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A tub-to-shower conversion yields moderate returns that you can maximize with the help of a pro.
Tub-to-shower conversions have an average ROI of 60%.
You can expect a 74% return if you use mid-range materials.
For this upgrade to add value, you need a bathtub elsewhere in your home.
Combine this project with smaller cosmetic upgrades to maximize the value.
Walk-in showers don’t just give your space a spa-like feel—they’re also more accessible and can make a small bathroom feel bigger. Converting a tub to a shower costs $3,000 on average and has an average ROI of 60%, but only if your home still has another full bathroom to appeal to buyers. This guide can help you decide if it’s worth it to convert a tub to a shower and maximize the return on this common remodel.
For most homeowners, converting a tub to a shower has a 45% to 74% ROI. This means the average $3,000 remodel will add roughly $1,350 to $2,220 to the value of home. Certain factors play a role in your overall return—most notably, the quality of the materials and whether or not you have other full bathrooms.
You should have at least one bathtub in your home, but it does depend on the target market. Bathtubs are more appealing to young families and homeowners with pets. If you have a small apartment, it won’t make as much of a difference, though it still could turn off potential buyers.
As a rule of thumb, leave at least one tub in another bathroom—or if you have a one-bathroom home, consider skipping this upgrade. En-suite bathrooms are a popular location for this remodel, leaving the primary bathroom to serve as a family bathroom.
You can increase the ROI of a tub-to-shower conversion by tackling other minor upgrades as part of a larger remodel. According to Zillow, minor cosmetic bathroom upgrades can yield a $1.71 increase in home value for every $1 spent.
Consider adding small, cost-effective upgrades (like painting your bathroom or installing new cabinet hardware) alongside your tub-to-shower conversion.
| Bathroom Upgrade | Average Installation Cost | Average Return |
|---|---|---|
| Panting | $200–$500 | $340–$850 |
| Refinishing cabinets | $200–$2,000 | $340–$3,400 |
| Replacing cabinet hardware | $3–$200 each | $5–$340 each |
| Adding a new mirror | $50–$500 each | $85–$850 each |
If your existing bathroom is dated, a modern remodel will help make the space more appealing to home buyers. Since bathtubs are the focal point of your bathroom, it’s important that your tub isn’t ugly, dirty, or damaged, or it can drag down the look of the entire space.
That said, bathtub refinishing costs $500 on average, which can provide a better value if your tub has minor damage or staining but otherwise looks okay. If it’s dated, a trendy shower upgrade may have a better return. You’ll have to weigh the benefits of keeping a bathtub versus installing a shower.
You can expect a 74% ROI for a mid-range tub-to-shower conversion (as long as you have another bathtub in your home). Larger showers come with higher costs because it takes more materials and time to install them. A professional shower installer can help you choose the right size for your bathroom.
Standard-sized showers have the highest return. This could look like a small shower stall (32-by-32 inches) or a large shower stall (36-by-60 inches), though prefab shower pans have slightly different sizing. Custom work, as is common with upscale remodels, comes with a higher cost and no tangible added benefit.
| Shower Size (Inches) | Average Installation Cost | Average Return |
|---|---|---|
| 32x32 | $1,000–$2,800 | $450–$2,072 |
| 36x36 | $1,300–$5,500 | $585–$4,070 |
| 36x60 | $1,200–$4,200 | $540–$3,108 |
| 30x60 | $1,000–$3,200 | $450–$2,368 |
Various tub-to-shower conversion ideas exist to keep things fresh, including upscale or mid-range remodels. Upscale remodels use luxury finishes and include labor-intensive redesigns, like moving around your plumbing to change your bathroom layout. This type of remodel costs more and sees a lower return.
Mid-range remodels include functional but not high-end finishes. These materials are more wallet-friendly and provide a better return on investment (up to 74%, according to the Journal of Light Construction).
| Type of Tub-to-Shower Remodel | Average ROI |
|---|---|
| Mid-range | 74% |
| Upscale | 45% |
If you convert your tub to a shower as part of a universal design remodel, you can expect a 49% return on average. Universal bathroom design makes bathrooms accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities and those who want to age in place.
