Bathtubs?

Question

I have a small SFH I bought with a bathroom that only has room for a shower.  I can expand it to put in a bathtub, but the renovation will certainly cost me.  Is a bathtub a necessity, or is just a shower adequate?  Thank you in advance for all opinions.

Marcia Maynard · Answer

All of our units have a tub/shower combo. Most of our tenants take showers and a tub wouldn't matter to them. I would leave it as it is and see how well you can rent "as is" before doing a major modification. Elderly people can get in and out of showers easier than stepping into a bathtub. Young families prefer a tub for the kids. Some like a tub for washing the dog. It really depends on your market.

Account Closed · Answer

I rented 25 apartments for 8 years with only showers in them.  Not one applicant ever mentioned wanting a tub.

They were mostly small studios, and we had no green space whatsoever, so they weren't kid freindly, though I did have a couple tenants with kids.  One had a baby while in the unit and she just bathed the baby in the sink.  The other had a two year old, and she just took her in the shower with her.

So, a tub is not a deal breaker from my experience.

For what it's worth, the building I managed was all converted to showers to eliminate tub overflows, and minimize water usage which was paid by the owner.

Jason Wilhite · Answer

I think a walk in bathtub will be a good option as it is one time investment. I think you will never feel disappointed after installing walk in tubs. These tubs are great for elders and physically unabled people. It can be used by anyone but for elders it provides independence like they do not have to be reliable on someone. Walk in bathtubs AZ has water and air jets which provide proper massage and reduce stress.

Pat L. · Answer

I just opened up a 5x7 bathroom to 7x11 & installed a single unit tub/shower as it was less expensive than a 48-60" shower base + ancillaries.  It rented immediately at a higher rent to the family we preferred because of the tub. The small shower stalls are a tough sell here.

Account Closed · Answer

I thought the urge to drown them was sporadic.  Surely you could rent a motel room cheaper than installing a tub.  I jest but am considering pulling out the main bath tub to replace with large shower.  The master has a small shower.  Wouldn't it be easier to have a removable shower wand and a shower bench to wash the kids.  I do the dog with a shower wand and it is better than filling a tub and soaking them.  http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2012...

Joel Owens · Answer

So only 1 bath in the whole house??

It would depend if this was the only bath what rents were and how much to make the shower space bigger.

Having a small shower as the only bath does reduce the potential tenants. It's harder for the elderly to get out of small spaces. If the shower has a wall seat that can be helpful. Also families with kids tend to want baths and some people want baths to soak in.

Chris K. · Answer

While I personally wouldn't want a home without a tub, I wouldn't spend a bunch of money to put one in. It might cost you a few potential tenants but I don't think it will be that big of a deal.

David Avetisyan · Answer

it would depend on your market.

Is there a tub in any of the bathrooms already?

From experience, although both have pros and cons, the difference is minimal.  Tubs, for the most part are a thing of the past - at least in luxury homes.

I would think, besides the notes above, it would be personal preference. My recommendation would be to stick with a shower.

Good luck!

Bathtubs?

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