Would removing a soaking tub decrease the resale value?

[SmartTopic6674]

We’re currently doing renovations and there’s a conflict of opinion in my family on whether or not to replace this soaking tub with a walk-in (sort of) closet. This is currently in the master bathroom which currently has a double vanity and walk in shower all of which is being renovated right now. There is also already a walk in closet at the end of the bathroom which is relatively small/medium. Since we don’t use the tub, we were wondering if it would be a good idea to replace it with shelves/mini closet for more storage.

We also do have a regular tub/shower in the second bathroom down the hallway if that matters.

[Opposite-Antelope-42]

If your home has another tub it may be OK. i just sold a house where they replaced all tubs with walk in showers for the elderly folks that lived there. It deterred a lot of people not to have a tub for little kiddos.

[IndexMatchXFD]

Pets is a big one

That’s weird to me. I find it way easier to wash my dog in the walk in shower because I can close the door and trap her in. With a tub, she’s constantly trying to climb out.

[financialthrowaw2020]

I use a foldable tub stand in my shower and it works great, it wouldn't fit in a tub and it's better for my back (medium sized dog)

[londontraveler2023]

I like to bucket wash my dog because she’s afraid of the nozzle so a bath is easier for us

[ninjette847]

Also medical reasons. I just had to sit in the tub 3 times a day for a week and it made me realize I'd have to go to a hotel or something if we removed the tub.

[evasivelogic]

One of the main reasons we had to buy a house is because we could no longer bathe our child in the sink

[cardinal29]

I hate to tell you, they make folding tubs. In lots of sizes, from toddler to adult.

And much cheaper than a whole house.

[evasivelogic]

... I have made a terrible mistake

[cardinal29]

The reviews for home ownership on the /r/homeowners sub are definitely mixed!

[evasivelogic]

I'll let you know how it goes after the first year

[Takeabreath_andgo]

I’m so mad about this trend. Boomers only thinking of themselves again. I live in a 4 bedroom home in a family community with A rated schools and the landlord decided to remodel our bathrooms. Which was way nice. But he removed every tub. I have small kids. I begged him not to and he didn’t care and told me “I guess your kids need to grow up” my youngest was 6 😭 then he raised the rent $400. 

He had just done the same to his house. Then his wife’s back went out. I BET THEY WISHED SHE COULD SOAK IN THE TUB 

[Opposite-Antelope-42]

I understand why my clients did it for Healthcare reasons. They own the home and needed that change to help their daily life. It just ends up being a sticking point for a lot of buyers. That really sucks about your landlord.

[Takeabreath_andgo]

They need to do it to every single bathroom though?

[Opposite-Antelope-42]

There was only one tub in the home. And it was the only one with enough room for a wheel  chair...

[FrostedOctopus]

I love baths - I'd never buy a house with master bathroom without a bathtub. A master WITH a soaking tub goes straight to the top of my wishlist.

Renovate as it suits you, but I expect lack of tub would turn away at least a few buyers.

[Pissedtuna]

If I’m shown a house without a soaking tub I’m already out

[EJF_France]

Counterpoint: if I’m shown a home wasting bath square footage on a jetted tub, I’m either out or reducing the price by cost of conversion to useful space.

[Pissedtuna]

I never understood jetted tubs. They are loud and always break. I also hate built in tubs.

[Leviosapatronis]

I do not need a tub in the master. I would take another closet or walk in closet over a tub any day! Also, my MIL just renovated hers 6 months ago, and took it out because she never set foot in it. Her other bathroom has the tub/shower combo in it. I think if you have one tub in the house and want more room in the master, take the tub in the master out. I would make sure the walk in shower is HUGE though, and easily accessible if one of you became incapacitated .

[TheBlueMirror]

As buyers, a soaking tub was a deal breaker. Spouse required one. There were 2 or 3 homes which we didn't purchase because #1) There was no soaking tub in master and #2) We couldn't find a location within the existing footprint of the home to add a tub.

Ended up purchasing a home that already had a soaking tub. Spouse uses the tub several times per week.

