Should I Keep the Tub in a Bathroom Remodel?

Deciding whether to keep or remove a tub during a bathroom remodel is a significant decision that can impact the functionality, aesthetic and value of your home. When contemplating this decision, it is important to evaluate how often the bathtub is used, who uses it, and what purpose it serves. Some families find the bathtub essential for bathing children or relaxing at the end of a busy day. Others prefer a spacious shower that better suits their daily routines.

At its core, we understand that the decision is a personal one chosen by the practical and emotional uses of your bathroom. In this post, we’ll look at some of the questions to ask, review the pros and cons of keeping or removing the tub, and offer some bathroom ideas when remodeling your bathroom.

Key Questions to Ask Yourself Before Considering Getting Rid of Your Tub

How do you use your tub?

Before deciding to remove your bathtub altogether, we always suggest taking a look at both if and how you use your tub, and your household needs. If you rarely use it, removing the tub might make sense. However, if a bathtub is part of your daily relaxation routine, or you need it for therapeutic reasons, then keeping it would make more sense. If you have young children or pets in the home, a bathtub may also be a safer and more convenient way of bathing them.

How many bathtubs do you currently have, and where are they currently located?

Most homes have a tub in the guest bathroom, and many have one in the primary suite as well. If you have multiple bathtubs, eliminating one may not be an issue. However, if you only have one tub, removing it could impact your home’s functionality and appeal to future buyers.

Who primarily uses the bathtub?

If you regularly enjoy relaxing in your tub or it is used for an older family member or someone with special needs who finds that bathing in a tub is easier than a shower, then rethink its removal.

What is your main reason for wanting to remove your tub?

If you envision a large, walk-in shower and need the space, want to make the bathroom more accessible, or seek to to update the bathroom’s look to a more modern or aesthetic style, these may be reasons to remove your tub in your bathroom remodel.

“You have numerous options when it comes to a bathroom remodel, and we’ll help you choose the features and design elements that work for you,” said Tim Sweeney, Sweeney Design Remodel’s President and Project Developer. “You can choose to remove the tub to create a luxurious spa-like shower. Or, if you want to keep your tub, we can incorporate it into a more modern and functional design too. Our approach is always personalized to your unique preferences.”

The “Pros” of Getting Rid of Your Tub

Increased Space

Bathtubs take up a lot of room, so removing your tub can significantly increase your floor space, making your bathroom feel larger and less cramped. You can use this additional space for extra storage, a larger shower or simply to provide a more open environment.

A Modern Aesthetic

“We’re seeing requests for contemporary bathroom designs that favor a sleek, minimalist look that is easier to achieve without a bulky bathtub,” explains Linda Sweeney, Sweeney Design Build’s Vice President and Design Consultant. “By removing the tub, you can install stylish, streamlined fixtures and finishes, giving your bathroom a fresh, updated appearance.”

Improved Accessibility

The ability to access the features of a bathroom is especially important for those with mobility issues. Showers, particularly walk-in or barrier-free designs, are generally easier and safer to access than tubs, making the bathroom more user-friendly for senior family members or anyone with a physical limitation.

Enhanced Functionality

Showers can be more versatile and quicker to use than bathtubs and may be equipped with various features such as multiple showerheads, seating and grab bars, making them more functional for different needs and preferences.

Water Savings Potential

Showers typically use less water than filling a bathtub, especially a large soaking tub. Removing the tub can lead to lower water bills and a reduced environmental footprint. Consider adding a water-efficient shower system instead.

The “Cons” of Getting Rid of a Tub

Practical Reasons

“Let’s face it, we have cold winters here in Madison, Wisconsin, and a warm bath in a big, luxurious tub can be particularly appealing,” Linda says. “A bathtub can offer a soothing way to warm up and relieve muscle tension after exposure to our cold weather.”

Impact on Resale Value

One of the major drawbacks of removing a bathtub is the potential negative impact on your home’s resale value. Many homebuyers want at least one bathtub, especially if they have young children. “However, we recognize that there is only a small window of time that children need to use a bathtub. Infants are typically bathed in small stand-alone tubs, and by the time your child is six or so, they can use a shower,” Linda added.

Reduced Appeal for Certain Buyers

Some buyers seek out homes with bathtubs, or certain styles of bathtubs. Without a tub, your home may be less appealing, making your home harder to sell quickly.

Loss of Versatility

Bathtubs offer versatile functions a shower cannot easily replicate, such as soaking, bathing children, or washing pets. Removing the tub can make these tasks less convenient and more difficult.

Tub Removal Can Be Costly

“Taking out a bathtub isn’t as easy as it sounds,” Tim said. “It involves not only the physical removal of the tub itself, it also generally requires reconfiguration of the plumbing and tiling to make the space usable and more aesthetically pleasing. These costs can add up quickly, making your remodel more expensive than you would like. Additionally, any complications could also increase the cost.”

Emotional and Lifestyle Considerations

Do you absolutely love taking a long, soaking bath? If you or any of your family members have a strong attachment to baths, the tub’s removal could negatively impact your enjoyment of your home.

Loss of a Focal Point

Whether you have a classic clawfoot tub or a modern freestanding design, a bathtub can contribute to your bathroom’s visual appeal and create a spa-like atmosphere many homeowners desire. It can also add elegance and a sense of luxury to the space.

“A Houzz 2023 bathroom trend report states than more than 25% of homeowners are removing the tub during a bathroom renovation. But ultimately, the decision to remove or keep a tub in your bathroom remodel should reflect your personal needs and preferences, but you don’t have to make the decision on your own,” Linda says. “Consulting with a professional design-build remodeler like us can provide valuable insights and help you weigh the pros and cons. We’ll help guide you to the right decision that can cater to your comfort and daily routines. Whether you choose to keep your tub or opt for a modern, spacious shower, you can achieve a remodel that brings both satisfaction and long-term value to your home.”

Expert Bathroom Remodeling by Sweeney Design Remodel

Here at Sweeney Design Remodel, we hear both sides of the “whether to get rid of the tub” question. We’ll help you go through the decision-making process by offering our expert advice in a personal consultation. Let’s bounce around the pros and cons for your family, and look and your specific needs and preferences, taking into account factors like how often you use a tub, the presence of young or elderly family members, your home’s overall layout, the local real estate market, and, of course, your vision for your new bathroom.

We specialize in bathroom remodels, with expertise in blending practical design solutions with high-quality craftsmanship to transform your bathroom into a stylish and functional area. With our deep understanding of the current design trends and serving the local market since 1954, you can rely on us as your partner in designing and remodeling your new bathrooms.

Contact Sweeney Design Remodel

When you’re ready for a change in your bathroom, contact Sweeney Design Remodel at 608-257-3034. We’re glad to offer a free consultation so you can explore the many options available to you.

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