Should I Remove my Only Bathtub?

 

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!

Living Room Realty’s “State Of The Nation”

Attended our company’s “State Of The Nation” (annual year in review & look ahead) address this past Tuesday morning, and I won’t lie, I left this zoom feeling pretty d@mn proud of our group of humans!
Press the PLAY icon for a glimpse of the fun.

 

Also, champagne ;^]

Grant Park Investment Property

Recent transplants from Brooklyn, Sha and Matt are loving their new neighborhood of Grant Park. So much so that 6 months in they started looking for another property. With their eyes on several neighborhoods through out Portland, they landed on this solid Cape Cod just across from Grant High School. Conveniently in’t also a few blocks from their house.

With 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and an unfinished basement, there is plenty of room here. The hardwood floors were recently finished, along with interior paint. It has bonus improvements like newer, fully owned solar panels on the roof of the garage, and seismic earthquakes straps. As an investment property, it is solid enough to be rented out as is right around $3,000/month, but also has room to make improvement over the years…cut to the kitchen and bath. 🙂  And at a pricepoint under $700k, there will be some upside if they make smart improvements over the years.

$690,000 4 bd | 2 / 0 ba | 2604 sqft
2404 NE 36TH AVE Portland, OR 97212
Grant Park