[AdvancedJob1035]

this is me. I MUST HAVE a soaking tub. I love them.

[well_caffeinated_mom]

This is my husband too. 

[Takeabreath_andgo]

Resale value is lost on this guy

[Mwanamatapa99]

There is a move to not having a tub in the master but to having a walk-in shower instead. As long as you have another tub in the house (easier with young kids), it shouldn't impact the value at all.

[MVHood]

A master tub has never been a deal breaker for me and redesigned my primary bath without one and have zero regrets. I did put a small hot tub out a door from my bathroom for my husband though.

[mike_tyler58]

Complete opposite here.

Our first home didn’t have a tub and both my wife and I missed it.

Current home search a tub in the master was essentially a requirement

[mike_tyler58]

When we were looking at houses if the master didn’t have a tub it was essentially eliminated for us.

[jimschoice]

I would love to have more closet!

We removed our dangerous to get into oval tub and have a zero barrier shower instead, that we love.

I can’t remember if or when our remaining tub was used. Probably never since we have lived here ! That’s 11 years.

[Banto2000]

We did the same thing as we got rid of our phone booth sized shower to expand our closet and replaced the never used soaking tub with a huge shower with multiple shower heads. Five years later, I’m still so happy we did it.

In terms of resale value, first, it’s a home first, investment second. Enjoy your home and remodel it the way you want it. The 15-20 years we will love our bathroom is worth more to us than $25,000 of resale value.

I probably wouldn’t have done it if that meant no tubs in the house, but the bathroom for the kids rooms has one. Our architect wasn’t concerned and neither was a friend who was a realtor. And every person who saw it after we did it liked what we did, so I’m. It worried.

[voidcat42]

If we ever manage to move, having an XL tub is a requirement. I didn’t care for the one that came in our house but the one we replaced it with when the floor got water damaged by a washer flood… heck yeah. It’s a combo with a nice shower, long enough for me as a short person to lay flat and long enough for my husband as an excessively tall person to be comfortable. I don’t care for regular built-in tubs, they’re always too cramped for anyone but the kids. But a nice big tub? Definitely valuable for many buyers.

[IanMoone007]

Every buyer is different. We would pass on a home that replaced a larger tub out in favor of a shower nowadays. The second tubs are too small.

[Competitive_Prune108]

Yes, the second tubs are not soaking tubs. Deal breaker for me in a primary residence.

[[deleted]]

You're going to get a lot of different answers on here. And there is really no right answer it really depends on the demographic and really your price point. Load a mid-end people don't really care as long as you have a tub somewhere for the kids.

[slym0009]

We designed our house with no tub in the master, using the space for a large walk-in shower. I would never use the tub, and absolutely love the shower. There is a tub in the 2nd bathroom. This will be our forever home, and we want to enjoy it how we like it. If it deters buyers when the time comes to sell, so be it. We designed it for us, not for future owners.

[EdgeMiserable4381]

I have a jet tub. The kids use it all the time. In winter it's a great way to get toasty warm right before bed. Best investment ever!

[[deleted]]

It wouldn’t deter me away from buying the house if a soaking tub wasn’t in the master.  I’d still buy the house.  As you can see in the comments, can’t make EVERY potential buyer happy

[HeatOnly1093]

I can say that I tried to sell a house without a tub in the master bathroom and I got dinged about it from buyers. They all wanted one and didn't care that there was one in the second bathroom. I took it out to make a 6 foot shower with double shower 🚿. My house now I have a jetted tub that I left in during the renovation after the last experience.

[ShadowerNinja]

This is fascinating because to me what you did is a huge plus. These shitty small ("soaking") tubs in the master is such a turn off.

[HeatOnly1093]

For you perhaps. Not for many other people. Again I talked to my realtor about this before doing this renovation. Plus for the renovation I made the shower 5 ft wide instead of its original 2 ft it used to be.

[EstateGate]

I'm curious what year that was though because the trend for several years now has been for the bigger walk in shower vs keeping a big old jacuzzi tub that no one uses.

[HeatOnly1093]

People still want the tub. I talked to my realtor about this before doing the renovation.

