How important is a bathtub for future resale?
It's 2024 and for the past several years we've had this exact question. To be honest, there was a time when bathtubs were an essential part of the primary bathroom. Even if you didn't want it, you would have been wise to have one for future resale.
Times have changed and what we've noticed is some people feel bathtubs are a waste of space, use too much water, are a glorified towel holder, or one more thing to clean. The folks in this camp have rebelled and are saying "no" to bathtubs. We hear this when we show homes and see their choices in new construction homes and in bathroom remodels.
As an experienced Real Estate expert, I have clients who absolutely don't want a bathtub. I also have clients who will not purchase a home without one. I find it's about a 50/50 mix. The majority of people are in on camp or the other and very few seem to be indifferent.
Why are bathtubs so important to some homebuyers?
- rehabilitation to ease muscle pain/overall health benefits
- stress reduction and/or relaxation and mediation
- self care/prepare for a better sleep experience
- habit - some people grew up taking baths vs. showers
- Cold plunge baths are the new rage for post workouts
- beautiful addition to your bathroom
What naysayers have to say about bathtubs:
- environment/too much water usage
- takes up too much space
- collects dust/one more thing to clean
- would rather have a large shower
- doesn't like bathing in their own dirt
- additional expense of adding or having a tub
What I've found is it really comes down to whether an individual will use it or won't use it. For those who love to take baths, it doesn't really matter what is on the cons list. Nothing will get between them and a nice relaxing bath. For those who don't take baths, they'll list all the reasons not to have a tub but it is ultimately because they don't use it.
You might think bathtubs are only for women. In fact, I have as many men as women tell me they want a bathtub in their primary bathroom. There's nothing to be embarrassed about. Guys who are athletic or super active see the health benefits.
Whether you do or don't have a bathtub in your primary bathroom, you're going to have someone pass on it because they want the opposite. It's your home and you should enjoy it as you see fit. The resale aspect will probably be minimal.
As for me, I'm in "camp bathtub". I'm more likely to buy a house with a tub in the primary bathroom than not. I'm one who grew up in an older home with only a bathtub and not a shower. I usually only use it in the winter and on occasion because it does use a lot of water. But ooh how nice it is to take a relaxing muscle soothing bath.
*I do suggest having at least one bathtub in the house just in case you need it and because that will affect resale if you don't. People with small kids generally want at least one bathtub in the house.
Other Articles of Interest
Taking the Plunge: 5 reasons why baths are good for you - Cleveland Clinic
Is it better to take a shower or a bath? - Healthline
8 Reasons Why Baths are Great for your Health - Town and Country Magazine
When Americans Started Bathing - JSTOR Daily
Shower vs Tub? Which is right for your bathroom? - Angi
The Great Debate - Does every home need a bathtub? - Bob Vila
Shower vs. Bath - which one gets you cleaner? - SELF
Bathroom Design Tips: Tubs vs. Showers - Home Channel TV on YouTube
The Worst 3 Mistakes Everyone Makes in Bathrooms - Lisa Holt Design on Youtube
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