The Big Bathroom Question Homeowners Ask
If you’re remodeling your bathroom, there’s one question that almost always comes up:
Should I install a walk-in shower or bathtub?
It’s not just about personal preference. It’s about resale value. It’s about return on investment. And it’s about what future buyers expect.
The debate around walk in shower vs tub resale value has grown stronger in recent years. Modern buyers often prefer sleek, spacious walk-in showers. But families with young children may still want a traditional bathtub.
So how do you decide? And more importantly, what’s the smartest choice for your home in Albuquerque or similar markets?
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down:
- Walk-in shower vs tub resale value
- When you should remove a bathtub
- The best bathroom layout for resale
- ROI considerations for both options
- How to future-proof your bathroom remodel
Let’s dive in.
When comparing walk in shower vs tub resale value, the best choice depends on your home’s layout and local buyer expectations. In most cases, installing a walk-in shower in the primary bathroom adds modern appeal and strong ROI — as long as your home still has at least one bathtub elsewhere. Removing the only tub in the house can reduce resale value, especially for families with young children. The smartest upgrade is one that balances lifestyle needs, neighborhood trends, and long-term market appeal.
Walk In Shower vs Tub Resale Value: What Actually Adds More Value?
When evaluating walk in shower vs tub resale value, the answer isn’t black and white. It depends on:
- Your neighborhood
- The number of bathrooms in your home
- Your target buyer demographic
- The overall layout and size of the bathroom
The Short Answer
If your home has at least one bathtub elsewhere, installing a walk-in shower in the primary bathroom often adds strong resale appeal.
If you remove the only tub in the home, you may limit buyer interest — especially from families.
Why Walk-In Showers Are Trending
Over the past decade, walk-in showers have become one of the most requested bathroom upgrades. Here’s why:
1. Modern Aesthetic Appeal
Frameless glass, large-format tile, and minimal thresholds create a spa-like look. Buyers associate walk-in showers with luxury.
2. Accessibility & Aging in Place
Walk-in showers are safer and easier to access. For older homeowners or retirees, this matters.
3. Efficient Use of Space
In small bathrooms, replacing a bulky tub with a sleek shower can open up the room visually and physically.
4. Higher-End Perception
A beautifully tiled walk-in shower feels custom and high-end — especially when paired with:
- Rain showerheads
- Built-in niches
- Bench seating
- Dual shower systems
For many homes, a walk-in shower improves both usability and perceived value.
When Should I Remove a Bathtub?
One of the most searched questions homeowners ask is: Should I remove bathtub during a remodel?
The answer depends on your specific situation.
It’s Usually Safe to Remove a Tub If:
- You have another bathtub in the house
- The home is in a retirement or luxury neighborhood
- The bathroom is small and feels cramped
- The current tub is outdated or rarely used
Think Twice About Removing a Tub If:
- It’s the only bathtub in the home
- You’re in a family-focused neighborhood
- Comparable homes nearby all have tubs
- You’re planning to sell soon to family buyers
Real estate agents often recommend keeping at least one tub in a home to maintain broad buyer appeal.
Best Bathroom Layout for Resale Value
When discussing best bathroom layout for resale, layout matters just as much as fixtures.
Here are key layout considerations:
1. Keep the Bathroom Feeling Open
Avoid overcrowding the space. If the room is tight, a walk-in shower with clear glass can visually expand it.
2. Improve Flow
Make sure doors don’t swing into vanities or block toilets. Good traffic flow feels luxurious.
3. Maximize Storage
Floating vanities, recessed shelves, and linen cabinets improve functionality.
4. Separate Wet and Dry Areas
In larger bathrooms, separate the shower/tub area from the vanity space for a high-end feel.
In Albuquerque homes, modern layouts that feel clean, simple, and spacious tend to perform well in resale situations.
ROI: Which Has Better Return?
Let’s talk numbers.
Bathroom remodel ROI typically ranges from 55% to 70% depending on:
- Remodel size
- Quality of finishes
- Regional market
- Overall home value
Walk-In Shower ROI
- High ROI in primary bathrooms
- Strong appeal for luxury homes
- Excellent in aging-in-place remodels
Bathtub ROI
- Important for family resale
- Strong ROI in homes under $400K
- Necessary if no other tub exists
Tub-to-Shower Conversion ROI
This specific project is very popular.
Converting a tub to a walk-in shower often:
- Improves accessibility
- Updates outdated bathrooms
- Increases daily usability
However, removing the only tub may reduce buyer interest later.
Lifestyle Considerations Matter Too
Resale value is important — but so is daily enjoyment.
Ask yourself:
- Do you take baths often?
- Do you have young children?
- Do you prefer quick showers?
- Are you planning to age in place?
If you never use the tub, replacing it with a luxury walk-in shower may make sense for your lifestyle — even if resale impact is neutral.
Albuquerque Market Trends
In Albuquerque specifically, here’s what we’re seeing:
Luxury Homes
Primary bathrooms are shifting toward:
- Oversized walk-in showers
- No tubs in the primary suite
- Freestanding tubs as decorative features
Mid-Range Homes
Buyers still expect:
- At least one bathtub in the home
- Updated tile and fixtures
- Clean, neutral finishes
Retirement Communities
Walk-in showers are highly preferred due to accessibility and safety.
Understanding your local market is key when deciding between a shower and a tub.
Design Trends: What Buyers Prefer in 2026
Popular Walk-In Shower Features
- Frameless glass
- Linear drains
- Large-format porcelain tile
- Built-in bench seating
- Matte black or brushed brass fixtures
Popular Bathtub Features
- Freestanding soaking tubs
- Minimalist white acrylic tubs
- Integrated tile surrounds
- Spa-style deep soaking options
Freestanding tubs still hold design value — but mostly in large bathrooms where space allows both tub and shower.
Hybrid Option: Keep Both
If space and budget allow, the best solution may be installing:
- A walk-in shower
- AND a freestanding tub
This combination appeals to the widest buyer base and maximizes resale potential.
However, it requires sufficient square footage to avoid overcrowding.
Cost Considerations
Average Walk-In Shower Cost
$8,000 – $20,000 depending on size, tile, glass, and plumbing changes.
Average Bathtub Installation Cost
$3,000 – $10,000 depending on type and surrounding finishes.
Freestanding tubs and luxury installs increase costs.
If you’re remodeling the entire bathroom, plumbing location and layout changes impact pricing significantly.
Long-Term Value vs Short-Term Value
If you plan to sell within 1–3 years:
- Prioritize resale expectations.
- Keep at least one tub in the house.
If you plan to stay 10+ years:
- Remodel for your lifestyle.
- Add resale-conscious design elements.
A well-designed bathroom always improves home appeal, regardless of tub or shower choice.
Final Verdict: What Adds More Value?
So, in the debate of walk in shower vs tub resale value, here’s the balanced answer:
✔ If you have multiple bathrooms — install a walk-in shower in the primary suite.
✔ If you only have one tub — keep at least one in the home.
✔ If space allows — consider having both.
The best bathroom layout for resale combines functionality, neutral finishes, and quality materials — regardless of whether you choose a tub or shower.
How Hunter Builders Can Help
At Hunter Builders, we guide Albuquerque homeowners through smart remodeling decisions. Whether you’re planning a tub-to-shower conversion or upgrading to a spa-style bathroom, we focus on:
- ROI-driven design
- Local buyer trends
- High-quality craftsmanship
- Timeless materials
We’ll help you choose the option that fits both your lifestyle and long-term investment goals.
Contact Hunter Builders today for a free consultation and let’s design a bathroom that looks beautiful — and pays off.
