Tub or shower?

Imadickens · ‎06-15-2016

I have a 1960's ranch that, although it's not what I thought I'd like, I love! The very first night I felt I was finally home. I have moved a great deal in my live and always loved the challenge. Now, we are just a few years away from burning our mortgage. We bought when the market was inflated and had to put in $20,000 before we moved in! Then, we did other structural work, and now have probably $500,000 in a house now worth $220,000. I knew much of it was just for us, not expecting it to be an investment, but...

Both of us are having knee problems and I have a major foot disability, among other health issues. We are empty nesters now. The house has three medium sized bedrooms, and one full bath, in main hall, and a half bath off master bedroom. I have tried to find room for a shower in the MB bath, but it doesn't seem feasible without completely remodeling the whole half of the house! So, we are remodeling the main bath. We want to take out the tub and add a walk-in shower (nicely done) . My big concern is resale value. Would you purchase a three bedroom home without a tub? The home is in an upscaled area, mostly baby boomers right now. It's due to turn over in the next ten to twenty years. I worry a young family wouldn't want to buy a house without a tub. I don't plan on selling, but things happen...

Never underestimate the power of kindness.

mac116 · ‎03-26-2010

I would not purchase a house without a tub. I just like to relax in a hot bath every once in awhile. Young families would probably want one in their house. My grandkids did not start taking showers until they were school age.

Mz iMac · ‎07-26-2014

"Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."

Pecky · ‎03-10-2010

I definately would not purchase a house without a tub. I love taking my relaxing baths. Showers are sometime to harsh for me.

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

This is a typical family home and to be honest - people with small children need a tub to bathe them so if you are thinking to sell anytime soon yo need a tub.

Gram W · ‎01-22-2013

I'm not much help. I am 71 and I have a tub with shower in it. My family loved showers. No time to waste in a tub. They said they did not want to sit in their own dirty water and would just have to take a shower anyway. By the age of six they showered. My thought is young children need a tub for moms sake. Checked with granddaughter and they use tub only for their 2 under 2. Is there a way you can take just enough from another room or redo a closet to make room for your shower in the master?

eddyandme · ‎09-24-2011

I definitely think tubs are a waste and would prefer a shower.

However, if you sell to baby boomers and those with "older" children, shower-only is fine. Selling to "young" family would be a problem 'cause little ones take baths. But, a decent realtor would point out removing a shower and replacing it with a same size tub is really no big deal; thus shouldn't affect resale that much, imo.

I think at this time of your lives you should go for what pleases you and not worry about what might happen in the future.

ALRATIBA · ‎07-15-2016

No, I'd never purchase a home without a tub. I never use a shower - I MUST have a tub.

bonnielu · ‎03-11-2010

Funny you should mention this. We are in our first and only home. Been there 45 years. What can I say, nice country setting, great neighbors, and easy path to city enviromnents if we chose. So rather than move out, we remodeled over the past ten years. We took out one bedroom, we had five and made a large master bath out of it. While we have a huge master bedroom we had a tiny master bath. So we looked at our choices carefully and put in a large walk in closet, a separate toilet area, a large modern shower AND A WHIRLPOOL JETTED TUB. And I hate tubs, rather have a shower. BUT ON A RESALE THE FAMILY BUYING THIS HOUSE WILL WANT A TUB. The family joke is that I have never used THIS TUB. I am not interested in climbing in and out; I am not interested in soaking. I love my oversized shower. BUT REPEATING THE NEXT PERSON BUYING YOUR HOUSE, MY HOUSE WILL WANT A TUB AND IT MIGHT BE THE ONE THING THAT TURNS THEM AWAY IF IT IS NOT THERE.