Bath Tub or Walk in Shower?

Question

I have been debating with colleagues lately about the need for a master bathtub. Some of the houses in my area have small standing showers right next to a bathtub. Would you keep both or ditch the tub and build a large walk-in shower?

Disclosure:

- guest bath has a bathtub for renters with kids

- This is a long term buy and hold.

Shane Elias-Calles, Developer

Disclosure:

- guest bath has a bathtub for renters with kids

- This is a long term buy and hold.

Shane Elias-Calles, Developer

Kenneth Garrett · Answer

@Shane Elias-Calles

I’d probably just leave it for a rental.  The cost of rehabbing the bath by removing the tub and putting in a larger shower is to much.  If I was flipping I would take the tub out.

Theresa Harris · Answer

Look at your market.  Personally I wouldn't buy a house that doesn't have a tub and as I prefer a tub, I'd want one in the master...but that's me.  For a rental, you need at least one bathroom with a tub to attract families.

Bryan Devitt · Answer

@Shane Elias-Calles the only time we put tubs in masters now is when they're 7' soakers. Everything else is a big walk in shower. At least 4 x 4, up to 6 x 6 usually. If you're doing it anyways add a couple body sprays, they're cheap up front cost but people love them and they can actually sway someone to rent just for the shower. You should be able to get away with 2 before you would have to run bigger feed lines. Just make sure you're not paying for the water bill

Shane Elias-Calles · Answer

@John Teachout thanks for the wisdom John. The tub and shower are side by side in the master.

John Teachout · Answer

I personally prefer a tub over just a shower. In a rental, I don't change stuff just to change stuff because some will want a shower and some will want a tub. Leave what you have unless it needs to be renovated anyway. I assume the tub also has a showering capability?

Kenneth Garrett · Answer

@Shane Elias-Calles

Most of the tubs I see in a master bath are whirlpool tubs.  They get used when people first move in, but after that they just get used to massage sore muscles with the jets.  It does hold its resale value other than that I think it’s a waste.

Shane Elias-Calles · Answer

@Kenneth Garrett thank you I appreciate the feedback. I guess I’m curious if people still value having a nice tub ?

Bath Tub or Walk in Shower?

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