Primary Bathroom Remodels: Should You Keep the Tub or Opt for a Larger Shower?

If you’re planning a primary bathroom remodel in Northeast Ohio, one of the biggest design decisions you’ll face is whether to keep your bathtub, remove it and expand the shower, or include both as separate features. Each option offers its own benefits. The best choice depends on your lifestyle, your home’s layout and how you intend to use the space in the years ahead.

At Dover Home Remodelers, we’ve helped Cleveland-area homeowners make these decisions for over 40 years. Below is a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you determine what will work best in your home.

Keep the Tub: When a Bathtub Still Makes Sense

For many homeowners, a bathtub is more than just a luxury. It serves as a place to unwind, soothe sore muscles and relax after a long day. In Northeast Ohio, with our long, cold winters, a warm tub offers a comforting retreat.

Benefits of Keeping a Bathtub

• Boosts resale appeal. Some home buyers still look for a tub in the primary bathroom, especially young families or those who enjoy long baths.
• Spa-like relaxation. Freestanding tubs make a bold visual statement and add a soothing, spa-inspired atmosphere to a renovated bathroom.
• Great for daily comfort. A deep soak is perfect for warming up after a Lake Erie snowstorm or a long day on the go.

Things to Consider

• Takes up valuable space. In older Cleveland and surrounding suburb homes, bathroom square footage can be limited. Keeping a tub may restrict layout options for the remodeled space.
• Not always used. Many times, homeowners realize they are keeping a tub they rarely use.

For the primary bathroom remodel shown below, the homeowners chose to keep both the tub and the shower—the upgraded design includes a new spacious, spa-like shower and a deep soaking tub, with an overall sleek, modern aesthetic that feels clean and fresh.

Replacing the Tub With an Oversized Shower: A Growing Trend in NE Ohio

One of the most popular trends we see in our remodeling projects is replacing the traditional bathtub with a large, walk-in, luxurious shower that aligns with wellness practices. This design choice can completely transform a primary bathroom—and it’s gaining momentum nationwide. According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) 2026 Bath Trends Report, bathrooms are expanding in size—nearly three-fourths of respondents (72%) indicated that homeowners are creating more space for wellness-centered areas, universal design features and efficient storage solutions. And 55% stated that enlarging the shower is more important to customers than including a bathtub.

Benefits of an Expanded Shower

• Everyday convenience. Most people shower much more often than they bathe. A larger shower makes for a more comfortable daily routine.
• Cleaner, more open layout. Removing the tub often creates a more spacious floor plan. Many homeowners appreciate the modern, open feel it provides.
• Custom features. Oversized showers allow space for upgraded elements like body sprays, rainfall showerheads, built-in niches and seating.
• Low maintenance. Showers are easier to clean and maintain than oversized tubs.

Things to Consider

• Impact on resale value. Homes without a tub in the primary suite can still sell well in the NE Ohio market, but buyers with young children or those who enjoy baths might see it as a drawback if there are no other bathtubs in the home.
• Loss of a soaking option. If you love a long bath, removing the tub may leave you missing that element of relaxation.

Having Both a Tub and a Shower: The Best of Both Worlds

If your space allows, having a separate tub and walk-in shower is the ideal scenario. Many Cleveland-area remodels include a freestanding tub paired with a spacious custom shower.

Benefits of Having Both

• Maximum flexibility. Enjoy the convenience of a walk-in shower and the comfort of a soaking tub.
• Appeals to a broader range of buyers. This layout often adds value because it checks every box for future homeowners. A separate tub and shower also create a sense of luxury, giving homeowners their own spa retreat at home.
• Creates a genuine retreat. A beautiful tub paired with an upgraded shower enhances the overall bathroom experience.

Things to Consider

• May require reworking layout. Not all homes have enough square footage for both a shower and tub without structural changes.
• Higher project cost. Doubling up on fixtures increases upfront investment and long-term maintenance costs. Additional plumbing and water lines may also need to be run depending on the layout changes and the location of the tub and shower.

The Rise of Zero-Entry Showers: A Smart Choice for Aging in Place

Which Option Is Right for Your Bathroom Remodel?

There is no one answer that works for everyone. The best choice depends on your priorities, space and how you intend to use your primary bathroom. Here are some questions to help guide your decision:

• Do you regularly take baths?
• Is maximizing floor space more important than tub functionality?
• Are you planning to stay in your home for many years?
• Do you want accessibility features for aging in place?
• What layout works best for your NE Ohio home’s footprint?

A well-planned primary bathroom remodel should improve your daily routine and make your space both beautiful and functional.

Let Dover Help You Plan Your Primary Bathroom Remodel

Whether you want to keep the tub, remove it or create a layout that includes both, our team at Dover Home Remodelers can help you get the details right. We design and build primary bathrooms for homeowners throughout Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, and we would love to help you create a space that fits your lifestyle today and in the years ahead.

The best is yet to come,
Beth Orr