Should You Remove a Bathtub During a Renovation? Pros, Cons, and Resale Impact

Removing a bathtub to install a large, walk-in shower is a dominant trend in home renovations, particularly for house flippers. However, based on our experience assessment, eliminating the only tub in a house can negatively impact resale value by alienating families with young children. The key takeaway is to always retain at least one bathtub in your home to preserve market appeal for the broadest pool of potential buyers.

A walk-in shower is a standalone shower area, typically without a door or with a minimal glass enclosure, that offers easy, step-in access. While this feature is highly desirable for many, the decision to remove a tub requires careful consideration of your target buyer and long-term home value.

Why Are Flippers and Homeowners Removing Bathtubs?

The drive to replace tubs with spacious showers is primarily motivated by modern aesthetics and the perceived return on investment (ROI). A bathroom remodel is consistently cited as having one of the highest ROIs in a home. A large, well-designed walk-in shower can create a luxurious, spa-like feel that appeals to specific demographics.

This trend aligns with the desires of many younger or older buyers who may not use a tub regularly. For older adults or those planning to age in place, a walk-in shower is significantly more accessible, eliminating the need to step over a high tub wall. Data from recent industry analyses suggests that accessible design features are becoming increasingly important in the housing market.

What Are the Potential Risks of Removing All Bathtubs?

The most significant risk is limiting your home's appeal to families, a substantial segment of homebuyers. Families with young children almost universally require a bathtub for practical and safety reasons. While portable shower tubs for children exist, the absence of a permanent tub is a major deterrent. By removing all tubs, you effectively market your home to a narrower, often child-free, audience, which could prolong the time your home spends on the market.

From a resale perspective, it is a calculated risk. While a beautiful shower may attract one buyer, the lack of a tub will cause another to immediately rule out the property. Most real estate professionals advise against this gamble.

What Are the Practical Alternatives to Consider?

If you desire a luxurious shower experience but want to maintain resale value, consider these alternatives:

1. Retain a Tub-Shower Combo: In secondary bathrooms, a standard tub-shower combination is a perfectly functional and marketable feature. This leaves your budget free to focus on other updates.
2. Create a Super Shower in a Large Bathroom: If space allows, the ideal scenario is to have both a separate, freestanding soaking tub and a large walk-in shower in the primary bathroom. This caters to all preferences.
3. Focus on High-ROI Updates Elsewhere: Instead of a full tub removal, consider investments with strong returns that don't limit your buyer pool. Upgrading fixtures, lighting, vanity mirrors, and adding radiant floor heating are premium touches that enhance a bathroom without sacrificing functionality.

Ultimately, the safest strategy for maximizing your home's value is to ensure at least one full bathroom retains a bathtub. This approach preserves your home's appeal to the largest possible group of future buyers, including families. For your daily enjoyment, focus on creating a beautiful and functional shower space within a bathroom that still offers the versatility of a tub.