Homeowners strive to perform home renovation projects that will offer the greatest resale value for their property. When deciding on an upgrade, the choice not only affects you but future homebuyers.
The bathroom is key when homebuyers look for properties to suit their needs and purposes. A common question for homeowners considering updating the space is whether to keep the bathtub and shower or eliminate the tub in favor of a more luxurious shower
Each option has distinct advantages, but which will give the greatest return on your investment when it comes time to sell the house? Visit – Shower vs. Bathtub: Best Choice for Home Value » The Money Pit – to learn the best choice between a tub and shower for resale value.
It’s important to remember there are several variables that play into resale value including your location, the market, and the remodel quality. Still, some trends are noted when it comes to resale value of showers or tubs. Let’s review the differences between the two and the advantages of each.
Showers vs Tubs: Resale value
A bathtub is typically seen as more valuable in the real estate world because these are more difficult and expensive compared to a shower and appeals to a broader audience. There has been a surge in popularity for freestanding tubs over the last decade.
While shower and tubs are comparably priced, bathtubs show greater value as far as increasing the resale value of a home according to the way the market views the appliance.
If you’re torn on the decision, it’s worth speaking with a quality and qualified builder, visit here. The professional can put the debate into perspective as it applies to your needs and purposes. What are some advantages of tubs and showers? Let’s learn.
Advantages of installing a tub
Installing a tub in your household is a time, labor and cost-intensive process, but those that add them enjoy the benefits they offer including the increase property value.
- Health
When the entire body is submerged in a tub of hot water, it’s receiving a wealth of health benefits. Some include stress-relief and relief of tight, aching muscles. Warming muscles routinely helps to prevent the likelihood of injury and various bath supplies like bath bombs encourage relaxation for better sleep.
- Families
When selling a property, you want to appeal to a vast audience. While young, singles are often career driven, preferring the convenience of a fast shower in the morning, families with small children appreciate a bathtub where kids can soak and play with their bath toys.
It’s much easier to clean up smaller kids in a tub compared to a shower. Kids are more comfortable sitting in the bath with ample room with not water hitting them in the face.
- Resale value
A bathtub is a more expensive appliance to install and requires much more care and upkeep compared to a shower which will impact the resale value. The tub is always going to give returns on the initial investment.
One thing to consider is that more people prefer a tub with a shower to accommodate the preferences of different family members.
Advantages of installing a shower
The functionality of a shower, its ease and convenience, are beneficial for a distinct audience. They conserve water and save space, making them ideal for daily use. Go here to learn if a walk-in shower can increase home value.
- Conserve water
A bathtub uses roughly 50 gallons of water more than a shower typically resulting in higher utility costs. The shower, therefore, is a better option for those who are eco-conscious, those who want to conserve a precious resource.
A shower must meet a temperature making them efficient compared to a tub that uses a considerable volume of hot water to fill the bath.
- The space
Bathtubs consume square footage in a bathroom which can make a small room cramped and difficult to navigate. Showers are a much more versatile choice as they can be placed in many different areas in the space including alcoves or corners.
This is the primary benefit of showers over tubs, the fact that they are suited for bathrooms of all sizes where tubs are more restricted.
- Accessible
For impaired individuals, showers are much more accessible compared to tubs. They are safer and secure with non-slip tiles, handholds, and grip bars. Many have benches to allow sitting when showering.
A primary consideration when deciding between a shower and tub will be the amount of space you have. This will give you an idea of the freedom you have to renovate as you wish and to appeal to future homebuyers.
A bathtub, unless you consider a compact size, will consume square footage, whereas a shower is flexible and versatile with installation.
Ideally, every bathroom will have a tub and shower to accommodate the preferences of each family member. That’s not always practical, however. The thing to remember is that prospective buyers like to have options.
Real estate agents suggest that homeowners not remove a tub from their home if they intend to sell the property because the house will appeal to more buyers. In saying that, if you don’t have a tub, it might be the answer to the tub vs shower conundrum.
