Why We Recommend Keeping One Tub in the House

A Practical Perspective from a Kansas City Remodeler

As homeowners across the Kansas City Metro and Johnson County area continue to modernize their homes, we’ve seen a growing trend toward walk-in showers, wet rooms, and luxurious spa-style bathrooms. Many clients ask us: “Do I really need a bathtub anymore?” Our answer is almost always the same— We recommend keeping at least one tub in your home.

While a tub might not be part of your personal daily routine, it plays a valuable role in your home’s overall function, future resale value, and family friendliness. In this post, we’ll break down the reasons why our team at Made New Home Services advises clients to hold onto at least one bathtub, even as they seek a more modern or minimalistic bathroom design.

Bathtubs and Resale Value: What Kansas City Buyers Want

If you’re remodeling with resale in mind—even a few years down the line—keeping a bathtub is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Here’s why:

1. Families With Young Children Prioritize Bathtubs

Across Johnson County—from Olathe to Overland Park—many buyers are families with young children. And for those buyers, a tub is essential. Showering toddlers or small children isn't practical or safe, so homes without a tub are often ruled out quickly.

Even if you're years away from selling, think of the future buyer: if they walk into your fully renovated home and don’t see a tub, they may already be seeing red flags.

2. Buyers Expect One Tub—Even in Upscale Homes

In luxury remodels or high-end neighborhoods like Leawood, Mission Hills, or Prairie Village, walk-in showers are a popular upgrade. However, even in these markets, buyers still expect to find a bathtub in at least one bathroom—often in the hall bath or secondary suite. Eliminating tubs entirely can narrow your pool of potential buyers, which could affect your home’s marketability and final sale price.

Beyond Resale: When a Tub Still Makes Sense for Everyday Life

Even if you’re not thinking about selling, a bathtub may still add value to your daily experience in ways you haven't considered:

3. Bathtubs Are Versatile for Self-Care, Soaking, and Injury Recovery

While many homeowners assume tubs are only for kids, the truth is they serve several other functions:

• Recovery soaks after surgery or sports injuries

• Therapeutic baths for chronic conditions or stress relief

• Luxury moments of relaxation after a long day

As remodelers, we often build in these features for empty nesters or aging-in-place clients who appreciate the comfort and care a well-designed tub can offer.

4. Pet Owners Appreciate the Convenience

Dog owners in particular love having a tub in the home. It’s significantly easier to bathe pets in a standard tub than in a walk-in shower. For this reason, many Kansas City clients who own pets opt to keep a tub—or even add a deep utility sink in a mudroom or laundry space for pet care.

Design Doesn’t Have to Suffer—Tubs Can Be Stylish, Too

A common concern we hear from homeowners is:

“I want a beautiful, modern bathroom. Won’t a bathtub ruin the look?”

The short answer is: Not at all. In fact, today’s tubs come in a wide range of design-forward options that can elevate your space—not detract from it.

Freestanding Tubs: A Statement Piece

Modern freestanding tubs are sleek, sculptural, and elegant. Whether you’re going for a minimalist spa feel or a more traditional, timeless design, a well-chosen tub can become the visual centerpiece of your bathroom. Paired with a floor-mounted filler or matte black fixtures, a freestanding tub exudes luxury without sacrificing function.

Tub-Shower Combos That Look Elevated

In secondary bathrooms—especially those used by kids or guests—a tub-shower combo remains the most practical solution. But that doesn’t mean it has to feel basic or outdated. Full-height tile walls, frameless glass panels, and polished hardware can make even a standard tub look custom-built.

Bottom line:

You don’t have to sacrifice style to keep a tub.With the right layout, material choices, and attention to detail, your bathroom can be both beautiful and practical.

Our Professional Recommendation: Keep One, Not All

At Made New, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Not every bathroom needs a tub. In fact, many of our Kansas City clients are thrilled to replace a dated garden tub with a large walk-in shower in the primary suite. But we always recommend this general rule of thumb:

Keep at least one bathtub in your home, ideally in a secondary or hall bathroom.

This approach gives you the best of both worlds—modern, spa-inspired comfort where you want it, and practical, family-friendly functionality where it counts.

Ready to Start Your Remodel?

If you’re remodeling a bathroom in Overland Park, Olathe, Leawood, Prairie Village, or anywhere in the Kansas City area, reach out today for a consultation. We’d love to help you make informed choices about your space—bathtub included.