By Lita Batho, July 1, 2024
With the popularity of walk in showers, people ask me: can I remove the only bathtub in my home? Will it hurt resale value?
It depends! Is this your forever home? (if so, you may have fewer concerns about resale value but may want to consider what your needs will be as you age). Do you live in a one bedroom condo or house? (tubs are less of a priority in homes with one bedroom, since they are less often chosen by families with kids. Plus, a spacious walk in shower can be more practical than a cramped bathtub in a smaller home).
If you are fortunate enough to have multiple bathrooms, the most current trend is a large walk-in shower for daily use in the primary bath, with bathtub in a secondary bathroom. OR, a smaller soaking tub plus a separate shower, if your space allows.
Do you need a bathtub?
One important consideration is whether you need/want a tub. Maybe you never use a bathtub, but will you or guests like one in the future? If you do intend to sell your home at some point, it’s worth considering the versatility a bathtub offers for small children, dogs, or anyone who’d like to have a soak. Maybe you’d simply like to replace your tub with a more appealing model, or find a way to fit a shorter, deeper tub (try searching ‘small soaking bathtub’) beside a walk-in shower.
Sustainability
While generally showers are considered more energy efficient and eco-friendly (as long as your showers are not epic in length and you have a water-saving shower head), there are eco friendly options for bathtubs. A shorter/deeper tub (I’ve linked an article about fitting one into a smaller bathroom) can make your water usage more efficient. As far as materials, newer stone aggregate tubs are more earth-friendly options. At the higher end, designers like Wetstyle in Canada produce beautiful tubs out of this kind of sustainable material. Traditional porcelain enameled cast iron (a technology invented in the late 19th century) is also sustainable: these tubs are possible to restore for a second use, recyclable and long lasting. While lighter, more inexpensive fiberglass and acrylic tubs gained popularity from the 1960s-2000s, these materials can include toxins and not be recyclable.
Should I remodel my bathroom to sell the house?
I wouldn’t typically recommend remodeling a bathroom with the specific goal of increasing home value prior to selling. Remodeling your bathroom for your own enjoyment is one thing, however the time, expense, and inconvenience of a bathroom remodel is considerable, and the most ROI will come when you get to enjoy it yourself. Likewise, there is no guarantee that the sales price of your home would increase enough to justify the project. That said, each situation and home is unique, so this is certainly something we can discuss in the context of your long-term plans for your home.
If you’re looking for a trusted contractor referral, someone to brainstorm with, or to discuss your plan for your home, I’m here for you! It can’t hurt to get a few perspectives before embarking on a remodeling project!
Lita Batho
Broker | OR & WA
She/Her
Lita has a genuine enthusiasm for navigating home purchases and sales with the intention of outperforming the market and making the process stress free and transparent for her clients.
"I began real estate as an independent agent, however during the pandemic, decided to accelerate my experience and build skills more quickly by serving as a listing specialist for a highly productive, all-female team. Even though there were only 5 of us we were one of the busiest teams in the city, and over 2.5 years, I helped over 60 sellers successfully navigate the sale of various property types throughout the Portland Metro area. From condos and fixers to bungalows and homes with million-dollar views, I thoroughly enjoyed connecting with a diverse range of clients, including seniors downsizing, young families seeking more space, and single women embarking on their next step.
While this experience was rewarding, having accelerated my experience, deepened my knowledge, and honed my skills, it felt natural to return to solo agency in 2024. I'd missed the autonomy and agility that come with being a solo business owner, considering that I've been a business owner for the majority of my working life, and I was eager to leverage these qualities to further benefit my clients.
I firmly believe that whether you're buying or selling a home, you deserve genuine and excellent representation. My consistent client feedback highlights my strengths in setting proper expectations, negotiating, timely communication, and efficiency -- all while being kind, direct, and a dedicated advocate.
My goal extends beyond successful sales and purchases, however; I aim to earn my clients' trust, leading to their recommendations. The highest compliment I can receive is that a past client trusts me with their own friends and family."
Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Lita relocated to the Pacific Northwest in 1995 and has lived in Portland since 2001. She has an small business background, and a zest for negotiation, having grown up in her mother's retail shops and selling Christmas trees for her dad. Lita spent several years as a steel sculptor and public artist in Seattle, as well gaining extensive experience as a yoga teacher. When not working, you’ll find her cultivating an ever-expanding flower garden, doing home improvement projects, making art, or hiking in Forest Park or the gorge.
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- litabatho@livingroomre.com
