Choosing between a walk-in shower and a bathtub is one of the most important decisions when renovating your bath. It’s not just a matter of style or personal preference. Are you unsure whether to keep the tub or go for a tub to shower conversion? The choice can significantly impact your home’s functionality and, more importantly, its resale value. At Kitchen and Bath Reno, we help homeowners think long-term while making decisions that also enhance everyday living.
Homeowners often face this dilemma. Should they modernize with a sleek walk-in shower or keep the classic bathtub that many buyers still expect? There is no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on who’s likely to buy your home, how many bathrooms you have, your layout, and what kind of lifestyle you or your future buyers lead.
In this blog, we break down everything you need to know about this major bathroom upgrade decision. If you’re considering a tub to shower conversion, or just wondering what’s better for resale, this guide is for you.
Does a Tub to Shower Conversion Increase Resale Value?
Real estate trends show that bathroom design plays a big role in how buyers view your home. Buyers walk into a bathroom expecting it to meet both their practical needs and their design expectations. If it’s outdated, cramped, or missing features they value, it can be a dealbreaker.
Buyers with young children almost always look for at least one bathtub. Meanwhile, older adults or luxury-minded buyers tend to gravitate toward the ease and style of a walk-in shower. In most cases, having at least one tub in the home is important for retaining full resale value. But converting a second or master bathroom tub into a walk-in shower can be a smart move that modernizes your space and increases appeal.
What Homebuyers Look for in a Bathroom Layout
Let’s take a look at what different buyer demographics tend to prioritize when looking at bathroom layouts:
Buyer Type | Preference | Why It Matters |
| Young families | Bathtub | Bathtubs are essential for bathing small children |
| Older adults | Walk-in shower | Low-threshold access and safety features are major benefits |
| Luxury homebuyers | Both | Expect a spa-like master bathroom with a soaking tub and shower |
| First-time buyers | Walk-in shower | Prefer trendy, low-maintenance options that feel modern |
Understanding who’s likely to buy your home in the future is key. If you’re in a neighborhood with young families, removing the only bathtub might be a costly mistake. In more mature or upscale markets, a walk-in shower might be seen as a premium upgrade.
Why Tub to Shower Conversion Is Growing in Popularity
A growing number of homeowners are choosing to remove bathtubs in favor of walk-in showers. These conversions are popular for several reasons. Walk-in showers can make a bathroom look larger, more open, and easier to use. They’re also more accessible for anyone with mobility issues.
Another reason for the trend is maintenance. Tubs can be difficult to clean and often accumulate mildew or soap scum around the edges. A well-built walk-in shower with seamless tile or a glass enclosure is much easier to maintain.
Design flexibility also plays a big role. Homeowners can choose from custom tile, rain showerheads, handheld sprayers, built-in niches, frameless glass, and more. A shower can be a statement piece that elevates the entire bathroom.
Reasons to Keep a Bathtub in Your Bathroom
While a tub to shower conversion is tempting, there are still strong arguments for keeping at least one bathtub. If your home only has one full bathroom, it’s highly recommended to keep the tub. Families with small kids need it. Many buyers won’t even consider a home without one.
Bathtubs also remain a must in luxury master suites when paired with a separate shower. A freestanding soaking tub is still viewed as a high-end feature in real estate listings. It creates a spa-like atmosphere that can enhance a buyer’s emotional connection to the space.
If your space and budget allow, having both a walk-in shower and a tub is the best-case scenario. It adds flexibility and appeal to a wider pool of potential buyers.
Cost and ROI Breakdown of Tub to Shower Conversion
Cost is another major consideration. A typical tub to shower conversion can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 depending on layout, material choices, and whether plumbing needs to be relocated. Add premium finishes or custom tile work, and the price increases quickly.
Replacing an old tub with a new one is usually more affordable, averaging between $2,000 to $5,000. But in terms of perceived value, a beautifully designed walk-in shower often impresses buyers more than a basic bathtub replacement.
From a resale perspective, the best return on investment comes from renovations that improve usability and style without sacrificing essential features. If you already have another tub in the house, replacing it with a walk-in shower can deliver strong returns while making your daily life more convenient.
Walk-In Showers and Accessibility: A Selling Point for All Ages
Accessibility has become a major design consideration for homeowners and buyers alike. A tub to shower conversion can be a smart long-term investment for those planning to age in place or for attracting buyers who are thinking ahead.
Walk-in showers eliminate the high step required to get into a tub. This reduces the risk of slipping and makes daily routines safer. Features like grab bars, built-in benches, non-slip flooring, and handheld showerheads make a big difference in both function and value.
Modern buyers are increasingly drawn to homes that prioritize comfort and accessibility without compromising design. A well-designed walk-in shower does both.
How Lifestyle Influences the Tub to Shower Conversion Decision
You should also consider how you actually use the bathroom. If no one in your household takes baths, then keeping the tub might just mean you’re cleaning something that never gets used. If your bathtub is outdated or uncomfortable, it might make more sense to convert it to a walk-in shower that suits your lifestyle.
On the other hand, if you love soaking in a hot bath after a long day, then that experience matters too. Renovating should always strike a balance between resale value and personal enjoyment. A functional and beautiful bathroom should make your daily life better first.
Design Ideas to Elevate Your Walk-In Shower Renovation
Walk-in showers open the door to creativity. You can design something sleek, modern, or even rustic depending on your taste. Custom tile work, recessed lighting, floating vanities, and seamless glass can transform your bathroom into a showpiece.
Some homeowners opt for bold accent tiles while others go for a clean, minimalist look. There’s room for benches, dual showerheads, rain showers, and shelving to keep things clutter-free.
These touches not only make your space more enjoyable but also give future buyers a reason to choose your home over others.
Smart Layouts with Shower and Tub Combos
If you have the space, keeping both a shower and a tub in your bathroom is ideal. In master bathrooms, this combination provides the ultimate flexibility and luxury. In smaller homes, a tub and shower combo can work well too if designed thoughtfully.
Glass panels, tiled walls, and upgraded fixtures can make even a combo setup look modern and high-end. With smart bathroom planning, you don’t have to sacrifice style or functionality.
What to Ask Yourself Before Deciding
Before making a decision on a tub to shower conversion, ask yourself these key questions:
- Do I currently use the tub, or is it just taking up space
- Is this the only bathroom with a tub in my home
- Who are the likely future buyers of this property
- Does a walk-in shower fit my needs for accessibility or style
- Will this change improve the layout or make the space feel bigger
- How much do I want to invest in this bathroom renovation
Thinking through these questions will help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your renovation delivers real value, both for your lifestyle and for resale down the road.
Making the Smart Renovation Choice for Resale
Whether you choose a walk-in shower or stick with a traditional bathtub depends on your goals, your home layout, and your target buyer. If you’re planning to stay in your home long-term and want a bathroom that works better for your needs, a tub to shower conversion is often a smart, stylish, and functional upgrade.
But if your home has only one tub and you’re in a family-focused neighborhood, keeping it could protect your resale value. The best approach for many homeowners is a balanced one: create one bathroom that’s accessible and modern with a walk-in shower, and maintain at least one with a bathtub.
At Kitchen and Bath Reno, we work closely with homeowners to design bathrooms that are both beautiful and practical. If you’re ready to update your bathroom and need help deciding the best layout for your home’s value and your daily life, our team is here to guide you through every step.