Ask Joshua: Does Removing a Bathtub Affect a Home’s Resale Value?

Hi Joshua,

What would you recommend to homeowners who want to renovate their bathrooms but rarely or never take baths?

I love the idea of creating a wet-room-style bathroom inspired by Japanese design. It would give me a larger shower and make the room easier to maintain. However, I’m concerned that removing the bathtub could affect the value of my home when I eventually sell it.

How should I balance what I want now with the home’s future resale potential?

Thank you,

Mei - Seattle, Washington

A Japandi-style bathroom with a freestanding tub, natural-oak vertical paneling, and an adjacent curbless shower, styled by virtual interior designer Joshua Jones of JJones Design Co. This image is an AI-generated rendering.

Hi Mei,

Thank you for writing in with such a thoughtful question. Many homeowners prefer a spacious shower to a bathtub they rarely use, and wet rooms have become increasingly appealing for their open appearance, efficient use of space, and potential accessibility benefits.

Removing a bathtub does not automatically reduce the monetary value of every home. However, eliminating all bathtubs may make the property less appealing to certain buyers. The effect depends on the type of home, the number of bathrooms, the likely buyer, the local real-estate market, and how well the renovated bathroom is designed.

The first question is whether another bathtub will remain elsewhere in the home. If your house has multiple bathrooms and at least one retains a tub, converting another bathroom into a generous walk-in shower or wet room is usually a more flexible decision. Future buyers who want a bathtub will still have one available, while the upgraded bathroom can offer a more luxurious shower experience.

If this is the only bathroom or the only bathtub in the home, the decision requires more consideration. Families with babies or young children often prefer a tub, and some buyers use one for bathing pets, soaking, or other household needs. Removing the home’s only tub will not necessarily prevent a sale, but it could reduce the number of buyers who consider the property suitable for them.

The character of the home also matters. A compact urban condominium marketed primarily to individuals or couples may benefit from replacing an unused tub with a larger shower. In a multi-bedroom house likely to attract families, retaining at least one bathtub may preserve broader appeal. Higher-end homes with several bathrooms may also be expected to offer both a luxurious shower and a separate soaking tub.

Consider how long you expect to remain in the home. If you anticipate selling within the next few years, speak with a knowledgeable local real-estate agent before making the change. An agent familiar with comparable Seattle properties can explain what buyers in your neighborhood and price range currently expect.

If you plan to remain in the home for many years, your comfort and daily routine deserve greater weight. It may not make sense to live with a fixture you never use solely because a hypothetical future buyer might want it. A thoughtfully designed bathroom that functions well for you can provide value every day, even if it does not appeal to every eventual buyer.

A wet room can be a beautiful solution, but it requires more than removing the bathtub and extending the shower tile. The entire wet area must be properly waterproofed, and the floor needs to slope toward an appropriately positioned drain. Ventilation is also essential because more surfaces will be exposed to moisture.

Material selection will affect both safety and maintenance. Choose slip-resistant flooring appropriate for wet environments, limit unnecessary grout lines when possible, and use durable finishes that tolerate frequent water exposure. A handheld showerhead can simplify cleaning and make the shower more flexible for different users.

A curbless entrance can create a visually open appearance while making the shower easier to access for people with changing mobility needs. A built-in or fold-down bench, strategically placed grab-bar blocking, and an adjustable handheld shower can make the bathroom more comfortable without giving it an institutional appearance.

You should also think carefully about whether a fully open wet room is right for Seattle’s cooler climate. Without sufficient heat or a thoughtfully placed glass panel, the shower may feel drafty. Heated flooring, adequate room heating, and partial glass can preserve the open feeling while improving warmth and containing water.

If you want the experience of a wet room without removing the bathtub entirely, another option is to include both the tub and shower within one waterproofed enclosure. This arrangement can create the open, spa-like appearance you enjoy while retaining a bathtub for future flexibility. It does, however, require enough space to prevent the room from feeling crowded.

There is no renovation decision that will appeal to every buyer. My recommendation is to retain at least one bathtub somewhere in a family-sized home when reasonably possible. If another tub remains—or if the home and local market strongly favor generous showers—you can feel more confident creating the wet room you will actually enjoy.

If you need help planning a bathroom that balances aesthetics, maintenance, accessibility, and resale considerations, my virtual interior design service can help. I can create a personalized design plan based on your bathroom’s dimensions, architectural conditions, and the way you use the space.

I hope this helps you approach the renovation with greater confidence and create a bathroom that supports both your current lifestyle and future plans.

Warmly,

Joshua

Have interior design related questions? You can ask Joshua here.