Should You Replace Your Only Bathtub With a Shower?

When homeowners remodel their bathrooms, one of the most sought-after features is a spacious walk-in shower. Many times, that means pulling out the tub to make room. But what if that also means the home doesn't have a bathtub at all?

The short answer is, if it works for you, there's nothing wrong with not having a bathtub. The only caveat is that if you plan to sell your home, the lack of a bathtub can be a sticking point for some potential buyers.

perfect fit

For the right buyer, a gleaming walk-in shower can be the feature that pushes them to cross the line to make an offer to you. Most adults are too busy taking a shower and have been showering anyway, so losing a tub doesn't have to be a big deal.

If your home has an outdoor hot tub for soaking and relaxing, that's all the more reason to remodel. Whenever you or your future home buyer feels the urge to dive into the water, this backup option comes along.

But it's important to remember that couples with small children or planning to have children may want a tub. Even pet owners who groom themselves may consider a bathtub a must-have. If your home is in an area where the majority of residents are young families, taking out your only bathtub may be more risky than if you live in an area more popular with singles or retirees.

Some buyers may be uncomfortable with the idea of not having a tub, even if they don't have a particular reason -- after all, they're great for cleaning bulky things like oven racks and mini-blinds. And since you can't predict with 100% accuracy how it will affect your home's attractiveness, if you're looking to move within a few years, a real estate agent may warn you not to take the plunge.

However, if you have multiple bathrooms with tubs, converting one to a shower is unlikely to cost you any points to interested buyers. As long as you have at least one bathtub in your home, you're likely to attract a wide range of people.

plan in advance

Before you get too caught up in your walk-in shower fantasies, it's best to schedule an inspection and consult a licensed plumber. Even if you're not sure about all the aesthetic choices you'll ultimately need to make, a plumber can help you define some basic parameters, such as the maximum shower size your bathroom can support.

You may also run into a situation where the ideal location for your walk-in shower is different from the location of your existing tub, in which case there may be more plumbing work than typical conversion work. It's best to address these issues early, as they can have an overall cost impact that could push your project over budget.