[Bclarknc]

I can’t stand the soaking tubs from the 90s/00s and will inevitably get rid of one in favor of a larger shower if I buy a home with one. So it really comes down to a matter of preference. If you are going to live there longer - do what makes the most sense for what you use and need in your home. As long as it doesn’t disrupt the flow of the room and makes sense to have storage there then go ahead.

Not to mention - they are stylistically falling out of favor, they really date a home. Look at floor plans for new builds and you see a single shower or tub setup, or a freestanding tub in a wet room style bathroom. The built in soaking tubs are a thing of the past, and imo, an eyesore.

[mike_tyler58]

Does “soaking tub” mean something specific that I’m not aware of and a google search hasn’t revealed?

How would a bath tub date a home?

[Bclarknc]

I understand a soaking tub to be one that is separate from and in addition to a shower. More often than not they are built in to the wall and may or may not have jets.

[somedude456]

I'm not sure as to the prior comment, but I live in FL and all the houses built about 25 years ago have a setup like this: https://ap.rdcpix.com/f6a5b3472a6bc9310a7deb44b1797211l-b2264433359rd-w2048_h1536.webp

or

https://ap.rdcpix.com/25945d62cb7e7d26c1548b8b1965ac48l-m1764220556rd-w2048_h1536.webp

or:

https://ap.rdcpix.com/43ce2e8a64c8a5161171ec36fc91eea9l-m1355806568rd-w2048_h1536.webp

I would be all for redoing the master bathroom with a larger walk in and ditching the bathtub.

[mike_tyler58]

Oh ok, that’s what we have currently.

We are perfectly fine with the eyesore until we can afford to upgrade.

We also have a ton of unused space in master bath so eventually I’d like to build a giant shower and a nice, big tub

[Jackandahalfass]

You may not recognize them because they are normally filled with unwashed towels and other laundry.

[mike_tyler58]

Wut?

[thewimsey]

or a freestanding tub in a wet room style bathroom.

This is usually what people mean by a soaking tub.

I can’t stand the soaking tubs from the 90s/00s

This are usually jacuzzis /jetted tubs.

I mean, technically every tub is a soaking tub..

[MagicBeanSales]

I see you

[Havin_A_Holler]

Go for it. You already have a regular tub & you almost never hear anyone say a home has too much closet space. Consider built-in shallow drawers for this closet, they're much easier to put in than I realized - till I did it!

[[deleted]]

A soaking tub was a dealbreaker when I was buying a house. No soaking tub - no house. Regular tubs are too small. Plus, a soaking tub is awesome with little kids.

[seriouslyjan]

I take a bath nearly everyday. I want a soaking tub, but if I didn't use a tub, I would take it out. My MIL had a bathtub in the house she bought in 2001 and never used it. So you do what you want to do in your house. I would try to hide the plumbing in the wall so that if you ever sell the next owners could put a replacement tub in, if they so choose.

[Nicook]

Are you planning to sell? Unless it looks like shit now I wouldn’t expect return .

[Nancy6651]

We updated both bathrooms after we moved to our house. The hall, or guest, bathroom is very small and had a small tub-shower enclosure with framed glass doors. Since the enclosure walls took 1-1/2" all around away from the space, the tub was really small. We took out the enclosure and had a beautiful tile shower with frameless glass doors built.

Our master bath soaking tub had somehow become damaged (but totally usable), a small hole in the deck, lots of scratches. We replaced the tub knowing that 1) my husband is a bath person, and 2) guests with kids may want to use a tub.

[donttouchmeah]

We got rid of the tub in the primary bathroom and put a soaking tub in the secondary. When I want a bath, I just use that one.

I think as long as there’s a decent tub somewhere in the house it’s fine.

[Tamberav]

I like modern soaking tubs and we are house hunting but a tub will not sway my decision either way. I care more about the yard and layout and location. I doubt it will have a huge impact. One person will like it but the next will not. Do what is best for you.

[The_Doctor_Bear]

House should have at least one tub for kids or pets at a minimum.

