If you’re planning to sell your property and get more money for it in the process, you’ve probably heard about the shower vs. bathtub resale value.
Some people say a glass-shower is more sought-after by potential buyers, but bathtubs bring a higher ROI. If that’s the case, a tub to shower conversion might not be the best idea.
So, which one would be ideal if you’re planning to sell the house for more, but also faster?
Let’s find out!
Which To Consider: A Bathtub Or Shower For Resale Value?
If you’re not yet looking to sell the place and you’re planning to spend some more years in your home, there are several things to consider.
For starters, you’ll spend another few years there, so you’ll have to think about your needs first and foremost.
In all of our bathroom renovations, we put our customer’s needs at the front and center of our work. We always ask these questions to ensure your bathroom will make your life easier and you’ll enjoy using it.
Are You Doing A Full Bath Remodel?
Adding a glass-shower or a tub will do little to the aesthetic and comfort of your bathroom. It might increase the functionality, but that’s not everything you need in your bath.
Remodeling the entire bathroom will help you configure the plumbing and the lighting fixtures better, will offer you the chance to retile the walls, upgrade the floor, or update your vanity.
Some of these are actually required when installing a shower. A tile surround is crucial if you want your bath walls to be kept away from mold and mildew.
Think About The Available Space
Bathtubs require a lot more space, and as per the building codes, they require more free space around them.
- If you find yourself struggling to move around freely in your bath, a walk-in shower might make your life much easier.
- If, on the other hand, you have a lot of unused space in your bathroom, it can ruin the flow of your space and create empty places that don't add anything to the mood. In that case, a bathtub could fill that gap and tie the room together better than anything else.
When Will You Move?
If you’re thinking of getting a tub, by the time you sell the property, the feature could be already dated. When this happens, a dated tub will do more harm than good.
A potential buyer can look at a dated bathtub like a problem that needs to be fixed ASAP. It’ll need to be taken out of the house, disposed of, and ultimately replaced to fill in the empty space left by it.
If you’re looking for a quick and inexpensive bathtub to boost your bath’s value, know that these are the bathtubs that don’t last too long and are quickly out of trend.
Who Will Be Using The Bathroom?
This is probably of the utmost importance when it comes to your well-being.
As we age, our needs and lifestyle changes. Many of our older homeowners convert their tubs to showers simply because taking a bath in a tub became a challenge.
Getting in and out of a bathtub can quickly become a hazard.
Showers, on the other hand, are much more functional and accessible for many of our customers. A lot of people are also getting at least one bathtub in their master bath and walk-in shower to accommodate most needs.
There’s many other things to consider when deciding upon getting a tub or a shower. If you want to find more about the pros and cons of showers and tubs, check out this article!
Which Is More Sought After: A Tub Or Walk In Shower?
A study conducted by NAHB between 2007 and 2018 shows that 70% of millennials prefer whirlpools. However, the percentage decreases with age. Gen X is at 62%, baby boomers hover at 47%, and seniors at 44%.
And the numbers are constantly decreasing.
When you’re selling a home, you’re not just selling a bathroom, a kitchen, or a deck. You’re selling a lifestyle that a potential buyer will have to spend a fortune to change.
So, if your ultimate goal is to sell the property, make sure the features will accommodate most lifestyles.
In 2017 the American Institute of Architects surveyed how homebuyers view walk-in showers. In 2016, 54% of buyers were looking for a home with a walk-in shower. The next year, 64% of homebuyers wanted one. And the numbers kept growing.
Shower vs. Tub Resale Value
There’s no definitive proof that a tub or a shower yields a significantly higher return on investment (ROI) than the other.
Remodeling Magazine estimated that a bathroom remodel that included a porcelain tub yielded an ROI of 70.1 percent, whereas a remodel that featured a curbless walk-in shower produced a 70.6 percent ROI.
It’s mostly about what type of homebuyer you’re targeting.
- If your home has a lot of features that ease the life of older homeowners, a walk-in shower will sell a lot better for this type of buyers. We're talking here about wheelchair ramps, chairlifts, grab bars, a shower stall, and so on.
- If you're targeting younger homebuyers, both a glass-shower and a tub will definitely make your property sell faster. Tubs are great for families with children, while oversized walk in showers are great for the busy and dynamic lifestyle of younger people.
Conclusion
There’s no easy answer to the question. When it comes to the shower vs. bathtub resale value in 2022, the matter remains dependable on outside circumstances.
Consider your needs and how much time you’ll spend in your home before selling it, but also the type of buyers that you aim to attract.
You can get a walk-in shower to attract older homeowners, but what about the rest of the house?
Request a free quote to discuss how you can increase the value of your home, or call us directly at (865) 801-4545 and talk with our pros!
