Clawfoot Tub & Bathroom Advice

[Amy VE]

We own an old (built in 1900) home near a university that is split into three units that historically have been student rentals. We are in the process of starting updates on one of the units. It’s a 2 bed 1 bath. The bathroom is the area we’re having trouble with. The floor is currently old breaking commercial-type vinyl tile that needs replacing and updating. The bathroom is very small with just enough room for the tub, sink, toilet, and a radiator. The tub is the original iron claw foot tub. My partner wants to just get rid of the tub all together and put in a shower enclosure to make it less cramped and hopefully avoid the shower-curtain-not-closed water flooding issues that come with a tub like that. I am hoping to get some input as to whether it’s worth the effort to change out the tub for a shower, and suggestions on what sort of flooring would be easiest/most durable/most economic to put in. Especially with flooring suggestions that are fine under the weight of a heavy tub if we keep the tub. I don’t want to get rid of the tub as it is original to the house and we are in a historic district but realize we don’t own this just for it to be pretty but for it to make us money with rentals and the least headaches possible. Any and all tips are appreciated as we are just starting on this journey of owning an investment property to rent out.

Thanks! 

[Jim Adrian]

I would go with a porcelain tile flooring.  You are always best to keep a tub in a unit but due to the style and no shower I see your concerns.  I might lean towards replacing the claw tub with a standard tub and shower.