Tub-to-Shower Conversion vs Keeping the Tub
Walk-in showers are what most Prescott buyers want. But is converting your only tub the right move for your home?
Convert to walk-in shower
Remove the tub, build a custom tile or prefab walk-in shower in the same footprint. Popular for primary bathrooms.
- Modern, spa-like look buyers want
- Better accessibility (aging in place)
- Larger showering space
- Custom bench, niches, and rain-head options
- Higher primary-bath resale value
- Removes tub from home — bad if it's the only tub
- $6,000 – $18,000 investment
- Reduces family appeal (kids, resale to families)
Keep or upgrade the tub
Reglaze, replace with a new tub-shower combo, or install a freestanding soaker with separate shower if space allows.
- Preserves at least one tub in the home (resale)
- Family and pet-friendly
- Reglaze/refinish is affordable ($500–$1,200)
- Freestanding soaker adds spa appeal without losing utility
- Doesn't match current buyer trend for primary baths
- Full tub replacement + surround $2,500 – $8,000
- Freestanding + separate shower needs floorspace
Head-to-head comparison
| Attribute | Convert to walk-in shower | Keep or upgrade the tub |
|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | $6,000 – $18,000 | $500 – $8,000 |
| Resale (primary bath) | Positive — buyers want walk-in | Neutral |
| Resale (only tub in home) | Negative — families need a tub | Positive |
| Accessibility / aging in place | Excellent with curbless design | Poor — tubs are hard to enter |
| Family friendliness | Low — no bathing kids or pets | High |
| Timeline | 2–3 weeks | 3–7 days |
| Best for | Primary bath with another tub in home | Homes with only one tub, families with kids |
The verdict
The rule of thumb: keep at least one bathtub in the home. If you have a guest bath with a tub, convert your primary to a walk-in shower — it's what buyers in the Prescott market want and it improves daily livability. If it's your only tub, don't convert it. A dated tub can be reglazed or swapped for a new tub-shower combo without hurting resale.
Common questions
Does removing a bathtub hurt resale value?
Only if it's the only tub in the home. Converting a primary bath tub to a walk-in shower actually adds value when a guest bath tub remains.
How much does a tub-to-shower conversion cost?
$6,000 – $12,000 for a prefab walk-in surround. $10,000 – $18,000+ for a custom tile shower with bench, niches, and glass enclosure.
Should I reglaze my tub or replace it?
Reglaze ($500–$1,200) is right for cosmetically dated but structurally sound tubs. Replace ($2,500–$5,000+) when the tub is chipped, cracked, or the wrong style for the space.
Related decisions
Still deciding?
Our team will walk your property and give an honest recommendation — no upsell.
Get a free consultation