TL;DR: Empty nesters across the U.S. are converting their bathtubs into walk-in showers to improve bathroom functionality, accessibility, and resale value. A tub to shower conversion in Amherst, MA is one of the most popular home upgrades among homeowners in their 50s and 60s—and for good reasons that go well beyond aesthetics.

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The kids are grown. The house feels bigger. And suddenly, that oversized bathtub in the master bathroom—the one you bought for family bath time—feels like a relic from a different chapter of life.

For many empty nesters, this moment becomes a catalyst. Not just for decluttering or redecorating, but for rethinking how their home should serve them now. And one of the first things to go? The tub.

Tub to shower conversions are surging in popularity among homeowners 50 and older, and it’s not hard to see why. The shift reflects something bigger: a generation of homeowners redesigning their spaces around their current lifestyle—not the one they had 20 years ago.

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Key Takeaways

• Empty nesters are converting bathtubs to showers to reclaim space, improve safety, and align their homes with their current lifestyle.
• A tub to shower conversion in Amherst, MA can increase home value and appeal to a wider pool of buyers.
• Walk-in showers are easier to clean, more accessible, and far more practical for daily use than a tub most people rarely use.

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Why Do Empty Nesters Stop Using Their Bathtubs?

Bathtubs make a lot of sense when you have young children. Bath time is a routine, a ritual, and a necessity. But once those kids leave home, the math changes quickly.

According to a Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies report, homeowners aged 55 and older represent the fastest-growing segment of the home renovation market. Many of those renovations are bathroom-focused—and the primary driver is practicality.

Most adults simply don’t take baths regularly. A 2019 survey by Schlage found that fewer than 10% of adults use their bathtub more than once a week. For empty nesters specifically, a large soaking tub becomes an underused fixture that takes up valuable square footage and requires regular cleaning regardless of use.

The calculation becomes obvious: why maintain something you’re not using?

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What Are the Main Benefits of Converting a Tub to a Shower?

More Space and a More Open Feel

Standard bathtubs occupy a fixed footprint—usually around 13 to 15 square feet. A well-designed walk-in shower can use that same space far more efficiently, or even open the bathroom up entirely if a smaller shower footprint is chosen.

For empty nesters looking to give their master bathroom a refresh, this reclaimed space can feel transformative. Frameless glass panels, large-format tiles, and curbless designs create an open, spa-like atmosphere that a tub-and-shower combo rarely achieves.

Improved Accessibility and Long-Term Safety

This is where the conversation gets practical—and important. Climbing in and out of a bathtub involves stepping over a 15- to 20-inch ledge. For younger homeowners, that’s a non-issue. For those in their 50s, 60s, and beyond, it becomes a genuine safety concern over time.

Walk-in showers, especially curbless or low-threshold designs, eliminate that barrier. Add a built-in bench, a handheld showerhead, and grab bars, and you have a bathroom that supports aging in place without looking clinical or institutional.

The National Council on Aging reports that falls are the leading cause of injury among adults 65 and older, with bathrooms being one of the most common locations. Removing the tub is one of the most impactful steps homeowners can take to reduce that risk.

Easier to Clean and Maintain

Ask any homeowner: bathtubs are a pain to clean. The corners, the jets (if applicable), the grout lines along the bottom—it’s time-consuming. A modern walk-in shower with large-format tiles and minimal grout lines takes a fraction of the time.

For empty nesters who are often thinking about simplifying their routines, this alone can be a deciding factor.

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Does Removing a Bathtub Hurt Your Home’s Resale Value?

This question comes up often, and it’s worth addressing directly.

The conventional wisdom has long been that you need at least one bathtub in a home to maintain resale value. That rule still holds—but it applies to the home overall, not every bathroom.

If a home has two full bathrooms, converting the master bath tub to a shower while retaining the tub in the second bathroom is generally considered safe from a resale standpoint. Many real estate professionals actually argue that a beautifully designed walk-in shower in the master bath is a selling point, particularly among buyers in the 40-60 age range who make up a large share of the market for larger family homes.

In markets like Amherst and the broader Pioneer Valley area, where housing stock skews older and buyers often want move-in-ready homes with updated bathrooms, a modern tub to shower conversion in Amherst, MA can make a property significantly more competitive.

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What Should Empty Nesters Consider Before Starting a Tub-to-Shower Conversion?

Does the Plumbing Support the Change?

A tub-to-shower conversion isn’t just a cosmetic swap. It involves rerouting or adjusting plumbing, installing a proper shower drain, waterproofing the walls and floor, and ensuring adequate water pressure for the new showerhead setup. Working with an experienced contractor ensures these technical requirements are handled correctly from the start.

What Style and Features Are Right for the Space?

Walk-in showers offer a wide range of design options:

• Curbless (zero-threshold): Best for accessibility and a sleek, modern look
• Low curb: Easier to waterproof while still relatively accessible
• Built-in bench seating: Adds comfort and functionality
• Rainfall showerhead + handheld combo: A popular choice for everyday luxury
• Niche shelving: Keeps the space clean and organized

The right combination depends on your bathroom dimensions, your design preferences, and how long you plan to stay in the home.

Should You Keep the Tub Somewhere Else in the Home?

If you have a second full bathroom, consider whether it makes sense to retain a tub there. This keeps your options open for resale and ensures guests or future occupants have access to one. If your home only has one bathroom, the calculus changes—and it’s worth discussing with your contractor before making a final call.

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Is a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Right for Your Home?

The right time for a tub to shower conversion is when your bathroom stops working for the life you’re actually living. For empty nesters, that inflection point often arrives naturally: the house is quieter, routines have shifted, and the bathroom that served a family of four now needs to serve two adults (or one).

At Inaugural Home Improvements, we work with homeowners throughout Amherst and the surrounding area to design and install tub to shower conversions in Amherst, MA that balance functionality, accessibility, and long-term value. Every project starts with understanding how you use your space—and what you want it to feel like going forward.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a tub-to-shower conversion cost in Amherst, MA?
Costs vary depending on the size of the space, the materials chosen, and the complexity of the plumbing work. A basic conversion typically starts around $3,000–$5,000, while a custom walk-in shower with premium tile and fixtures can run $10,000 or more. Getting a professional quote is the most reliable way to understand your specific project costs.

How long does a tub-to-shower conversion take to complete?
Most standard conversions take between three and five days. More complex projects involving structural changes or custom tilework may take up to two weeks. Your contractor should provide a clear timeline before work begins.

Will removing my bathtub hurt my home’s resale value?
Not necessarily. If your home retains at least one bathtub—typically in a second bathroom—removing the tub from the master bath is unlikely to negatively affect resale value. In many cases, a well-designed walk-in shower enhances appeal among buyers.

What is the most accessible shower design for aging in place?
A curbless (zero-threshold) shower with a built-in bench, grab bars, and a handheld showerhead is considered the gold standard for accessibility and aging-in-place design.

Can any bathroom be converted from a tub to a shower?
Most bathrooms can accommodate a conversion, but the existing plumbing layout, floor structure, and room dimensions all factor into the project scope. A professional assessment will confirm what’s possible in your specific space.