Is a Tub Still Necessary?

For a long time, a spa tub has been on the wish lists of many homebuyers and homeowners. However, in recent years, a lot of people have started to lean more toward a larger shower rather than an oversized bathtub or spa. At one time, many homeowners were taught that installing such a feature would add to the resale value of their home should they ever decide to sell. Now, however, many real estate agents and Sales Design Consultants will tell you that as long as you have at least one tub in your home, the switch from a spa tub to a larger shower won’t much affect your home’s resale value.

Younger vs. Older Buyers

This trend seems to hold water with both younger and older buyers. Younger buyers typically don’t want tubs, while older buyers can’t get in and out of them easily and don’t have a use for them either. Add to this the trend of inter-generational living, and shower installations will surely continue to trump tub installations into the near future.

We get the most questions from homeowners with one full bath or 1.5 baths. Most of these clients are mainly interested in aging in place, so they want their home to be comfortable with accessible features so they can stay in them longer. While this is a personal preference that we understand very well, the trend in bathroom remodeling is to remove the existing tub and add a shower, even though this may hurt the home’s future resale value. It should also be noted that, if at some point a homeowner wanted to reinstall a tub, there would be some minor plumbing nuances that would have to be taken into consideration.

Shower Design Options

In the grand scheme of things, it’s less expensive to install a shower than a walk-in bathtub. In addition, the shower can easily be modified with safety handrails or even a bench or chair.  Going from a tub to a shower should also provide plenty of additional room for a nice large shower, extra storage or another sink. The practical and design possibilities are endless. Common shower features include showerheads – both fixed and handheld – with numerous parts, massage panels and jets, multiple showerheads and even steam showers. With all these options to choose from, you may not be sure where to start.

Committed to Our Clients

That’s where the professionals at Callen come in. Our remodeling company will stay with you every step of the way, focusing on your objectives, counseling and guiding you through the entire process, from planning and design to execution. No matter what stage of growth your house is in, you can count on us to understand your goals, get you there quickly and help you stay on budget. Call Callen today at 414-765-2585 or completing our online form.