Walk-in Shower vs Bathtub for Resale Value: What Modern Homebuyers Really Want

Wondering whether to keep your bathtub or go with a walk-in shower? Do you need a bathtub for resale value? The walk-in shower vs bathtub for resale value debate is one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners, and here's what the data shows about resale value and what today's modern homebuyers really want. You're standing in your bathroom, staring at that old standard bathtub, and the big question hits you: should I keep it for resale value, or would a gorgeous walk-in shower actually be better for my home's worth? It's a debate we hear constantly at HomeWorks CGO Inc. And honestly? The answer might surprise you, especially if you're thinking about what today's buyers in Macomb County actually want.

The Changing Landscape of Bathroom Preferences

Here's what we've been seeing firsthand: younger buyers and first-time homebuyers are increasingly wanting to ditch the tub altogether. In fact, this generation is not even considering the walk-in shower vs tub resale calculation. We've had countless clients in Sterling Heights, Troy, and Rochester Hills tell us the same thing – "These tubs are just too small to actually take a bath in, so we might as well have a large shower instead." And they're not wrong. Outside of real estate agents, almost no one considers these tubs an asset. And the days of these maximizing resale is gone. Generation Z doesn't care about bathtubs – they want easy, convenient, and beautiful, which traditional tubs often aren't. This shift in preferences is reshaping what adds value to homes across Macomb Township, Clinton Township, and beyond.

What the Data Says About Walk-in Shower vs Bathtub Resale Value

The Surprising Truth About Shower Resale Value

Contrary to what many homeowners believe, recent studies show some interesting trends concerning the value of bathtub resale. According to recent findings, homes with showers as the primary bathing option sold for an average of 10% more than those with tubs. Even more compelling, walk-in showers can offer a potential return of $1.71 for every dollar spent.

The Traditional Bathtub Perspective

Now, before you start planning your tub removal, let's look at the other side of the shower vs. bathtubs debate. Generally, a bathtub is seen as more valuable in terms of sale value, particularly because bathtubs are seen as more difficult and expensive to install compared to showers. Recent data shows that homes with at least one bathtub tend to sell more quickly than those without a tub, with this difference being quite noticeable in certain parts of the nation.

Breaking Down the Real Numbers

Cost Considerations for Macomb County Homeowners

When we're talking dollars and cents in the Macomb County market, here's what you need to know: Walk-in Shower Installation:

• Average cost: $14,000 - $22,000 for a quality installation
• Potential return: $1.71 for every dollar invested
• Timeline: 2-4 weeks for most projects depending on the complexity

Bathtub Installation:

• Average alcove bathtub/shower combo costs can run between $9,000 and $18,000, depending on selection and additions
• Installation complexity varies significantly
• Timeline: 2-4 weeks for most projects depending on the complexity

What We're Seeing in Local Markets

In our experience serving communities from New Baltimore to Algonac, from Chesterfield to Washington Township, the preferences are clear:

• Younger buyers (25-40): Overwhelmingly prefer large, luxurious showers
• Families with small children: Are increasingly leaning towards showers over tubs, electing to put the baby in a small supportive plastic tub in the shower
• Empty nesters: Often choosing accessibility-focused walk-in showers
• Luxury home buyers: Want both – a soaking tub AND a separate walk-in shower

The Generational Divide in Bathroom Preferences

What Millennials and Gen Z Actually Want

Gen Z made up 4% of buyers in 2024, with numbers expected to rise as more enter the workforce, and their preferences are reshaping the market. Here's what we're hearing from our younger clients in Shelby Township and Harrison Township:

• "I never use the tub anyway – I just want a spa-like shower experience."
• "The tub takes up so much space, and I'd rather have storage or a bigger shower."
• "I want something that's easy to clean and maintain."

The Family Factor

However, it's important to note that this doesn't mean you should necessarily remove your bathtub if you're planning on selling your home. But it may make your home more attractive to first-time home buyers with children on the horizon, particularly in markets like St. Clair Shores, Fair Haven, and Clinton Township where young family homes are common.

Making the Right Choice for Your Home

When Walk-in Showers Make Sense

Consider a walk-in shower if:

• Your home targets young professionals or empty nesters
• You're in a condo or townhome market
• Space is at a premium
• Accessibility is a concern
• You're creating a luxury spa-like experience

When to Keep (or Add) a Bathtub

Stick with a tub if:

• Your home has multiple bathrooms (keep one tub, upgrade the other)
• You're in a luxury market where both options are expected

The HomeWorks CGO Inc. Recommendation

Based on our experience renovating bathrooms throughout Macomb County, here's our honest take: For most homeowners, the sweet spot is having one of each. If you have a master bathroom and a hall bathroom, consider putting a luxurious walk-in shower in the master and keeping a tub/shower combo in the hall bath. If you can only choose one, look at your specific neighborhood and target buyer. In areas like Rochester Hills and Troy, where we see more young professionals, the walk-in shower often wins. In family-heavy neighborhoods throughout Clay Township or Algonac, that bathtub might be worth keeping.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shower vs Tub Resale Value

Will removing my only bathtub hurt my home's value? Realtors have said for years to keep the tub. But we see more and more tub removals done by young first-time home buyers, suggesting that the next generation of home buyers have a different perspective on the bathtub. What about accessibility concerns? Walk-in showers or curbless showers are generally more accessible than traditional tubs, which is increasingly important as buyers think long-term about aging in place. Keep in mind there are free-standing and walk-in bathtubs that can add to accessibility in bathing, if you have the room. How long does each renovation take? Most shower installations take 2-4 weeks, while bathtub installations can vary from a few days to several weeks depending on complexity and any required plumbing changes.

The Bottom Line for Macomb County Homeowners

The shower vs. bathtub debate isn't just about dollar value anymore – it's about understanding your market and your buyers. With data showing homes with showers selling for 10% more on average, and our firsthand experience with younger buyers consistently preferring larger showers, the tide is definitely turning. At HomeWorks CGO Inc., we've seen this trend accelerate significantly over the past four years. The "tiny tub that no one uses" is becoming a thing of the past, replaced by spacious, well-designed walk-in showers that feel like personal spas. Our advice? Look at your specific situation, your neighborhood, and your timeline. If you're selling within the next few years and targeting younger buyers, that walk-in shower might be your best investment. If you're planning to stay long-term or you're in a family-heavy area, keeping the tub might make more sense.

Sources

1. National Association of Realtors (NAR) - Home buyer preference studies and generational buying trends
2. Remodeling Magazine - Bathroom renovation cost vs. value reports
3. National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) - Housing market trends and buyer demographics
4. Houzz - Annual bathroom renovation and design preference surveys
5. U.S. Census Bureau - Generational homebuying statistics and demographics
6. HomeWorks CGO Inc. - Local market data and client feedback from Macomb County renovations