The bathroom is one of the most popular rooms when it comes to remodeling. The question that many homeowners face is whether replacing a bathtub with a shower will affect the resale value of the home. This is a big decision if you are planning to sell the house in the future, which for many homeowners, that is the plan. However, choosing what works for your family now can impact your immediate decision. So, before you break out the tools and start dismantling your existing bathtub, read what our pros have to say about this popular debate.
Bathrooms & Renovation
Bathrooms prove to be one of the most popular renovation projects in the home. Popular upgrades to the bathroom include:
- Tilework
- Toilets
- Bathtubs & showers
- Lighting
- Floorplan
In the age of the open floorplan, many homeowners are carrying this look into their bathrooms as well, opening up the space, thus considering taking out their bulky bathtubs. In smaller homes with less bathrooms, maximizing the space is key, which makes showers a more attractive option. Another aspect to consider is how often you actually use the bathtub. Nowadays, a quick shower trumps a long bath, so the need for bathtubs seems to be decreasing. Although that doesn’t mean that the desire for them has decreased as well.
Bathrooms & Home Value
What you need to consider before making a decision to remove your bathtub is what your long-term plans are for your home. Do you plan on living there for many years? Or is this just a temporary stepping stone to somewhere else? If you’re planning on staying for a while and the need for a bathtub doesn’t suit you, removing it to create a bigger space may work for you. If you’re planning on leaving within a couple of years, consider how removing your bathtub will affect the resale value of your home…because it will.
It all comes down to how many bathrooms are in the home. If there’s only one, removing the bathtub will take your home from a full bath to a three-quarter bath, decreasing the home’s value. This is also less desirable for potential buyers. But as long as there is at least one bathtub in the home, preferably in the master bathroom, your home’s value shouldn’t be impacted as much.
Bathrooms & Homebuyers
Even though it seems as though bathtubs are becoming obsolete, homebuyers are still on the market for homes with bathtubs, preferably a full bath in the master. This gives the option to utilize it when necessary. Keep in mind before you pull the plug on your bathtub, that there are other options besides stripping it down to just a shower stall. Bathtubs are becoming less jacuzzi and more simple and modern, thus blending into the space better. It all will depend on how you plan to utilize the space and what you want out of your home. Be sure to weigh your options before making your decision and choose what works for you now and for the future.
The home building professionals at Gulfstream Homes are ready to get to work on your project! Call (239) 254-1664 or visit www.gulfstreamhomes.com to learn more.
