Bathtub vs Shower: Which One Boosts Home Resale Value

If you're renovating a bathroom or buying a home in Middle Tennessee, one question comes up more than almost any other: should this bathroom have a bathtub or a shower? It sounds simple, but the answer has real consequences for your home's resale value, your daily routine, and your plumbing setup.

The truth is, buyers and real estate agents do have opinions on this, and those opinions can shift depending on your home's layout, size, and price point. Let's break it all down so you can make a smarter decision before anything gets torn out or installed.

What Buyers Actually Want

Real estate data consistently shows that having at least one bathtub in a home is important to a large portion of buyers. Families with young children tend to prioritize tubs. First-time homebuyers often expect them. And in certain price ranges, the absence of a tub can actually be a dealbreaker.

That said, buyers in other segments - particularly younger adults, empty nesters, and luxury buyers - often prefer walk-in showers with modern fixtures. The shift toward open, spa-like bathrooms has made large walk-in showers increasingly desirable in certain home types.

So who wins? It depends on the bathroom, the home, and the market - but neither option is universally "wrong."

The Resale Value Reality: Bathtub vs Shower

Here's where things get practical. Real estate professionals will often tell you that removing the only bathtub in a home can lower its resale value. Studies have shown that homes with no bathtubs at all may sell for less or sit on the market longer than comparable homes with at least one tub.

Why the Last Remaining Tub Matters

The key word is "last." Most experts agree that converting a secondary bathroom from a tub to a shower is relatively safe from a resale standpoint. But eliminating the only bathtub in the entire home is where sellers often regret their decision.

This is especially true in Middle Tennessee, where communities like Smyrna attract a mix of young families, growing households, and long-term homeowners. A home without any bathtub may simply appeal to fewer buyers.

When a Walk-In Shower Adds More Value

In the right context, a well-designed walk-in shower can absolutely increase a home's appeal. Think about a large primary bathroom in a higher-end home. A spacious, tile-lined shower with quality fixtures can be a major selling point.

The shower wins in these scenarios:

• The home already has at least one bathtub elsewhere

• The bathroom is large enough to make a walk-in shower feel generous, not cramped

• The fixtures and tile work are updated and well-installed

• The home targets buyers who are downsizing or living without children

If all of those conditions apply, a shower may be the better investment over a dated, rarely used tub.

Room Size and Layout: A Plumbing Reality Check

Before you decide based purely on buyer preferences, you need to consider what your bathroom can actually support. This is where a licensed plumber becomes part of the conversation, not just a contractor.

Converting a tub to a shower, or the reverse, is not a simple swap. It involves rerouting drain lines, adjusting water supply connections, and potentially modifying the subfloor or wall framing. The plumbing rough-in for a walk-in shower is different from that of a standard alcove tub, and getting it wrong leads to leaks, water damage, or code violations.

What Changes Beneath the Surface

When a bathtub is removed and a shower pan or tile base is installed, the drain location often needs to move. Shower drains and tub drains are positioned differently, and the pitch of the drain line has to be precise for proper drainage.

Water supply lines may also need to be repositioned. A shower valve is typically installed at a different height than a tub faucet, and adding a shower head requires vertical supply routing that may not currently exist in your wall.

These are not weekend DIY projects. They require permits in many Tennessee jurisdictions and should be handled by a licensed plumber to protect both your investment and your home's safety.

Bathtub Options That Hold Their Value

If you're keeping or adding a tub, the style you choose matters. Not all bathtubs are equal when it comes to buyer appeal or long-term durability.

Alcove tubs are the most common and cost-effective. They fit into a three-wall enclosure and work well in standard-sized bathrooms. Freestanding soaking tubs add a luxury feel but require more floor space and a different plumbing setup. Drop-in tubs are built into a surrounding deck or platform and work well in larger primary bathrooms.

For most Middle Tennessee homes in the mid-range price bracket, a clean, functional alcove tub with updated tile surround will hold its value well. It doesn't have to be extravagant - it just needs to be in good shape and plumbed correctly.

Shower Upgrades That Buyers Notice

If you're leaning toward a shower, quality matters more than size. A small but well-tiled shower with a properly installed valve and good water pressure will impress buyers more than a large shower with cheap fixtures and grout issues.