A curbless walk-in shower or wet room is the first step. You’ll also need to install accessibility features like grab bars, shower seating, and a comfort height toilet. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) outlines accessible layouts and dimensions.
Certain bathroom layouts are less desirable than others—like a bathtub directly next to a toilet—and impact the resale value. If possible, choose a tub-to-shower conversion idea with the most desirable layout. Certain layouts (like swapping to a smaller corner shower stall) can help maximize space in a small bathroom and increase your odds for a favorable return.
When it comes to plumbing, you should leave this job to the pros. An incorrect or sloppy installation won’t just look unappealing. It can lead to expensive water damage or issues with mold, which will eat into your return. To make sure the job is up to code and fits your needs, hire a shower installer near you.
Planning to convert a tub to a shower? There are a few ways you can estimate the added value of this project:
Talk to your realtor: Every market is unique. In some markets, walk-in showers are more desirable than tubs—or even expected in secondary bathrooms. Your realtor will understand the demand for this project in your area.
Look at similar properties: Take a look at the listed properties in your area and examine the bathrooms. If all the homes in your area have modern walk-in showers in en-suite bathrooms, converting your tub could increase the appeal of your home. On the other hand, if most of the homes in your area only have a single bathroom, you won’t see much value in upgrading your en-suite.
Consider demographic: Consider the demographic of your neighborhood. If you live in an area with numerous young families, a bathtub may be more desirable to potential buyers.
Consider existing bathrooms: This project can decrease the value of your home if you remove your only bathtub. According to the National Association of Home Builders, 72% of first-time buyers rated a shower and bathtub as “essential” or “desirable.”
Weigh the cost of the conversion: Look at the cost of this renovation and weigh it against the potential increase in value before committing to an expensive change.
Consider materials: Mid-range materials tend to come with the best value. Think about how all of the new materials will work together to provide functionality and a cohesive look.
Consider additional jobs: Small cosmetic upgrades like a fresh coat of paint in the bathroom or new hardware on your bathroom vanity can add extra value to this project.
For most homeowners, a tub-to-shower conversion costs between $1,200 and $8,000. You could spend as much as $15,000 if you choose high-end finishes, but this will lower the potential ROI. Small prefab shower stalls are the most affordable (but also the lowest end), while glass walk-in showers with custom tiling cost the most (and are the highest end).
For the best value, choose a mid-range shower with functional and modern finishes. Durable materials that come at a reasonable price will make your shower more appealing to buyers while also holding up to wear and tear.
As long as you’re not converting the only bathtub in your home, tub-to-shower conversions don’t hurt your home’s resale value. Tubs are more desirable in areas with young families, while showers are more desirable for single people and those looking to age in place.
To understand whether this project is worth it, you’ll need to consider your reason for the remodel. If you want to put your home on the market ASAP and have a relatively modern bathroom that’s in working order, it’s likely not worth it. If you plan to stay in your home, this project can help you enjoy your space.
According to the National Association of Realtors, 73% of homeowners had a greater desire to be home since they renovated their bathroom. On top of that, you can maximize the ROI by choosing mid-range materials. Just make sure you have at least one other bathtub in your home before you take on this project, or you’ll risk turning off potential buyers down the line.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Desirable for secondary bathrooms | Less desirable for young families |
| Maximizes space in a small bathroom | Home loses value without a bathtub |
| Can make a home more accessible | Can be unnecessary for resale |
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners maximize the value of their investments, we gather ROI data from reputable sources, including industry reports, real estate studies, and interviews with market experts. We calculate the average resale value for projects by multiplying the ROI against the project’s average cost according to our cost data, which is sourced from thousands of real Angi customers.
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The average tub-to-shower conversion costs $3,000, with prices ranging from $1,200 to $8,000. The overall cost depends on the type of shower and the materials. A prefab shower stall will cost less because it’s a relatively simple installation. Installing a custom shower with luxury tiles will cost more because the materials are more expensive and the installation takes more time.
Replacing a bathtub with a shower can decrease the value of a home if you’re replacing your only bathtub. Most homeowners want at least one bathtub in their home, especially if they have children or pets. That said, a tub-to-shower conversion can increase the value of your home in a secondary bathroom since walk-in showers are viewed as higher-end than tub-shower combos.