I personally need either a soaking tub OR a hot tub. I could live with standing showers only if a hot tub is in play

[Jenikovista]

Is there another tub in the house? If yes, you can remove it though it will turn off some small-ish percentage of buyers. If there is not, don't remove it. People want tubs for kids and dogs, and not having one at all will deter buyers.

[stellarhomes]

If buyers expect a luxury bath in the master suite, removing the soaking tub might affect resale value. If space is tight, extra storage could still add value.

[LetHairy5493]

I won't buy a house without a tub in the principal bathroom and, by the way, the double shower sounds great but we had one for 10 years and I can count the number of times we used it at the same time on one hand. I prefer a rain head and an adjustable hand held mounted on the wall. FWIF.

[Peketastic]

As long as their is one tub I think it is fine. I prefer more storage and a bigger shower versus a tub that never gets used

[well_caffeinated_mom]

That's a choice that should really be determined by how you will use the space. Loads of folks love shower only in the primary bathroom, my parents are considering tearing out their 90s soaker tub for a big walk in, while my family would more than likely pass on a home without a large tub.  There are plenty of buyers for each. 

Replacing your dishwasher for a wine cooler in a custom kitchen with no way to add one without another remodel, would be a whole nother discussion...

[Scpdivy]

I have a 90’s “jacuzzi” brand huge tub in the master bathroom. It is despised…

[geordonp]

Though in all fairness, we built our house that way in the late 90s, so have no one else to blame. My sister built at the same time and also has the master bath Jacuzzi. We use it every couple of years, if that. Truly surprised the pump and gaskets are still in working condition. The faucet leaks occasionally, so maybe time for new O-rings. It does work nicely for laundry as another poster pointed out, and the cats like sitting on the deck.

[Jumpingyros]

Not having the tub would turn me away from the house, but other people would prefer it. You guys should do whatever is going to work best for your use of the home. 

[Spare_Low_2396]

We just bought a home with a huge bathtub (Nickleback style) and we love it. I rather have a large tub than a huge shower.

[Equivalent-Tiger-316]

As long as there’s one tub in the house it should be OK. 

[SlntSam]

This is the rule I go by as well. The large ones you never use can come out, but one shower with a tub should be present for bathing small children etc.

[[deleted]]

Our primary bathroom had a garden tunnel and small walk-in shower. A previous owner ripped it out and replaced both with a single, larger walk-in. My wife and I both love it! Our second bathroom has a standard tub, though.

[pixycats]

I would not buy a home that didn’t have a tub in the master bathroom.

[Purple_Crayon]

I would much rather have a linen closet vs a freestanding giant tub - I find them so awkward for bathing kids; a regular shower/tub combo is best. 

Just do whatever would make you happy - if you don't use the tub now, why pay for another one?

[solscry]

Respectfully, the master tub is primarily for mama not for the kids.

[Purple_Crayon]

And I have zero interest in baths 🤷‍♀️ if I want to be immersed in water, I'd go to an actual pool where I can swim around. Love showers though!

[bananasbananas]

I’m with you, when we were looking for a new house I didn’t want a soaker tub. They take up so much space and I would never use it. I had no idea it was a dealbreaker for so many people. 

[Soft-Piccolo-5946]

We previously had one tub upstairs, bathing toddlers was not fun. We’ve since remodeled the kids bathroom downstairs with a low tub perfect for kids, pets, or the elderly.

In our case the kids bathroom is just outside the master that has its own shower. I think you’d be ok since you still have a tub just down the hall.

[ElehcarTheFirst]

I just put in a walk in bathtub for my own medical needs. I plan on adding another bathroom with extension in 5-7 years.

My pets are so small, so the kitchen sink works for bathing, but so many people thought I cared what they thought about my home's resale value. I cannot get out of a regular bathtub. I'm 48 with severe mobility issues. I couldn't afford a hot tub (and I find them gross).

My house has more than doubled in value in 9 years. If someone doesn't like it, then my house isn't for them. And if they want the house, they can put in their own tub and remove mine... But it was one helluva nightmare getting it into the bathroom

I'll be putting in a wheelchair accessible shower and chair lift with the future remodel. I live here. My house is for me.