Key elements that elevate a shower's value include:

• A pressure-balancing or thermostatic shower valve from a reputable brand

• Properly waterproofed walls and a correctly pitched shower floor

• Durable tile or solid surface walls that resist mold and cracking

• Adequate water pressure, which sometimes requires evaluating your home's overall water system

Shower pressure issues and inconsistent hot water are red flags for buyers. If your home has aging pipes or an undersized water heater, no amount of attractive tile will hide those problems during inspection.

The Primary Bathroom vs Secondary Bathroom Distinction

Here's a practical framework that many real estate professionals use when advising homeowners on this decision.

• Primary bathroom: Try to keep or install a quality bathtub if your home's primary demographic includes families. If it's a luxury home targeting adults without children, a large walk-in shower may be the smarter move.

• Secondary or guest bathroom: Converting a tub to a shower here is generally lower risk and can modernize the space. Many buyers actually prefer a full shower in a guest bath.

• Half baths or powder rooms: These do not have tubs or showers and do not affect this conversation.

The point is to think room by room rather than making a blanket decision for the whole house.

Common Mistakes Homeowners Make

Renovation decisions made without considering resale can be costly. A few patterns come up regularly when homeowners later regret their bathroom choices.

Removing the only tub in a two-bathroom home is probably the most common mistake. Even if you personally prefer showers, future buyers may not share that preference, and you've just narrowed your pool of interested buyers.

Another issue is improper installation. A beautiful new shower that leaks behind the walls, or a bathtub with a dripping faucet, does more harm than good when a buyer's inspector shows up. Plumbing work done without proper permits or by unlicensed contractors can also complicate real estate transactions.

Finally, some homeowners choose fixtures based purely on trend without considering their home's price point or neighborhood. A high-end rain shower system in a starter home may not deliver a return on that investment.

How a Plumber Fits Into This Decision

Most people think of a plumber as someone who shows up when something breaks. But plumbers are also essential partners in bathroom renovation planning - especially when you're making changes that affect supply lines, drain systems, or fixture placement.

Before you commit to removing a tub or installing a new shower, talking to a licensed plumber gives you a realistic picture of what the job involves, what permits may be required, and how much the plumbing portion of the project will actually cost.

In Middle Tennessee, plumbing projects also need to meet local code requirements. Working with a licensed and insured plumber protects you legally and ensures the work holds up over time - not just for your comfort, but for any future buyer's inspector as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does removing a bathtub hurt resale value?

It can, particularly if the tub being removed is the only one in the home. Many buyers - especially families - expect at least one bathtub. Eliminating that option can reduce your home's appeal and, in some cases, its appraised value.

Is it worth converting a tub to a walk-in shower?

It depends on the bathroom's purpose and your home's overall configuration. If at least one bathtub remains in the house, converting a secondary bathroom to a walk-in shower is usually a safe choice. In the right space, it can even add value.

What type of shower increases home value the most?

Walk-in showers with quality tilework, proper waterproofing, and reliable fixtures tend to have the best impact. The workmanship matters as much as the design.

Do I need a plumber to convert a tub to a shower?

Yes. Converting a bathtub to a shower involves relocating drain lines, adjusting supply connections, and often modifying the floor or walls. This work requires a licensed plumber and, in most cases, a permit.

How long does a bathtub or shower installation take?

A straightforward tub or shower installation typically takes one to two days for the plumbing work, depending on the complexity of the drain and supply line adjustments. Full bathroom renovations take longer when tile and finish work are included.

Bathtub vs Shower: Make the Right Resale Decision

Deciding between a bathtub and shower is not just a lifestyle choice - it's a financial one. For most homes in Middle Tennessee, keeping at least one bathtub protects your resale value and broadens buyer appeal. A well-installed walk-in shower in the right bathroom can be just as compelling. 

The real risk is doing either one poorly or without proper plumbing. If you're planning a bathroom upgrade and want it done right, reach out to the team at Twenty Four Hour Plumbing by calling 615-785-3827, or learn more about our plumbing fixture installation services to get started.