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Hello, I have purchased a condo in old montreal and it has only one bathroom which is equipped with a bathtub with showerhead. Construction will begin next year and I was thinking of having this replaced by a shower only. It would be 60'' wide, all ceramic with glass doors. Does not having a tub lower the resale value or simply makes it harder to sell because it eliminates potential buyers who absolutely want a bathtub?

Have a feeling you answered your own question within your post, oldmtl. Bathrooms w/o tubs are often sold/advertised as 3/4 baths, i.e. partial baths.

I'm sure your upgraded shower would be terrific! That said, yes, some/many people (especially women, IMHO) always want a tub available, even if they don't use it on a daily basis.

You might consider the most likely future purchaser for your property (e.g. single woman or young professional couple, depending on your neighborhood) and go from there. OTOH, any time you limit the potential buyer pool, you may negatively impact a sale.

So, IMHO, it's best to keep all your options open and retain some version of a tub and shower combo. Have you thought about upgrading the tub, instead of converting to a stand-alone shower, when you do the reno?

In addition, upgrading the tub/retaining it may reduce your project costs.

All of the above is JMHO - best of luck with your reno!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: BearCat49,

I would ask a local listing agent.

Normally I would say stick with the bath tub, but if it is a year round condo with mostly adults in the complex I might be persuaded to agree with you about putting in an extra nice shower instead.

Maybe and Maybe (I would do whatever YOU want)

Really depends on whom is "likely" to be the next buyer? An elderly person in a wheel chair or using a walker would sure prefer the shower, and a probably a lot of traveling single men.

More ladies like the option of a tub, even if they seldom actually use it.

If possible, (which ever you choose for yourself), try to keep options open for possibly changing to the other, (positioning plumbing and drain choices?) That way it is less likely to be a deal breaker when you eventually sell.

Hey Conrad, I'm female (sometimes a lady) and I prefer a large walk-in shower! My 40 YO female famiy member would probably choose a jetted tub/shower combo...until rethinking logistics and future needs.

That said, if OP's condo is a Srs resident's only complex, occasional visiting tiny tot grandkids too big to fit in the kitchen sink can be bathed in a kiddie pool (one that fits in the large walk-in shower)
Anticipating a future re[sale buyer requiring a tub? a savvy buyer would measure SqFt ,configuration and plumbing

This message has been edited. Last edited by: tessa89,

Hi tessa, I agree that I too prefer a shower most of the time. But sometimes (although rarely) a nice hot bath is what I really want.

But I also have friends, mostly women, but even some men, who prefer a bath as much as 50 percent of the time.
If OP just does what works best for them, I think it will be fine.

I haven't weighed in yet on this topic BUT do have a strong opinion - BO NOT LOSE THE BATHTUB!

To answer your two questions: Yes, it will take longer to sell when you limit your buyer pool, but, I'm not sure if it would necessarily affect the sales price IF you find buyers who prefer a fancier shower area versus a bathtub. Just depends on the potential future buyers.

BTW, I love a good bathtub but can make-do with a shower BUT never generalize ~ DH isn't happy without a great soaking tub to read for a while while mentally preparing himself for the day ahead ~ so don't jump to conclusions. Not all type-A personalities just want to jump in the shower and take off...

Myself, I would keep the hybrid tub-shower (maybe up-dating the tub as well as the shower heads?) so as to appeal to all types of personalities.

What everyone may sort of agree with, is to do what YOU want? Too often people live in the shadow of the next possible owner, and forget this is their place, now. This is a new construct right? If your plan is to own it for 5 or more years, especially true.

Remodel can always be done if needed, and you possibly only need loose the lower tiles/flooring and a tub could be added for some cash.

A one bedroom is probably going to mean no grandchildren will need to be visiting/bathed. If there is no pet policy in the building, no tub for larger dog bathing needed either. If you don't need the tub and WANT the large shower, go for it.

Normally a shower only is a 3/4 bath, thus a bit less valuable, and possibly a tiny bit less taxes?
What do YOU really want???

keep the tub for resale value. Bathrooms and kitchens will sell the property.