Do You Really Need a Tub in Your Master Bathroom? What Ann Arbor Homeowners Are Choosing in 2026

Updated February 2026:

If you’re thinking about removing a tub, you aren’t alone.

This trend has been picking up steam for the past few years. It seems most people would prefer to have a large tiled shower, potentially two shower heads, a bench, and grab bars. The fact is, most adults value additional storage space and a larger sink more than a bathtub.

"Do I really need a tub in my master bathroom?" is one of the questions we hear most often when homeowners come to us thinking about a bathroom remodel. While glorious, spa-like tubs were once sought after and would net you a nice return on your investment, experts are now split as to whether a master suite really needs a tub anymore. As populations age, accessibility is a factor. Tubs can be cumbersome to get in and out of, hard to clean, and are often set in with tile that was stylish when the tub was installed. If you are weighing the same decision, here is what we are seeing in Ann Arbor homes right now and what tends to work best for most people.

This Ann Arbor master bathroom remodel ditched the tub in favor of a second vanity with sink, and a bench with extra storage. If you look at the before picture, you can see just how difficult it probably was to utilize the master tub since it was behind the shower. Now the homeowners have a great new space, with plenty of room to get ready in the morning.

This pretty master bathroom features a gorgeous skylight. The dark tile in the former tub/shower combo was stealing the sun away from this room. The new shower has ample space and really lightens up the room.

This Ann Arbor couple removed their seldom-used whirlpool tub. A new tiled shower and glass block windows were installed in the old tub space. The old shower space now works better as a linen closet,  and the color scheme was updated to a clean grey and white.

A Few More Things Worth Knowing

The tub versus shower decision is one of the most common conversations in a bathroom remodel, but it is rarely the only one. If you are also thinking about storage, shelving, or how to make the whole space function better, our bathroom shelving and storage guide covers the options we recommend most often.

And if you want a realistic sense of what a bathroom remodel costs in the Ann Arbor area in 2026, our bathroom remodel cost guide walks through the full range.

Ready to talk through your bathroom? Reach out here and we will walk through what makes sense for your space.