The requirement to have a bathtub in a house would definitely depend on the local building codes set forth by the city planning and zoning department. In most cities, there is no immediate requirement to have a bathtub, but it is a requirement to have an accessible bathroom. An accessible bathroom would include either a standing shower or a bathtub.
It is important to note that the city zoning regulations and building codes will vary between cities. This is also the case for cities in the same province, or country. It is imperative that you check with your city, prior to planning a renovation with no bathtubs.
In recent years, there has been an increased trend towards standing showers. These standing showers will simply include a shower base with glass shower doors. It is easy to get in and out of the shower and maybe a more suitable option for families with aging parents.
Additionally, newer showers also have options where no shower base is installed. Instead, these showers are hand-built using tile work. Homeowners have the option to completely customize these showers to include seating within the shower. It might be the ideal choice for those who have family members with limited mobility.
If you are considering renovating your bathroom and would like to remove all the bathtubs in your home – double-check with your local city for their acceptable building codes. All work should be permitted and completed by a licensed contractor.
Do You Need a Bathtub for Resale Value?
The age-old question that many realtors and home inspectors receive is, whether the absence of a bathtub would impact the resale value of a home. You do not need to have a bathtub in your home to maintain the resale value of your home.
A bathtub was once considered the only option when it came to indoor showers in homes. However, with advancements in design, style, and technology – we are now seeing newly built homes with only standing showers.
With the size of new condo units, it is difficult to include both a standing shower and a bathtub in some bathrooms. For this reason, builders are now offering clients with only one option.
A bathtub in a home would be nice to have – giving the homeowners to soak in the tub – but it definitely does not hinder a sale in today’s competitive market.
To put it into perspective, the addition of an extra parking space would add value to the resale value of your home.
