Home Improvement 101: Should I Get a Bathtub for My House?

Home Improvement 101: Should I Get a Bathtub for My House?
Published May 5, 2023 by Rob in Articles, Blog

A bathroom remodel is a significant endeavor that can revamp your home and improve your quality of life. This home improvement project can make this space more functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing. It’s also the best time to address safety concerns, like slipping and falling and changing the fixtures and appliances. 

Like other successful plans, this project involves a lot of planning, and you may ask yourself the million-dollar question, “Should I place a bathtub or shower in my bathroom?” Designers and contractors don’t have a straightforward answer because it varies depending on your situation. 

If you want to make informed choices for your bathroom remodel, this article will answer some of your commonly asked questions. 

Do You Usually Use a Shower or the Tub to Bathe?

Before replacing your bathtub with a walk-in shower, consider your daily routine and habits. If you rarely or never use your bathtub and use it for watering plants or a litter box for your cat, consider a different option. You should also consider your personal preferences because some prefer baths while others prefer showers. A study found that few renovating homeowners use their bathroom to rest and relax, with the bathtub and shower being essential features. However, bathtub soaking is down seven percentage points from last year, and only 10% of renovators are adding a bathtub.

Why Do People Hesitate to Bathe in Bathtubs?

Some people hesitate to bathe because scrubbing the tub can be time-consuming. Filling the bathtub can also take up to ten to 20 minutes, depending on the tub’s size. After all this, homeowners can finally soak in the tub for a long time, which can take up to two hours. Moreover, bathing may use up to 70 gallons of water, while a 10-minute shower only uses around 25 gallons.

What Can a Walk-in Shower Offer?

An oversized walk-in shower with two shower heads and a cozy bench is perfect as you age. You can also use the extra space for luxurious showering amenities and storage. If you prefer soaking in a bathtub, prioritize it in your bathroom plans, but if you prefer a spacious shower with extra features, focus on developing that instead.

A walk-in shower is a spacious and safe option that offers a spa-like experience and is easy to clean and ventilate. It also has sophisticated shower systems and safety features like grab bars and shower benches.

Will Your Choices Affect Your Home’s Resale Value?

If you want to sell your house, real estate agents will likely advise that potential buyers may expect to see at least one bathroom with a bathtub. You can frequently see this requirement among two buyers: families with young children and affluent individuals seeking a house with several bathrooms.

While showers are gaining popularity, you should still have at least one bathtub for resale value. Families with small children still prefer tubs, which are also ideal for relaxing. However, you should base your choice on having a tub or not on your incoming plans. 

Why Should You Consider Your Space and Plans?

It’s not impossible to sell a home without a bathtub, especially if a shower makes more sense in a small bathroom or if you want to stay home for a long time. Although removing a bathtub and replacing it with a shower can be a good choice, it may limit your potential pool of buyers. However, if you’ll keep your bathtub, it doesn’t need to be in the primary bathroom, and this remodeling project should focus on your lifestyle and needs. 

Takeaway 

Knowing if you should get a bathtub or shower for your bathroom remodeling project depends on your preferences, needs, and lifestyle. You can make an informed decision by considering your situation and plans and consulting a reliable contractor. 

If you need to schedule a professional bathroom remodel in Houston, TX, call Incredible Homes! We’re one of the locality’s most trusted contractors committed to helping homeowners enjoy a more comfortable space. Get your free estimate now!