Big Showers, Bigger Questions: Should You Ditch That Master Tub?

Alright, let's talk about something I hear all the time when I walk into a homeowner's master bathroom:

"Hey, Mitch… we never use this tub. Can we just yank it out and build one big ol' shower instead?"

And the answer is: Heck yes, you can. But with a few essential asterisks. So before you grab a sledgehammer and start dreaming about a shower so oversized you could park a car in it, let's break this down together.

Because it's not just about what looks good. It's about what works… what lasts… and what won't bite you in the resale later on.

🛁 The Tub vs. Shower Debate… In Real Life

Let me paint you a picture.

You're standing in your master bath, looking at that big garden tub with the dusty bath bombs you never used and the plastic plants you stopped watering. Right next to it? A tiny, cramped shower that you actually use every day.

So naturally, you start dreaming: What if I ditched the tub and made the whole space one massive, beautiful shower?

We've had plenty of homeowners ask us that. And honestly, it's one of our favorite types of projects. Oversized showers are fantastic, especially when they're custom-built around how you live. Room to move, grab bars if you need 'em, a bench to sit on while you shave your legs or let the steam hit your face. Even a rain shower can be a head shower if you're feeling fancy.

But then comes the hesitation:

"I heard removing the only tub in the house is bad for resale."

So let's talk about that.

🧠 Why This Isn't Just About Looks (And Why It Matters)

Here's the deal. If your home only has one bathtub and you take it out, that could hurt your resale value—especially if a future buyer has little kids. Parents with toddlers? They need a tub. Period. Not every kid likes showers, and giving your kid a bath in the kitchen sink is a little less adorable once they hit 40 pounds.

BUT…

Most folks prefer to bathe their kids close to the bedrooms. Which means the hall bath is the best spot to keep a tub—not your master suite.

So if your house already has one tub somewhere else (like in the guest or hallway bathroom), go for it. Blow that master tub out. Create the shower of your dreams. You won't tank your home's value… you might even increase it.

Yep, we've talked to realtors who say the same thing: Big showers sell. People walk in, see that luxury walk-in space, and go, "Oh wow." Not "where's the tub?"

📌 Quick Takeaways: What You Really Need to Know

• If you've got another tub in the house, your resale is safe.
• Big, functional showers are a huge selling point (pun intended).
• Families with kids need a tub… just not necessarily in the master.
• Removing a tub opens up space, adds accessibility, and feels way more modern.
• Talk to someone who knows bathrooms and resale before you start tearing stuff out.

🧱 Real Talk from a Real Job

This came up on a recent project we tackled right here in Houston. Homeowners had that exact setup—unused master tub, tiny shower—and asked us if they should combine the space into one oversized shower.

We walked through it, looked at the layout, made sure they still had a tub in the guest bath… and then designed a custom shower with room to move, a built-in bench, grab bars for stability, and even a handheld showerhead. They were over the moon.

That's the kind of stuff we love. Making bathrooms that actually fit how you live, not how the builder decided 20 years ago.

🙋‍♀️ FAQ: You Asked, We Answered

Q: Can I remove my only tub if I never take baths?

A: You can, but we don't recommend it. Keep one tub in the house for resale—preferably in a hall bath.

Q: Will an oversized shower feel cold without a tub in the room?

A: Not at all! You can add benches, built-in caddies, rain heads, and even heat lamps if you want to stay cozy.

Q: What if I change my mind later? Can I put a tub back?

A: You can, but it's more involved once the plumbing's been reworked. That's why planning is key—talk it through before you remodel.

👋 Ready to Talk It Out?

If you're staring at your master tub and wondering if it's time to say goodbye, let's talk. No pressure, no pushy sales pitch—just honest advice from folks who've done this a hundred times.

Shoot us a message or give us a call. We'll help you figure out what works best for you and your home.

And who knows… You might end up with a shower that's so spacious you could drive a car through it.

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