What Buyers Want: Walk-In Shower vs Tub
Buyer preference for walk-in showers vs tubs varies by bathroom type and home price range. In primary bathrooms (master baths) of mid-range to upper-tier homes, walk-in showers are strongly preferred. A large, well-designed walk-in shower with frameless glass and quality tile is one of the most appealing features in a master bathroom. In secondary bathrooms and homes with young children or older adults, a bathtub often remains preferred.
Real estate agents and appraisers broadly recommend maintaining at least one tub in a home, especially in homes priced for families. Removing the last tub in a home can hurt resale value, particularly in markets with high rates of families with young children. Removing a tub in a master bath that already has a second bathroom with a tub is generally safe from a resale perspective.
Walk-In Shower: Advantages and Cost
A walk-in shower creates a visual sense of space in a bathroom and is easier for daily use than a tub-shower combo. Curbless designs improve accessibility and are popular for aging-in-place considerations. A basic walk-in shower with a pan and tile surround costs $2,500 to $6,000 installed. A custom tile walk-in shower with frameless glass enclosure runs $6,000 to $18,000 depending on size, tile selection, and enclosure quality.
Bathtub: When It Makes Sense to Keep One
Keeping or adding a bathtub makes most sense in: the only full bathroom in a home; bathrooms serving children's bedrooms; primary bathrooms in homes priced at or below the median for the market; and homes targeting buyers with young families. Freestanding soaking tubs are also popular in high-end master bathroom designs as a design statement piece, combining the tub preference of some buyers with the spa aesthetic of contemporary design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does removing a bathtub hurt home value?
Removing the only tub in a home can hurt resale value, especially in family-oriented markets. Removing a tub from a master bath that still has a tub elsewhere in the home is generally safe and often increases master bath value by creating a more spa-like shower space.
How much does a walk-in shower cost compared to a bathtub?
A basic freestanding or drop-in bathtub costs $500 to $2,500 for the fixture, plus installation labor. A walk-in shower with tile surround costs $2,500 to $6,000 basic, and $6,000 to $18,000 for a custom tile shower with frameless glass. Custom showers add more value but cost significantly more than standard tubs.
Is a freestanding tub worth it in a bathroom remodel?
Freestanding soaking tubs are visually dramatic and appeal to many buyers as a luxury feature. They add significant cost ($1,500 to $8,000+ for the fixture) and require adequate floor space and plumbing rough-in placement. In upper-tier master bathrooms, a freestanding tub paired with a separate walk-in shower is a design statement that appeals strongly to luxury buyers.