Make no mistake—a bathroom remodel is one of the best investments you can make as a homeowner.
There are many good reasons to renovate a bathroom. It adds storage space and can improve energy efficiency. You can add more functionality and fix existing problems.
More importantly, it adds to the resale value of your home. But it could also allow you the possibility of letting your furry cat or dog friends get a good washing.
Summary
Only having a shower and not a bathtub can certainly be important and influence the resale value of a house in 2022 and 2023.
Bathtubs are important, especially to families with children, as they’re much easier to bathe in. Some families won’t require a bathtub, and a shower may be enough in those situations.
We also cover the following topics:
- How to go about the conversion
- Cheap remodel upgrades to do before selling
One thing that can significantly impact your home’s resale value is choosing between a shower and a bathtub.
It’s a tough decision to make. We’ve put this article together to help you decide. Let’s go over their respective pros and cons. Read the ultimate throwdown of a shower vs. bathtub resale value in 2020, 2021, 2022, & 2023 proving whether or not it is important.
Scroll down to read the rest of the article.
Table of Contents
- How important is it to have a bathtub for resale? Do you need one for resale?
- Does replacing a bathtub with a shower decrease resale value?
- Advantages of a shower
- Advantages of a bathtub
How important is it to have a bathtub for resale? Do you need one for resale?
Having a bathtub is extremely important for the sake of your home’s resale value. Consider all the other aspects we cove to maximize your home value. Since adding one helps increase home value, removing a tub would reduce the value. A free-standing tub is especially popular in a master bath, often creating a shower combo.
Let’s take a deep dive into why most potential homeowners are always looking for a tub when buying a new home.
A home’s resale value is mostly dependent on trends. Over the last few years, oversized walk-in showers have been the rage. Many buyers want to own one in their homes. Most homeowners still view tubs as a required fixture in the home, particularly young families with children.
So, should you install one for the sole purpose of boosting your home’s resale value?
Our answer is a resounding yes. A bathtub is necessary for resale. It doesn’t matter whether the year is 2023 or 2024. The answer is the same. However, you may want to reconsider if your bathroom is small or if you have small children.
Does replacing a bathtub with a shower decrease resale value?
Maybe you’re done with your bathtub and want to turn it into a shower instead. But you’re hesitating because you don’t want your home’s resale value to dive. After all, a bathtub adds more to a home’s value than a shower does.
It also begs this question: will you stay in that home long enough to justify replacing it? If you’re staying there for many years, why deprive yourself of the conveniences one can bring you?
To find out if converting your tub is worth it, you may need to think of it in terms of what it will mean for your ROI.
You may want to think twice about going through with it if you’re selling the home to parents of small children. Why? Because a bathroom without one is a deal-breaker for most of them. It’s safer to bathe children in a bathtub than in a shower, where they’d be more likely to slip and fall.
The general rule of thumb is that it’s perfectly fine to replace a tub as long as there’s still one remaining in the house. In most cases, the remaining one can spell the difference between a home that gets sold for a premium and one that doesn’t. It’s a good idea to install a bathtub to increase the resale value of a home.
Suppose there’s anything that proves that tubs are highly valued without any shadow of a doubt. The survey data compiled by NAHB between 2007 and 2018 states that 70% of millennials prefer whirlpools. For Gen Xers, the number is 62%. Baby boomers hover at 47%, and seniors at 44%.
Always remember this: when you’re selling a home, you’re not just selling a bathtub. You’re selling a lifestyle.
Advantages of a shower
Are you thinking of installing a shower? Here are several good reasons why you should go through with it.
Require less space
Showers take up less space, at least if you’re going with a standard-sized stall. By themselves, they measure nine square feet. On the other hand, a standard tub takes up around 13 square feet. Big difference there!
You guessed it. You’re better off installing a shower if your bathroom is small—especially if you want to make more room for other fixtures. You can even have some wiggle room for a walk-in shower or a double vanity if you like.
Use less water
Are you always worried about your water bill? Then you might want to go with a shower instead. Think about it.
Did you know that using a standard-sized tub consumes between 25 to 40 gallons of water? If you think that’s a lot, wait till you use a whirlpool. It consumes between 80 to 100 gallons.
You don’t have to worry about losing that amount of water if you’re using this option. According to Home Water Works, the average American consumes 17.2 gallons when showering for 8.2 minutes (the average length). Now go over the figures again and convert them to monthly (or yearly). Done? As you can already tell, the difference is staggering.
Are easier to access
Entering is an effortless thing. You open the door (or curtain). Adjust the heat regulator. Pull on the nozzle, and you’re off to the races. They can also come in with grab bars or non-slip tiles. Include a bench to make them more user-friendly!
On the other hand, stepping into a bathtub requires more physical work. You have to climb in to use and climb out when you’re done. Entering one can also be dangerous for the elderly. According to a study published by the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, one-third of the elderly struggle to get in and out of the bath.
Offer many features
They offer many features that make bathing more user-friendly. They are also practical and can be luxurious. Steam options, custom wallpapers, & rain showers are just some options. Heck, even small tables. The point is this: They can offer so much more than a bathtub when you get the right additions.
Advantages of a bathtub
On the other side of the argument, here are the advantages of the other side.
Let’s look at some of the pros:
- Cheap installation
- Safety
- Resale value
- Health benefit
Are cheaper to install
If you’re on a tight budget, you’re probably better off installing a bathtub. While prices vary, a regular option can cost between $500 and $8000. A shower installation can cost you between $600 and $12,000.
Of course, materials and design factor into the equation. For example, a walk-in option will typically cost you $6,000 to $7,000. This includes labor and materials. It can reach up to $10,000 if you want one that is custom-tiled. To customize your tiles, you may want to hire a professional.
Have more resale value
They add that “special sauce” that appeals to many homebuyers. There’s increasing interest in feature-heavy, walk-in models. Despite this, many buyers are still likely to want one in their homes.
That’s not to say that bathrooms without ones are difficult to sell. For starters, homes with smaller bathrooms go better with showers.
But overall? Potential homeowners are likely to ask, “But is there a one?” and we have to get used to it.
Safer for small children
Stephanie Mallios is a Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage sales rep. She says that most parents want a traditional tub because it’s safer for children.
Better yet, there are many ways for you to babyproof it. You can install a non-slip bath mat made of rubber, for starters. If you’re a parent, chances are you’re worried about that spout sticking out of the wall.
Thankfully, you can put a cover on it to protect your little one if she knocks her head against it. You can also prevent your baby from scalding accidents by installing anti-scald faucets. They are also great for pets. If you’re trying to wash your dog or cat, this may be better.
Your kids will love it, and it’s money well spent. Home buyers will love it!
Have more health benefits
Bathtubs offer many health benefits. Studies show that taking a hot bath has health benefits similar to exercise.
Taking a hot bath can also boost your mood and help with cold and flu symptoms. It can even give your immune system the boost it needs to fight off viruses.
To top it off, nothing beats the feeling of a relaxing bath after a long day. Throw in additives like Epsom salts and ginger, and it turns into a nice experience. Experiment with essential oils and other additives, and you get the perfect recipe for even more soothing baths.
