Walk in tubs

bonnielu · ‎03-11-2010

Thinking of replacing a bathtub in my hall bathroom with a walk in tub. However friends are saying it will impact the sale of my house someday because it is not something lots of people want. They would rather have a bathtub. Any advice, comments, ideas, etc?

Desert Lily · ‎06-24-2011

If a tub is replaced with a walk-in tub, it's still a tub - just another way to enter it.

I bought my home last year. The plans showed a tub in the owner's suite, but I told the builder I didn't want a tub there. I had a large shower with a built-in tile bench (no tub) instead and kept the tub in another bathroom.

People with small children want a tub, and some people like to bathe in a tub. If you have more than 1 bathroom, you could keep 1 tub and replace the other one.

bonnielu · ‎03-11-2010

I have two and a half baths. Master bathroom has huge tub. Hall bathroom is split. I walk in to a room with a sink and cabinets and mirrors, next to it is a room with another sink and a tub as wll as the toilet. Door dividing them for privacy I guess. Downstairs main level a simple room with sink and toilet.

The master bath was redone. Took out an itty bitty bedroom to make it larger over 10 years ago. The tub is spa size. And I really don't like since I have fear of swimming pools. LOL

On It · ‎03-15-2021

You could explore replacing the bathtub with a walk-in shower instead. Have it designed with a bench or buy a separate shower stool or chair. I follow real estate for a hobby. I believe your friends are correct about the walk-in tubs. They are not what most buyers would desire. I think they do impact resale value negatively.

Do you have an en-suite bathroom in your master? Buyers are very accepting of a walk-in shower instead of a tub in the master bath. They want the guest bath to have a tub to bathe small children. Removing the bathtub in your only other bath would likely impact resale.

Your home needs to function for your safety. Maybe resale isn't your top priority. If the expense is not a concern, the walk-in tub could be installed for your use and then replaced with a traditional tub before putting the house on the market.

Etoile308 · ‎01-04-2014

I'm of the belief that if you want something, or need something and can afford it, then do what will make you happy here and now, especially if it would give you peace of mind while bathing.

If and when the time comes to sell your home there are a few things to consider. Like mentioned, do you have a second full bathroom with tub? Is your home a ranch style and may appeal to older individuals or is it a larger home appealing to families?

My take, what's the worst that can happen? If the time comes and want to sell your house then put it on the market. If after a few months there are no takers you can always think about making a conversion back to a regular tub.

drizzellla · ‎03-14-2010

I do not have a walk in tub. Really don't think I will ever want one.

My brother-in-law just had a house built in a 55 and over development. And the bathroom off the master bedroom has a shower with a fold down seat. The other bathroom has a regular tub.

What sticks in my mind. I was watching a TV show. I think it was Hoarders. The family had a walk in tub. But it was filled with "stuff". The homeowner was asked why they didn't use the tub. The homeowner replied that the tub leaked.

It never occurred to me about the walk in tub leaking until that moment. And it made me think that I wonder if that happens often.

I have not taken a bath for many years. And personally I would prefer having a seat in the shower, if needed, rather than a walk in tub.

catter70 · ‎10-11-2017

I always wondered how long you had to wait in it after you're done bathing waiting for it to drain before you could open the door. I always shower, so would much rather have a walk in shower, but to each their own.

eadu4 · ‎06-14-2011

@bonnielu If you have another bathroom with a tub, I'd make one a walk in shower with a seat and an handle on the wall. As someone mentioned before I heard the walk-in tubs tend to leak and I have heard some buyer regret after getting them. Please remember with a walk in tub you have to wait until ALL the water drains out before you can open the door to get out, the walls are too hight to just step out if you wanted to try that. The biggest regret besides the leaking was this fact that you stand there dripping or wrapped in your towel until the water low enough to open the door.

Ainhisg · ‎03-09-2010

I belong to several home style groups on Facebook, and walk-in tubs are a huge no...for any age. Those who have them overwhelmingly don't like them. Reason? They take forever to fill, and then before you can open the door to get out, all the water has to be drained, so you are sitting there wet and chilled waiting for this to happen.