The walk-in shower vs. tub debate comes up in almost every bathroom remodel conversation KB Better Construction has with Regina homeowners. It is one of the most heavily debated bathroom remodel ideas because it drastically alters both your daily routine and the long-term equity of your property.
The answer depends on which bathroom you are renovating, how many bathrooms your home has, and who is likely to buy your home when you eventually sell. Here is an honest breakdown of both options and when each one makes sense for Regina's housing market.
The Walk-In Shower
A walk in shower renovation is increasingly the top request for primary ensuites. It offers a sleek, modern aesthetic and exceptional accessibility.
- Pros: Highly accessible (great for aging in place), makes a bathroom feel visually larger, easier to clean (especially with frameless glass and large-format tiles), and offers a premium, spa-like feel that buyers love.
- Cons: Generally more expensive to install due to custom waterproofing (like the Schluter system) and custom glass. It also removes the ability to bathe small children.
- Cost: Converting a tub to a walk-in shower in Regina typically ranges from $12,000–$25,000.
- Buyer Appeal: Extremely high in Regina for empty nesters, young professionals, and luxury buyers looking at primary ensuites.
The Bathtub
While massive jetted tubs from the 90s are out of style, modern freestanding soaker tubs and practical alcove tubs still hold serious weight in the real estate market.
- Pros: Essential for families with young children, great for resale value to first-time homebuyers, and freestanding models add a sculptural, high-end design element to a room.
- Cons: Takes up a large footprint, can be difficult for older adults to step into, and is often rarely used by busy homeowners.
- When It Is Essential: If you are selling a 3-bedroom home in a family-heavy neighborhood (like Harbour Landing or The Greens), lacking a bathtub can actually lower your bathroom resale value by alienating your primary buyer demographic.
The "One-Tub" Rule
Real estate agents across Saskatchewan generally agree on the "One-Tub Rule." This rule states that to maximize your home's resale value, you should maintain at least one functional bathtub somewhere in the house.
If you have a tub in the main hallway or kids' bathroom, you are completely safe to rip out the tub in your primary ensuite and replace it with a massive, luxurious walk-in shower. However, if removing your primary tub means your home will only have standing showers, you risk shrinking your buyer pool.
Primary Ensuite vs. Main Bathroom
The rules change depending on which room we are discussing:
- Primary Ensuite: Buyers want luxury here. A large, beautifully tiled walk-in shower with a rainfall showerhead will almost always yield a higher ROI than a standard tub/shower combo.
- Main/Kids Bathroom: Buyers expect practicality here. A durable alcove tub with a tiled surround is the smartest investment for a main floor or shared bathroom.
When to Do Both
If your footprint allows it, the absolute pinnacle of bathroom resale value is offering both.
In larger Regina homes, keeping a freestanding soaker tub as a focal point while building a separate, glass-enclosed walk-in shower provides the ultimate spa experience. Not sure if your layout can handle both? Check out our renovation cost guide to see what layout changes involve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I remove the only tub in my Regina home?
Generally not recommended if you plan to sell. Saskatchewan real estate agents advise keeping at least one bathtub in any home — its absence can deter buyers with young families.
Does a walk-in shower increase home value in Regina?
In a primary ensuite where a tub exists elsewhere in the home, yes — a frameless walk-in shower is a premium feature that appeals to most buyers in the Regina market.
How much does a walk-in shower conversion cost in Regina?
$12,000–$25,000 depending on size, tile selection, structural changes, and glass type. See our bathroom renovation cost guide for a full breakdown.
Ready to discuss your bathroom layout? Request a free quote to have the KB Better Construction team review your space.