Removing a bathtub does not automatically decrease the value of your home. The result depends on several factors, including whether another bathtub is available, what replaces it, how well the new space is designed, and what buyers may expect from a home in your area.
For some homeowners, a bathtub takes up useful space without being used regularly. Replacing it with a larger shower can make the bathroom feel more open and easier to use. However, removing the only bathtub in the home can affect its appeal to certain buyers, particularly families with young children.
Before taking out a tub, consider how the bathroom is used today and whether the change will continue to make sense for your household in the future.
Does Removing the Only Bathtub Affect Home Value?
The number of bathtubs remaining in the home is an important factor when deciding whether to remove one.
If another bathroom already has a tub, replacing an unused bathtub with a shower may have less impact because buyers still have that option. However, removing the only bathtub means the home will no longer offer a tub, which may matter to some potential buyers.
Families with young children may find bathtubs more convenient, while older homeowners or people planning to remain in the home for many years may prefer a shower that is easier to enter and use.
There is no rule that every bathroom needs a bathtub. The right choice depends on the home’s layout, the number of bathrooms, and how the space is used.
Can Replacing a Tub With a Walk-In Shower Add Appeal?
A walk-in shower can be a practical replacement when a bathtub is rarely used or makes the bathroom feel cramped. Removing the tub may provide enough room for a larger shower and additional features that improve comfort and accessibility.
Houzz’s 2025 U.S. Bathroom Trends Study found that 26% of renovating homeowners removed a bathtub. Among those homeowners, 82% enlarged their shower. The study also found that 68% of homeowners considered special needs when planning their bathroom improvements.
For homeowners considering bathroom remodeling San Diego, features such as a low-threshold entry, handheld showerhead, built-in seating, grab bars, and slip-resistant flooring can make the shower more comfortable and practical for long-term use.
The replacement should also be properly planned. A larger shower only adds value to the space if it has adequate room, proper drainage, appropriate waterproofing, and a layout that works with the rest of the bathroom.
When Does Removing a Bathtub Make Sense?
Removing a bathtub can make sense when it is rarely used, takes up too much space, or prevents the bathroom from having a more functional layout.
It may also be a good option when the existing tub is difficult to access or no longer suits the needs of the household. In these situations, replacing it with a well-planned shower can make better use of the available space.
However, tub removal involves more than simply taking out the fixture. Plumbing, drainage, waterproofing, flooring, wall finishes, and nearby fixtures may all need to be addressed.
Planning the work in the right sequence can help avoid unnecessary changes later. Homeowners can review the bathroom remodel order of operations to understand how plumbing, behind-the-wall work, waterproofing, and finishing work fit together during a renovation.
When Is It Better to Keep the Bathtub?
Keeping the bathtub may be a better choice when it is the only tub in the home or when the household uses it regularly.
A bathtub can be particularly useful for families with young children. It may also appeal to buyers who specifically want one, so removing the only tub could limit the preferences your home meets.
If the tub is simply outdated, complete removal may not be necessary. Depending on its condition, you could update the surrounding tile, fixtures, lighting, vanity, or other finishes while keeping the bathtub.
Choosing timeless bathroom design ideas can help you create a refreshed look without depending too heavily on short-lived design trends.
Houzz’s 2025 study found that 34% of homeowners upgraded their bathtub during a bathroom renovation, while 26% removed one. Among homeowners who upgraded their tubs, freestanding flat-bottom tubs were the most common style.
Does a Bathroom Renovation Increase Resale Value?
A bathroom renovation can improve a home’s functionality and appearance, but there is no guaranteed increase in value from removing a bathtub.
The National Association of REALTORS®’ 2025 Remodeling Impact Report estimated a 50% cost recovery for a bathroom renovation at resale. However, this figure applies to bathroom renovation overall and does not show how much value is gained or lost specifically from removing a bathtub.
For this reason, resale value should not be the only reason to remove a tub. Consider whether the change makes the bathroom more useful, comfortable, accessible, and appropriate for the home.
Make the Right Choice for Your Bathroom
Removing a bathtub can be a worthwhile improvement when it creates a more functional space and better reflects how the bathroom is used. A larger shower may be the right fit for one household, while keeping a tub may make more sense when it is the only one in the home.
During a bathroom remodel, consider the entire space rather than focusing only on the tub. Layout, storage, lighting, flooring, fixtures, and finishes all contribute to how well the finished bathroom works. If you are unsure whether removing the tub is the right choice for your space, Forever Builders can help you plan the layout and choose an approach that fits your home’s needs and long-term goals.