Consider replacing a bathtub with a shower if you prioritize a quick and efficient cleaning routine, have limited bathroom space, or prefer a more modern aesthetic. However, if you enjoy relaxing baths or have small children who need a tub, keeping the bathtub might be ideal.
Taking a shower simply requires standing under a stream of water that comes from a showerhead. On the other hand, taking a bath involves filling a tub with water and then sitting or lying down in it to soak. Baths are often seen as a way to relax and provide relief for sore muscles.
A bathtub requires a lot of water and it may consume a larger percentage of energy to heat up the water. Not only will you spend on the costs of energy but also a large amount of water goes to waste. A shower is usually turned on and off when needed which saves the energy costs since less water is spent on bathing.
It is unlikely to decrease value directly, but it may decrease due to less competition - people with small kids are going to be more likely to walk away from a house without a bath. More likely than not it's not an issue.
The Difference Between Showers And Bathtubs
According to the Cost vs. Value Report for Modesto, CA, a shower is typically worth more than a bathtub. In 2024, homeowners who are looking to sell their homes can expect to receive an average of $1,583 more for a home with a shower than for one with a bathtub.
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.
While bathtubs seem like such an added luxury, a recent report revealed that showers are more favored than ever. Angi, the home service site, shared in its 2024 State of Home Spending Report that people of all ages are actually moving away from tubs for multiple reasons, including seeking an even sleeker setup.
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.
“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.
Both options offer unique benefits, so it all comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in your bathing routine. A relaxing soak in a tub may be just what you need to unwind after a long day, while a quick drench in the shower may be more practical for those on-the-go mornings.
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.
Some people find it more hygienic to have a shower, rather than sitting in bathwater. But a hot bath can also be excellent for reducing stress and soaking aching muscles. So, it's ultimately down to personal preference.
If you take a six-minute shower with a low-flow showerhead, you'll save at least three gallons of water each time you shower rather than take a bath. Let's assume that you fill up the tub about halfway when you bathe. Then every 12 showers you take saves enough water for one bath—about 36 gallons.
Baths and showers have unique benefits, but when it comes to hygiene, showers win hands down. In a bath we're immersed in both soapy suds and our own dirt, but with a shower the grease and grime run away with the constant stream of water.
Generally, a bathtub is seen as more valuable in terms of resale value. This is because bathtubs are seen as more difficult and more expensive to install when compared to showers.
The impact of a walk-in tub on home value depends on various factors, including market demand, demographic preferences, and overall home features. While some buyers may view it as a desirable accessibility feature, others might see it as a niche amenity, potentially limiting the pool of interested buyers.
Although showers may be more effective at cleaning your body, baths have their fair share of soapy advantages. Your muscles will relax, your neurological system will be stimulated, and your skin will be softly exfoliated.
Homeowners are using bathtubs less and wanting a fresh look and style when remodeling. They feel these showers are convenient and provide additional safety.
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.
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.
Replacing a bathtub with a shower can potentially devalue your house, especially if it is your only bathtub and most comparable homes have them. But a luxurious or spacious shower or a bathroom designed for families with young children can lessen the impact.
Potential homebuyers may be impressed with the unique features of your home but without a bathtub, they can easily turn down your offer. This is usually common with people who have already included a bathtub in their checklist regardless of other unique features found in a new home.
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.