What You Need To Know Before Replacing A Bathtub With A Shower

Does a bathroom add value to a home? That’s one question that all homeowners would like to know. The answer isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. Older, outdated bathrooms or bathrooms in disrepair can take away from a home’s value because prospective buyers will see a big, expensive project in their futures — even if needed updates are fairly minimal. If you’re thinking about selling your home or simply increasing its value to build equity, then a bathroom remodel can do a lot to add value to the home.

There are lots of options when it comes to upgrades — new paint, better fixtures, etc. However, one of the best upgrades you can make is replacing the tub with a shower. Here’s what you’ll need to know before you get started.

Shower vs. Bathtub Resale Value

Showers can really add to the resale value of your home compared to tubs. The reason for this is that these days, people are busy. Most just don’t have time for a bath, so showers are the preferred bathroom fixture because they’re quick and efficient.

The one area this may not work quite as well is if your home is targeted toward families with children. If that’s the case, you’ll want to keep a tub in at least one bathroom to make it more attractive for busy parents who need to bathe their children. In a master bath, though, showers are the preferred — and more valuable — option.

Considerations When Replacing a Tub With a Shower

Cost will be a key factor in choosing whether or not to replace your tub with a shower. If you already have a tub and you just want to freshen the bathroom with new fixtures, then replacing the tub with a newer one will cost you less — on average, between $500 and $1,000.

A tiled walk-in shower can cost as much as $6,000, and that’s if you need to convert the size of the tub opening or move plumbing around to make a new shower fit. Of course, if more minimal rearranging is required, this project will be less expensive.

Energy efficiency is another consideration. Bathtubs use a lot of water, and heating all of that water can raise your energy bills. Modern water-saving showerheads, however, use only about 20 gallons of water to a shower compared to the 30 gallons you’ll use in a tub.

Finally, there are space considerations. This is where showers really shine. In cramped bathrooms, even if the installation cost is higher, a shower will do a lot to open the bathroom and make it feel less crowded. The result will be brighter, more spacious and more relaxing. Looks alone can dramatically impact the value of your home.

Whichever route you decide to go, be sure to shop at Modern Bathroom for whatever you need to update the baths in your home. You’ll find a wide selection of tubs, showers, showerheads and more!

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