When considering a walk-in tub you need to understand the immediate benefits and the future resale value of your home if you intend to ever sell your home. If you never intend to sell your home, then the value rests solely on its value TO YOU.
A home appraisal for refinance purposes while you are still living in your home is unlikely to include the bathtubs and showers. Most appraisals don’t even require an appraiser to come into your home. So for refinance purposes, the value of a walk-in tub is negligible.
If you intend to leave your home to a family member, the value will be based on how they see the walk-in tub. Will it be beneficial to them at the time they stand to inherit your home or will they be more interested in a shower stall or a large tub for small children?
If you intend to sell your home, a walk-in tub could be an added benefit for older buyers or a family who is caregiving for an elderly person, which would increase the desirability of your home. But for most younger buyers, yes, this may throw them off. But as long as your home has at least one regular bathtub, this will not change the value of the home for appraisal purposes.
In today’s market, a lot of buyers are older and retired. Baby boomers are demanding homes at a higher rate than ever before. A walk-in tub could absolutely increase the value of your home for those buyers.
So all in all, the main question is, what is its value to you? Would a walk-in tub increase your quality of life? Would it allow you to stay in your home longer? Would it make caregiving easier for those who help to care for you? Most walk-in tub owners agree that it makes their lives much easier, safer, and more enjoyable.
