Older New Zealand homes were almost universally built with bathtubs. At the time, baths were considered essential, even in small bathrooms. Today, lifestyles have changed, and many homeowners question whether a bath still earns its place — especially during renovations in tight, outdated spaces.
The first consideration is household makeup. In homes with young children, a bathtub remains highly practical. Removing it often leads to daily inconvenience and, in some cases, the need for portable or improvised solutions. In contrast, adult-only households often find a well-designed shower more aligned with daily routines.
Bathroom size is a major driver. Older homes in Waikato frequently have compact bathrooms with inefficient layouts. Replacing a bath with a shower can dramatically improve circulation, storage options, and accessibility. This is particularly valuable for ageing-in-place renovations, where step-free showers reduce fall risk and improve long-term usability.
Plumbing and structure also influence the decision. Many older baths are set into timber floors with ageing waterproofing. Removing the bath provides an opportunity to upgrade waterproofing systems and improve drainage falls — something that is harder to achieve when keeping an old tub in place.
However, resale expectations should not be ignored. In many NZ family-oriented suburbs, buyers still expect at least one bathtub in the home. Removing the only bath can reduce appeal to families, even if the new shower is well executed. In multi-bathroom homes, keeping one bath while converting another to a shower often offers the best balance.
Cost is another factor. Converting a bath to a shower is not always cheaper than replacement. Tiling, waterproofing, glass screens, and drainage upgrades can add up quickly. The decision should be based on functionality, not the assumption of cost savings.
There is also a quality consideration. Poorly designed shower conversions — particularly in older bathrooms with limited space — can create water containment issues, increased cleaning effort, and long-term moisture problems. A bad shower is not an improvement over a serviceable bath.
In NZ renovations, the best outcomes come from aligning the bathroom with how the home is actually lived in today, while still respecting future resale needs. Replacing a bath with a shower can be a smart move — but only when it solves real problems rather than following a trend.