Homes for Sale in Auburn: Tub or Shower?
When comparing homes for sale in Auburn, would you choose a bathtub or a large walk-in shower?
This sounds like a simple bathroom preference until two buyers stand in the same primary bathroom and discover they have very different opinions. One sees a soaking tub and imagines relaxing. The other sees something that will collect dust and need cleaning.
Meanwhile, a large tiled shower can feel luxurious and practical—but removing every bathtub from a home may limit its appeal to some future buyers.
So, which one should win? As usual in real estate, it depends on how you live.
Table of Contents
- Tub versus shower comparison
- Why some buyers still want a bathtub
- Why walk-in showers are so popular
- Should every home have at least one tub?
- What to inspect in a bathroom
- Can you change the bathroom later?
- Quick Q&A
- Finding the right Auburn home
Homes for Sale in Auburn: Is a Tub or Shower Better?
A beautiful bathroom can make a strong impression during a showing, but appearance is only part of the decision.
You should also consider:
- How often you actually take baths
- Whether you want easier entry into the shower
- How much cleaning you are willing to do
- Whether the home has another bathtub
- Available bathroom space
- Ventilation and moisture control
- Potential renovation costs
- How the bathroom may appeal to future buyers
Here is a quick comparison:
| Feature | Bathtub | Walk-In Shower |
|---|---|---|
| Relaxation | Good for soaking | Better for quick daily routines |
| Accessibility | Requires stepping over the side | Low-threshold designs may be easier to enter |
| Space | Can require considerable floor space | Can be designed in different sizes |
| Cleaning | Tub surface and surround require cleaning | Tile, grout, glass, and fixtures require upkeep |
| Water use | A full bath may use more water | Depends on shower length and fixtures |
| Future buyers | Some buyers want at least one tub | Many buyers prioritize a large primary shower |
| Renovation | Removal may create room for a shower | Converting back may be expensive |
Neither option automatically adds more value. Condition, design, quality, functionality, location, and overall buyer demand matter more than simply checking the “tub” or “shower” box.
Why Some Buyers Still Want a Bathtub
Bathtubs have not disappeared, no matter how many renovation shows remove them.
Some buyers want a tub for:
- Soaking after a long day
- Bathing young children
- Washing pets
- Certain therapeutic routines
- Preserving more bathroom options
- Future resale flexibility
A freestanding soaking tub can also serve as a dramatic design feature in a large primary bathroom. It may photograph beautifully and create a luxury feeling.
But let’s be honest: some gorgeous tubs are mostly expensive laundry holders. If you have not taken a bath in ten years, do not convince yourself that a new house will suddenly turn you into someone who spends every evening soaking by candlelight.
Buy for the life you actually live.
Why Walk-In Showers Are So Popular
Large walk-in showers are popular because many buyers use a shower every day.
Potential benefits include:
- Easier entry with a low or curbless threshold
- Space for a bench
- Handheld shower fixtures
- Multiple showerheads
- Built-in niches for toiletries
- Less unused floor space
- A clean, updated appearance
- Better compatibility with some mobility needs
A well-designed shower can feel spacious without wasting bathroom space. However, not every oversized shower is automatically luxurious.
Look closely at the details. Poor drainage, slippery flooring, cracked grout, inadequate waterproofing, awkward doors, and insufficient ventilation can turn that beautiful shower into an expensive headache.
Should a Home Have at Least One Bathtub?
Many buyers prefer a home to retain at least one bathtub, even if the primary bathroom has a walk-in shower.
That tub might be located in:
- A secondary bathroom
- A guest bathroom
- A Jack-and-Jill bathroom
- A combination tub-and-shower space
Keeping one tub provides flexibility without requiring the primary bathroom to devote substantial space to a feature the owner may rarely use.
However, there is no rule that every home must have a bathtub. Buyers should choose based on their needs while understanding that future buyers may have different preferences.
If resale matters, discuss comparable homes and local buyer feedback with an experienced real estate professional before completing a major renovation.
What to Inspect in a Tub or Shower
When touring homes for sale in Auburn, do more than admire the tile.
Check for:
- Cracked or missing grout
- Loose or damaged tiles
- Stains around drains
- Slow drainage
- Weak water pressure
- Leaking fixtures
- Gaps in caulking
- Soft flooring near the tub or shower
- Water damage on nearby walls or ceilings
- Properly closing shower doors
- Adequate ventilation
- Signs of mildew or recurring moisture
Turn on the water when permitted and observe how it drains. Look at the ceiling below an upstairs bathroom when possible. A stylish bathroom can still hide maintenance issues.
A qualified home inspector should evaluate visible plumbing and moisture concerns. Specialized contractors may be needed when there are signs of shower-pan failure, hidden leaks, or extensive tile damage.
