Walk-In Shower vs. Bathtub: What’s Right for Your Remodel?
One of the most common decisions homeowners face during a bathroom remodel is this:
“Should I keep the tub or replace it with a walk-in shower?”
It might seem like a simple design choice, but it can actually affect your day-to-day routine, your layout, and even your home’s resale value. Whether you’re remodeling your primary suite in Spokane or updating a guest bath in Coeur d’Alene, this is a choice worth slowing down for.
At The Building Company, we walk homeowners through this decision all the time. Here’s how we help clients figure out what’s right for their space, their lifestyle, and their long-term goals.
Why This Choice Matters
The tub vs. shower debate isn’t just about style. It’s about:
- How you use the space every day
- Who will be using the bathroom (kids? guests? aging parents?)
- What your layout allows for
- What adds value to your home vs. what adds value to your life
We don’t believe in default decisions. We believe in making smart choices based on your priorities.
Reasons to Keep a Bathtub
Bathtubs still have their place—especially in these situations:
☕ Resale Appeal
Many homebuyers (especially families) look for at least one tub in the home
🏊 Relaxation
A soaking tub is still the gold standard for a spa-like retreat
🍼 Families with Young Kids
Bath time is simpler (and safer) in a tub
🏛️ Design Balance
In large bathrooms, a freestanding tub can anchor the space beautifully
That said, if your tub is outdated, never used, or crammed into a layout that doesn’t work—it may be time for a change.
Reasons to Choose a Walk-In Shower
Walk-in showers have become one of the most requested features in our remodeling projects across Spokane and North Idaho. Here’s why:
♿️ Accessibility: Easier for aging in place or multi-generational living
✨ Visual Appeal: Modern, clean, and open
🚿 Space Efficiency: Can free up room for double vanities or larger storage
🚧 Low Maintenance: Easier to clean than tub surrounds or jets
⚠️ Safety: No ledge or tub wall to step over
If you never use your tub and prefer a quick, stylish, functional shower, this may be the upgrade you didn’t know you needed.
What Spokane & North Idaho Buyers Expect
In higher-end neighborhoods like South Hill, Hayden Lake, and Liberty Lake, most homebuyers expect at least one bathtub in the home—but that doesn’t mean every bathroom needs one.
We often remodel primary bathrooms to include:
- A luxurious walk-in shower and a freestanding soaking tub (if space allows)
- Or just a walk-in shower in the primary, with a tub left in the guest or kids’ bath
The key is balance: prioritize how you live now, but don’t ignore resale entirely.
How The Building Company Helps You Decide
We don’t start with tile samples. We start by asking the right questions:
- Who uses this space? How often?
- How do you want to feel when you walk into your bathroom?
- Do you want low maintenance, maximum comfort, luxury features—or all three.
Then we design around those answers.
Whether you’re envisioning a curbless walk-in shower with built-in lighting or a statement soaking tub with floor-mounted fixtures, we’ll help you get the most out of every square foot.
Still Deciding? Let’s Talk.
If you’re stuck between keeping the tub or going full walk-in, you don’t have to guess. Let’s walk through your options and build a bathroom that works better for how you actually live.
Contact The Building Company today:
📱 Call or text: 509-890-0222
📧 Email: info@pnwbuild.com
🔗 Inquire online: www.pnwbuild.com/contact
We remodel bathrooms that look great—and make life better.
The Building Company is a proud member of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). These memberships reflect our ongoing commitment to professionalism, ethical business practices, and staying at the forefront of industry standards.
