Remodeling your bathroom is one of the best investments you can make as a homeowner, both for your own personal use and enjoyment, and to increase your home’s resale value. While there are many decisions to make when remodeling, one decision that stands above the rest is whether to install a bathtub or shower or replace one with the other. This decision can significantly affect your home’s resale value. Let’s look at the benefits of a tub vs. a shower to determine if one is better than the other when it comes to resale value.
A breakdown of this blog post…(with quick links!)
- Advantages of installing a shower
- Advantages of installing a bathtub
- Does a shower or bathtub have a better resale value?
Advantages of installing a shower
Thinking about installing a shower? These are the top reasons a shower may be the right option for you.
Space
A shower is a great choice for homeowners limited on space, especially with a standard-size shower stall. A standard shower accommodates a person’s height and requires less horizontal space, with a small shower typically measuring 36 by 36 inches. On the other hand, a standard bathtub can measure anywhere between 50 to 72 inches long by 24 to 36 inches wide and can either be built-in, which requires an ingress that meets two to three joining walls, or freestanding, which are typically larger than built-in tubs and require more space.
Water savers
A hot shower is a great way to start the day while being mindful of water consumption. When equipped with a water-efficient showerhead, a 10-minute shower uses about 25 gallons of water. A standard bathtub, on the other hand, uses 35 to 50 gallons of water, while a larger tub, such as a whirlpool tub, can use up to 60 to 100 gallons of water!
Quick tip: When remodeling, consider installing water-efficient showerheads. With these showerheads, the average family could save 2,700 gallons of water per year and more than 330-kilowatt hours of electricity annually (that’s enough to power a house for 11 days!).
Features galore
A shower is a great way to relax and unwind from a long day, and what better way to do so than with the plentiful features available in a custom shower? Some features to consider are sprays or jets to soothe muscle aches and pains, digital temperature controls, rain shower heads to simulate everything from a light trickle to a downpour, recessed shelving to hold all of your shower essentials, accent lighting, benches, custom tiles, and more. With all of these features, you’re sure to design something unique and luxurious for your bathroom.
Easier to access
While bathtubs are a great option for small kids, showers are a more accessible option, particularly for the elderly and those with disabilities. Showers can be equipped with non-slip tile, grab bars, and shower benches to enhance comfort and safety. Showers can also be designed to be ‘curbless’ so those with limited mobility can simply roll in without the worry of crossing a barrier.
Advantages of installing a bathtub
Thinking a bathtub may be more your speed? Check out these advantages of choosing a bathtub over a shower.
Cheaper to install
Compared to a shower, and especially a custom shower, bathtubs are generally less expensive to install. However, the cost depends on the materials and design. A standard bathtub can cost between $500 to $8,000, depending on the style and materials. However, a standard shower can cost between $1,000 to $6,000 and can jump to $10,000 if you choose to do custom tile and other features.
Perfect for kids
When it comes to families with young children, bathtubs are the way to go. Tubs are more convenient for bathing multiple kids, they are more comfortable, they allow kids to bathe themselves independently, and are thought to be safer than showers by many parents. As with showers, tubs can be child-proofed by installing safety features like cushion covers for the faucet, no-slip strips, and scald guards for the faucets.
Health benefits
Similar to a shower, bathtubs are the perfect way to relax and relieve tension after a long day. However, the benefits of a soak in the tub are much greater in comparison to a shower when it comes to your health. Baths are said to improve blood circulation, reduce arthritis pain, provide relief from muscle aches, improve your mood, and reduce stress and anxiety.
Does a shower or bathtub have a better resale value?
By now you likely already have a preference in mind, but is your choice going to ultimately increase your home’s resale value? When it comes to remodeling, you want to have your home appeal to as many buyers as possible. To do this, your home needs to have at least one bathtub, according to the overwhelming consensus of families, realtors, and home appraisers.
“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,” said Kristie Barnett, a designer and professional stager in Nashville, Tennessee who founded The Decorologist.
So, while luxurious walk-in showers are still a popular option, don’t do so at the expense of having a bathtub. However, this also depends on your home’s limitations. If your bathroom isn’t large enough for a bathtub, you may not have any other option.
If you’re still on the fence, consider how many bathtubs you currently have. If you already have one bathtub, you have more leeway when it comes to converting your second tub to a more luxurious walk-in shower. Also, consider your own personal ROI; if you’re planning to stay in your home for several years, choose the option that benefits your needs first and make renovations down the line as needed.
While there are a lot of things to consider when remodeling your bathroom, our team can help provide expert advice and recommendations that suit your unique needs, design preferences, and space. Interested in converting your tub to a shower or vice versa? Reach out to our team to get started with a free in-home consultation!