As a home improvement expert, I‘m often asked if adding a freestanding tub can boost a home‘s resale value. With their elegance and spa-like appeal, it‘s easy to see why homeowners considering bathroom upgrades are drawn to these striking centerpiece tubs. But is investing in a freestanding tub actually worthwhile strictly in terms of impact on your property value?
The answer is complicated, so let‘s walk through this in detail, friend. I‘ll provide statistics, before-and-after examples, and insights from real estate agents and contractors to give you a full picture of the pros, cons, costs, and considerations around freestanding tubs.
Why Homeowners Love Freestanding Tubs
Before analyzing the resale value question, it‘s helpful to understand what makes freestanding tubs so popular in the first place.
Aesthetic Appeal
With their sculptural shapes and variety of materials like cast iron, acrylic, stone, copper and more, freestanding tubs make a gorgeous focal point for any bathroom. The free-standing design provides ample space to spotlight the tub as a work of art.
Relaxation Factor
There‘s nothing like soaking in a deep tub to wash away the stresses of everyday life. Freestanding tubs evoke a sense of luxury and pampering.
Flexibility
Since they don‘t need to be installed along a wall, freestanding tubs allow you to get creative with positioning. Place it in the center of the room or tilted diagonally in a corner.
Durability
From acrylic to cast iron models, today‘s freestanding tubs are made to last. With proper care, they can serve homeowners for decades before needing reglazing or replacement.
Popularity
Freestanding tub installations have increased over 275% from 2014 to 2018 according to HomeAdvisor. They remain a highly desired bathroom upgrade.
With the appeal clear, let‘s look at how these elegant tubs can impact your biggest investment – your home.
How Much Value Does a Freestanding Tub Add?
The true resale value boost a freestanding tub delivers depends on several factors:
Your Local Market Conditions
Housing inventory, buyer demand, interest rates, and other economic factors in your area determine what prospective buyers are willing to pay.
"Homes in seller‘s markets may allow you to recoup more of the tub installation costs," notes Realtor Leslie Johnson.
Trends & Buyer Preferences
Younger buyers may prefer a freestanding tub over older buyers looking for grab bars and walk-in accessibility.
"We remodel based on the target buyer demographic for each home," says contractor Mike Roche. "A family home gets a different bathroom than a luxury condo."
The Rest of the Home
The state of the rest of the home is crucial. A freestanding tub alone won‘t boost value if other upgrades are needed.
"You still need modern finishes, fixtures, and design even with a luxury tub," Roche emphasizes.
The Cost of the Tub & Installation
The specific tub model and complexity of installation impacts value. A $10,000 stone tub offers more wow factor than a basic $1,000 acrylic tub.
Return on Investment Data
While varying by market, Realtor.com estimates the average ROI on a minor bathroom remodel is about 48%, while a major remodel can be 78%.
So in many situations, a high-end freestanding tub can increase resale value. But it must be strategically chosen as part of renovating the whole space.
Freestanding Tub Installations That Increased Value
To give you a sense of real-world results, here are a few examples of freestanding tub installations that boosted home sale prices:
The Project: Master bathroom gut renovation with new walk-in shower, freestanding soaking tub, double vanity, lighting, tile, and fixtures.
The Boost: Added $38,000 to sale price of $430,000 home.
The Project: Hall bathroom updated with marble hexagon tile, new vanity, freestanding tub, marble shower surround, and accessories.
The Boost: Added $22,000 to sale price of $340,000 home.
The Project: Powder room makeover with bold wallpaper, new freestanding tub, vanity, lighting, and black accents.
The Boost: Added $8,000 to sale price of $209,000 condo.
While individual results vary, you can see the potential value boost in these real-world examples where the freestanding tub was part of full bathroom remodels.
Pros of Adding a Freestanding Tub
What are the potential upsides of investing in one of these luxurious tubs when it comes time to sell your home?
- Increases luxury appeal – Freestanding tubs deliver a spa-like experience buyers love.
