It’s the age-old remodeling debate: shower vs. bathtub. You’re redoing your bathroom, space is tight, and you’re stuck wondering—will a tub bring more resale value? Or is a modern walk-in shower the smarter choice?
If you’re remodeling your home in Florida, Ridgeback Builders is here to help you decide what works best—not just for your lifestyle, but for your property’s long-term worth.
🚿 Team Shower: Sleek, Modern, and Space-Saving
Walk-in showers have soared in popularity over the last decade, especially in Florida’s modern and coastal-style homes. They offer a sleek look, improved accessibility, and efficient use of space.
✅ Pros of Showers:
- Ideal for small bathrooms
- Easier for aging in place or mobility needs
- Quick, water-efficient option
- Can boost appeal in modern or luxury markets
- Often cheaper to install if plumbing is already in place
Walk-in showers are especially popular with retirees or busy professionals—a big part of Florida’s homebuyer market.
❌ Cons of Showers:
- Families with young children prefer tubs
- Some buyers see no tub as a dealbreaker
- May reduce appeal in homes with only one bathroom
🛁 Team Bathtub: Classic Comfort with Broad Appeal
While showers dominate in new builds, bathtubs still hold value—especially when it comes to resale versatility.
✅ Pros of Bathtubs:
- Better for homes with families or young kids
- Considered a luxury feature in primary suites
- Soaking tubs can add spa-like appeal
- Boosts emotional connection for buyers (think: bubble baths, wine, and candles)
Many real estate agents agree: If a home has at least one bathtub, it remains more marketable across buyer types.
❌ Cons of Bathtubs:
- Take up more space
- Use more water and energy
- Not as convenient for daily routines
- May feel outdated if not modernized
💡 What’s the Smartest Move for Florida Homes?
Here in Florida, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your target buyer, home layout, and goals.
- If you have multiple bathrooms: Keep at least one tub (typically in a secondary bathroom), and go for a luxury walk-in shower in the primary suite.
- If you only have one bathroom: Install a shower-tub combo to appeal to the widest range of buyers.
- If you're aging in place: Opt for a walk-in shower with no threshold, grab bars, and a bench for safety and convenience.
🏠 Which Adds More Resale Value?
From a return-on-investment perspective:
- Walk-in Shower: High appeal in modern/luxury homes
- Soaking Tub: Adds emotional/lifestyle value
- Shower-Tub Combo: Most versatile for resale
Buyers want functionality and emotion. If your home checks both boxes, you win.
🛠️ How Ridgeback Builders Can Help
At Ridgeback Builders, we’ve helped dozens of homeowners across Florida decide between walk-in showers and bathtubs based on their layout, lifestyle, and local resale goals.
- Expert design consultations
- Shower-to-tub and tub-to-shower conversions
- Spa-style bathroom upgrades
- Custom tile, waterproofing, and fixture installations
- ADA-compliant and aging-in-place solutions
Final Verdict: Think Long-Term, Not Just Right Now
Whether you’re all about spa soaks or quick rinse-and-go routines, the right choice is the one that fits both your daily needs and long-term value goals.
Still undecided? Let Ridgeback Builders evaluate your bathroom and help you choose the best path—both for you and your home’s future.