Claw foot bathtub

**K_M_McMahon** · 07-04-2009, 12:57 AM

Hello All...
Thanks for all the responses to my previous question. Allow me to try another one...

My house was built in 1942... I have 1.5 baths...

The full bath has a claw-foot tub (I am guessing it is original though that is just a wild guess...) Previous owner used an add-a-shower kit to put a curtain around it and added a shower-head piping up off the spigot...

Personally I hate the tub and would prefer a more traditional shower/tub as it would give a little more room for showers (only my 2 year old takes baths) and would prevent the water that drips behind the tub...

My question is... I have heard claw-foot tubs are valuable and a lot of people want them... I am planning on moving in 3-4 years so I don't want to make any changes that will negatively affect my resale value...

Which is more beneficial to resale value, keeping the tub and the add-a-shower or replacing it with a traditional tub/shower combo... more than likely a basic one (not an expensive one)

Thanks folks!
-Kevin

**tucsonhomes** · 07-04-2009, 08:22 AM

You should compare your home to those that are in your neighborhood, that have sold recently. Do they have baths like yours or do they have updated situations.

In general, most home improvements do increase the value of the property, however, the increase is usually less than the cost of the improvement. Most home improvements should be done to increase YOUR satisfaction in using the property. The increase in value is simply a side benefit.

**sandy** · 07-05-2009, 12:12 AM

Make sure that changing the bathtub is really a necessity. Because the improvement may cost you a lot more. It may be the reason that you need to sell your house at a higher price, which could be difficult in making a fast sale in the future.

**First Time Home Buyers** · 07-05-2009, 09:21 AM

My wife loves claw foot bathtubs and wants on in our house someday.

That being said, not everyone likes them. Make sure your house conforms to the neighborhood standard.

1940s doesn't sound like the time when they were putting these in homes standard, so maybe someone liked them and had it installed.

You could also take it out and sell it on ebay or Craigslist or something. It may garnish more value out of the home than in the home.

**RedCarpetSchool** · 07-06-2009, 12:33 PM

You have another 3- or 4 years in the house still. What would you be more comfortable with? If you where planning anything less then 2 years or so I would suggest you leave it. I did like the suggestion about other homes in the area are they selling in pre WWII styles thought out the house or are they starting to see updates in the kitchen and baths?