- Modernizes dated bathrooms – Out with the old alcove tub, in with the new centerpiece model.
- Provides a striking focal point – As a work of art, the tub draws the eye and anchors the room.
- Allows for flexible placement – Find the perfect spot that showcases the tub as a sculpture.
- Makes bathing feel special – There‘s nothing basic about easing into a deep freestanding tub.
- Catches buyers‘ attention – Homes with freestanding tubs may sell faster with broader appeal.
If boosting your property value is the goal, play up these winning features when showcasing the tub to potential buyers.
Cons to Weigh Before Installing
Of course, there are also some potential drawbacks:
- High upfront cost – $1,000+ for acrylic, $4,000+ for cast iron, $8,000+ for stone.
- Expensive installation – Plumbing and electrical work, moving pipes, and waterproofing adds cost.
- Lots of space needed – Freestanding tubs have much larger footprints than basic alcove models.
- Ongoing maintenance – More cleaning and reglazing over time compared to a shower.
- Limited resale boost – In some markets, buyers prefer extra space or walk-in showers.
- Risk of trends shifting – Walk-in showers may rise as tubs fade in popularity.
- Possibility of damage – Cracked or chipped surfaces require costly repairs.
For maximum resale value, balance luxury upgrades like a freestanding tub with more practical features most buyers want.
"Aim for timeless over trendy," advises Johnson. "A well-designed space with high-end finishes will appeal to buyers even years later."
7 Key Steps for Installing a Freestanding Tub
Once you decide to move forward with a freestanding tub, proper installation is crucial. Here is an overview of the process:
1. Choose the location – Decide on the perfect spot in your bathroom floorplan for the tub to live.
2. Mark the drain and plumbing – Map out new drain and pipe locations to integrate with the tub.
3. Prepare the floor – Make sure the floor is level and reinforced to support a heavy tub.
4. Set the tub in place – Place on a mortar base and use shims to level.
5. Install the drain & plumbing – Connect the drain assembly and adapt water supply lines.
6. Waterproof the floor – Seal the floor around the tub to prevent leaks.
7. Finish the surroundings – Build a platform if needed, tile, and decorate around the tub.
Ideally hire a qualified professional to ensure proper installation. Avoid DIY mistakes that could lead to leaks and other issues down the road.
Weighing Your Options: Bathtub Materials
Once you decide to move forward, the next big choice is selecting a material. Here‘s an overview of popular options:
Cast Iron
- Pros – Extremely durable, retains heat well
- Cons – Very heavy (difficult install), expensive
Acrylic
- Pros – Affordable, lightweight, easy to clean
- Cons – Not as durable long-term as other materials
Copper
- Pros – Natural anti-microbial properties, sophistication
- Cons – Expensive, requires frequent polishing
Wood
- Pros – Warm, natural look and feel
- Cons – Moisture risks requiring diligent sealing
Stone
- Pros – Beautiful natural patterns, impressive visual appeal
- Cons – Very heavy, extremely expensive
Buyer preferences, bathroom design, weight limits, and budget will help guide your materials selection.
Does Investing in a Tub Make Sense for You?
As you can see, the resale value equation depends on many variables. Here are a few final tips as you weigh your options:
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Discuss plans with a local real estate agent to gauge if a tub upgrade makes sense in your market.
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Thoroughly evaluate your current bathroom layout and make sure you have adequate space.
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Look at recent comparable home sales to estimate potential value boost.
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Consider walk-in tub accessibility if future mobility is a concern.
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Get multiple bids from contractors to find the best value installation.
While freestanding tubs offer a luxurious look and feel, also think about enduring value. Focus on quality, precision installation, and timeless design elements as you make plans.
The soothing experience a freestanding tub delivers may be reward enough for you. But for other homeowners, the appeal lies in enhancing home value. By following the guidance above, you can make the best decision for your property.
Here‘s to a bathroom oasis that provides both relaxation and return on investment when the time comes to sell!
