat, a hamper, or even just open floor that helps the bathroom feel more spacious.
Not quite! Demand is still expected to be high, especially when it comes to tranquil, spa-like bathroom interiors.
Hotel bathrooms are getting more spacious, and shower footprints are increasing. In 2021, the curbless walk-in shower will take center stage, and because showers are gaining space, built-in bathtubs are being removed. There are several other reasons why tub-to-shower conversions have become the new standard.
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.
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.
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.
Modern wet rooms are not only hugely practical, but they can also look incredibly stylish, meaning they will always add value to your home. The key aspect to getting it right is choosing the correct installer.
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.
Although there are conflicting opinions on this issue, one thing is for sure: The era of oversized jetted tubs is over. In fact, tubs have already overstayed their period and are more of a style statement in your bathroom than being actually useful.
What Is the Lifespan of a Bathtub? Bathtubs typically last 10-30 years, depending on the material used. Modern, low-cost acrylic and fiberglass tubs will survive for 10-15 years. Although a porcelain-enameled cast-iron tub will survive far longer, it will need to be refinished every 5-15 years.
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.