One question we get asked a lot is whether a tub to shower conversion will negatively affect the future resale value of a home. Do homeowners need a bathtub in their home to capitalize on their renovation investment, or is a luxury shower adequate? When do the homeowners’ preferences and need for convenience outweigh considerations of the future sale price? Read on for information that will help you determine whether a bathtub to shower remodel is in your best interest.
Why Are Homeowners Getting Rid of Their Bathtubs?
The ‘shower vs tub resale value’ question is a popular one among homeowners whether they’re getting ready to sell this year or planning on nesting for a while. For some homeowners, installing a large shower instead of a bathtub is more popular than ever, but why? Many homeowners never use their bathtubs, and see it as wasted space. When designing their remodel, they opt instead for a spa shower with multiple shower heads, built-in seats, and luxurious finishes – something that’s both functional and beautiful. A bathtub to shower remodel may be preferable in the present, but what about the future?
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Shower vs. Tub Resale Value
If you’re concerned about renovations affecting the future resale value of your home, you’ve probably asked yourself: Do I need a bathtub in my house? The answer to that question depends largely on who you ask, and on a few key factors.
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.
Additionally, as of 2021, the same survey found that a full bath on the main level of the home tops the list of most-wanted accessibility features for homebuyers.
Real estate professionals also agree that bathtubs are attractive to homeowners with children (and even those with pets). If your home has at least one bathtub when it’s time to sell you will likely attract a larger group of prospective buyers, which could net you a larger profit.
Moreover, having a bathtub may help your future home listings because bathrooms with just a shower are usually listed as three-quarter baths while those with a bathtub and shower are classified as full baths.
Style also matters. For those prospective buyers looking for a touch of luxury, a clawfoot tub in the master bath in addition to the shower remains a bathroom remodel trend of 2022. This eye-catching free standing tub can in fact, boost your home’s value.
Considerations
Making the decision to replace your bathtub with a shower can be tricky. 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. But if you plan to remain in your home for more than 10-15 years, the shower vs. bathtub resale value debate is of little to no consequence and you should opt for the bathroom design that works best fits your needs.
I currently have 3 full baths. All three are being remodelled. I will be keeping bathtubs in one downstairs and one upstairs bathroom. The third bathroom is right next to the kitchen. The tub is never used. There really isn’t room for a shower. I am considering having just a toilet and sink. How will that affect the value of my home?
If there is only one tub in the master bath is that enough for resale purchases? Currently I have a spa in the master bath and a tub in the children’s bathroom. I would like to change the children’s bathroom to a walk in shower, but am worried about resale value. Any advice?