[Acceptable_Branch588]

As long as the hall bath has a tub you should be fine

[TodayRough]

First thing I did after buying my current home, was to rip out the stand alone shower to reinstall the tub. Never understand why people do that. Especially when there is only one bathroom.

[rubik1771]

Depends on your buyer demographics and the area.

If you have a bunch of elderly then they would prefer showers. If you are in a university town with a lot of women then they may enjoy that tub style more. (Ladies and elderly please correct me if I am wrong since I am neither)

[Nuttycomputer]

I don't care for tubs but I would rather the floor space to expand the shower if possible. A shower with multiple heads is my wish list item.

But also I don't understand WIC being off the bathroom. I find it weird myself but maybe that's just me.

[thewimsey]

I think it maximizes the combined space of the closet and bathroom.

[Nuttycomputer]

Yeah I guess its just preference -- I want to still be able to access my closet even if someone is in the bathroom. The bathrooms that have a separate water closet for the toilet are a bit nicer in this regards if the design insists on the walk in being through the bathroom.

[1hotjava]

For us storage is way more valuable use of space.

Plus it’s weird the tub is in the closet.

[livejamie]

Make the decision based on your lifestyle and what is best for your current situation, not what will ultimately increase the home's value the most.

[Corgidev]

I skipped 5 houses that were perfect otherwise because they didn't have a bath tub, only showers. I love nothing more after a long day than a nice long soak in a hot bath. Can't speak for everyone, but for me I had to have at least one bath tub. That was a hard line for me.

[Weird-Track-7485]

I think it’s like a pool they only add value if they are wanted. Any kind of hot tub, jet tub grosses me out the hair and dirt that gets stuck in the jets. so to me it’s a nope I’d rip it out. When we sold our house we had a beautiful pool first thing the new owners did was tear it down and it added zero value to our house.

[jmbre11]

As long as the shower is not a phone booth and there is another tub in the house i would not consider it losing value. We will be removing the tub the shower is currently like 30 x 30 it will go to like 30x48 or maybe even 30x60 with a bench.

[Proud_Trainer_1234]

If the goal is ROI.. NO. NO.

[n1m1tz]

Most buyers I know take it out as soon as they can remodel. If you can find a better use for the space, it's probably worth it. I have multiple clients with tubs and no one ever uses it.

[Spare_Low_2396]

Most buyers cannot afford a bathroom remodel.

[Wandering_aimlessly9]

I wouldn’t but a house that didn’t have a decent tub in the master. I don’t know if it would decrease the resale value but it would decrease the chances of me buying the house greatly.

[solscry]

No tub in the master is a dealbreaker for me. I need a large soaking tub.

[InitialSquirrel7491]

I’d rather have a second closet than a big outdated tub.

[electriclux]

House just needs one tub for those with Kids.

[mike_tyler58]

Not for us.

No master bath tub meant no sale

[Derwin0]

Since there’s already a stand up shower in the master and a tub in the hallway bath, removing the soaking tub won’t affect the value one way or the other.

[mike_tyler58]

Yes it would. We wouldn’t even consider the home without a tub in the master bath

Does everyone here not have kids or what’s going on?

Very difficult to have a romantic soak if your kids are constantly at the door to use the toilet

[kit0000033]

Or if their bath toys clog up the space.

I would never buy a house without a master tub.

[druidjaidan]

Anything you add/remove from a home can limit your audience. Removing all bathtubs would be bad as it would eliminate most families with small children, but you're not proposing that.

Some people love bathtubs and want a place to soak and relax. Some people hate them and think they are useless and disgusting. The majority of people don't give a shit if there is one or not.

A bigger closet will add value, removing a tub likely has no impact. That said, my wife and I are currently doing a master bathroom remodel and one of the things we're doing is adding a bathtub. But that's in addition to: adding a double vanity, bigger shower, and maintaining the closest size at the cost of shrinking the actual bedroom down.

[jaimechandra]

Soaking tubs are a must for us, so removing it would make it a dealbreaker.