Should You Replace Your Bathtub with a Shower Stall for Resale?

Homeowners often face decisions that can impact both their comfort and the future resale value of their property. One common dilemma is whether to replace a traditional bathtub with a shower stall. A reader recently posed this question, asking if the absence of a bathtub could hinder the sale of their home.

According to real estate expert Steve Meyers from Realty Executives Home Towne, homeowners should prioritize their personal needs. He suggests that if converting a bathtub to a shower stall enhances daily comfort, it is a worthwhile change. Should the absence of a bathtub become a concern during the resale process, Meyers advises that homeowners can either revert to a tub or offer the buyer an allowance for the modification.

Shifting focus to another crucial aspect of home maintenance, Meyers highlights the importance of proper clothes dryer venting. He frequently assesses appliances in homes, including washing machines and dryers, during transactions.

The types of ducting for dryers include flexible, semi-rigid, and rigid options. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that between 2014 and 2018, there were approximately 13,820 home structure fires annually linked to dryers, resulting in an average of seven civilian deaths, 344 injuries, and $233 million in property damage each year. A significant factor contributing to these incidents is lint buildup within the ducting, which can ignite from sparks or excessive heat.

Meyers emphasizes that flexible and semi-rigid ducts are more prone to lint accumulation due to their ribbed interiors. In contrast, rigid metal ducts are smoother and less likely to trap lint. The NFPA indicates that a third of dryer fires stem from inadequate cleaning, underscoring the necessity of maintaining both the ductwork and the dryer itself.

In terms of the housing market, September 2023 data for Macomb County and Oakland County reveals notable trends. The average sales price in Macomb County increased by nearly 5%, while Oakland County saw a rise of over 5%. Inventory levels remained relatively stable, with Macomb County holding steady at 0% change, while Oakland County’s inventory increased by more than 5%.

The average days on the market were 29 days for Macomb County and 25 days for Oakland County. Closed sales also experienced positive growth, with a more than 2% increase in Macomb County and over 4% in Oakland County.

According to the historical definitions established by the National Association of Realtors, the Michigan housing market is still classified as a seller’s market. As of September, Michigan’s overall inventory stood at 2.8 months of supply, with Macomb County at 2.4 months and Oakland County at 2.5 months. These figures indicate a continued demand for housing, as the supply remains below the threshold for a buyer’s market.

For further inquiries, Steve Meyers can be reached at 586-997-5480 or via email at [email protected]. His website, AnswersToRealEstateQuestions.com, provides additional resources for homeowners and potential buyers.