Tub and Shower Maintenance
Both options require cleaning and maintenance. They simply create different chores.
A bathtub may require:
- Regular cleaning of the basin
- Caulk replacement
- Drain maintenance
- Cleaning around jets, if present
- Care of the surrounding tile or wall panels
A tiled shower may require:
- Grout cleaning and sealing
- Glass-door cleaning
- Caulk maintenance
- Drain cleaning
- Monitoring for leaks
- Cleaning niches, benches, and multiple fixtures
That enormous glass shower may look fantastic, but someone has to clean all that glass. Apparently, luxury does not come with a self-cleaning button.
Can You Change the Bathroom Later?
Yes, but bathroom renovations can become expensive quickly.
Converting a tub to a shower—or a shower back to a tub—may involve:
- Plumbing changes
- Waterproofing
- Tile installation
- Flooring repairs
- Glass doors
- Wall repairs
- Permits
- Ventilation improvements
- Structural modifications
Before assuming a bathroom can be changed easily, obtain estimates from qualified professionals. The location of plumbing, room dimensions, slab foundation, windows, doors, and existing construction can affect the project.
If you do not want to renovate soon after moving, focus on homes that already provide a bathroom arrangement you can comfortably use.
A Buyer’s Bathroom Decision
A buyer may begin the search insisting on a freestanding soaking tub. After touring several homes, the buyer may realize that a large shower, double vanity, and better storage matter more.
Another buyer may love a renovated primary shower but reject the home because no bathtub remains anywhere in the house.
These reactions are personal. That is why I recommend separating genuine needs from features that simply look impressive online.
A bathroom should work at 6:30 on a rushed Monday morning—not just during a five-minute showing.
Questions to Ask During a Showing
Before choosing between a tub and shower, ask:
- Is there another bathtub in the home?
- Does the shower have a comfortable entry?
- Is there enough storage for toiletries and towels?
- Does the room have proper ventilation?
- Are there visible signs of leaks or moisture damage?
- Does the water drain correctly?
- How much grout and glass will require cleaning?
- Would a renovation be practical?
- Does the bathroom fit my daily routine?
- Am I choosing function or simply reacting to staging?
Buyers can explore Auburn subdivisions (https://auburnopelikaalrealestate.com/auburn-al-subdivisons/) and learn more about the community through the City of Auburn (https://www.auburnal.gov/).
If proximity to Auburn University is important, visit Auburn University (https://www.auburn.edu/) and Jordan-Hare Stadium (https://auburntigers.com/jordan-hare-stadium) while becoming familiar with the surrounding areas.
Quick Q&A
Are walk-in showers more popular than bathtubs?
Many buyers prioritize a large primary shower, but preferences vary. Some buyers still want at least one bathtub elsewhere in the home.
Does removing a bathtub hurt resale value?
It may reduce appeal for buyers who want a tub, particularly if no bathtub remains. The effect depends on the home, renovation quality, local market, and future buyer preferences.
Is a walk-in shower easier to use?
A low-threshold or curbless shower may be easier for some people to enter. The specific design, flooring, doors, grab bars, and layout all matter.
Are freestanding tubs practical?
They can be attractive and enjoyable for people who take baths. Consider cleaning access, faucet placement, floor space, and how often the tub will actually be used.
What is better: a tub-shower combination or separate fixtures?
A combination can conserve space and provide both functions. Separate fixtures may feel more luxurious but require a larger bathroom.
Should I reject a home because it has the wrong bathroom setup?
Not automatically. Consider renovation costs, the rest of the home, and whether another bathroom provides the missing feature.
What should I inspect around a shower?
Look for cracked grout, failed caulking, drainage problems, stains, loose tile, damaged flooring, and signs of moisture. Use a qualified inspector for a professional evaluation.
Related Topics
- Luxury primary bathroom versus large closet
- Open floor plan versus defined rooms
- Large pantry versus spacious laundry room
- Move-in-ready home versus fixer-upper
- Front yard shade versus backyard privacy
- New construction versus established homes
- Questions to ask before buying an Auburn home
Find an Auburn Home That Fits Your Routine
Whether you want a soaking tub, an oversized walk-in shower, or one of each, I can help you compare homes for sale in Auburn and focus on the features you will actually use.
Laura Sellers is an Auburn University alumna who has lived in the Auburn–Opelika area since 1988. She has been a REALTOR® for more than 20 years and is an Associate Broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, the Official Real Estate Partner of the Auburn Tigers.
Call or text Laura at 334-332-7263 or search for local properties at AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com (https://auburnopelikaalrealestate.com/).
Which would you choose: a bathtub or a large walk-in shower?
Homes, y’all!
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