The Bathroom Renovation That Could Actually Hurt Your Home's Value In 2026

Are you feeling tempted to renovate your bathroom thanks to those sleek powder rooms that keep popping up on your feed? We've all been there. Somewhere between the simplicity of that floating vanity, quirky wallpaper that adds a little whimsy, and a stunning light fixture that brings it all together, downsizing a bathroom can start to seem like a very smart and stylish move. But before you start gutting that tub-shower combo, it's worth taking a minute to ask what you're really giving up. Bathrooms aren't just about making a style statement. They're also about functionality. And although a dreamy powder room might look great on Instagram, it won't get nearly as many likes when it comes to the most competitive real estate markets. A missing tub or shower can quickly shave thousands off your home's value or make it way less attractive to potential buyers, making the conversion of a full bath to a 3/4 or half bath a renovation that could actually hurt your home's value in 2026.

Whether you covet a Pinterest-worthy powder room or you're wondering if you should remodel a bathroom before selling your house, spend more time researching the financial impact of any major changes than you do picking out the perfect fixtures. Although converting a half bath to a full bath typically increases your home's value, removing a shower or tub can make it worth way less. According to the National Association of Home Builders, 72% of first-time buyers say having both a shower and tub in a primary bath is essential. And, Angi reports that having at least one bathtub makes your home appealing to a much wider audience.

Downsizing your bathrooms can hurt your home's value because it impacts real-life usability. Families with young kids aren't looking at bathtubs as a luxury item. They're a necessity when it comes to familiar nightly routines or containing the mess after a playdate has gone off the rails. If you swap a tub for a sleek pedestal sink, you're not just changing the look of a bathroom. You're drastically altering how livable your home is for a huge segment of potential buyers. For households with multiple people getting ready for work or school at the same time, losing a shower can wreak similar havoc on morning rhythms. Suddenly, two adults, or worse, teenagers, having to share a single shower becomes a breeding ground for arguments and resentment. As potential homebuyers try to mentally move in during a viewing, this is definitely an issue they'll replay in their minds. Plus, many people start house hunting with a minimum bathroom count in mind, and when your listing loses a full bath, it can quickly drop your home from search results altogether.

Even if buyers make you an offer, a property's appraisal value can be negatively affected by reducing the number of bathrooms. (Don't get us started on what happens when you DIY and don't get the change properly permitted!) Even if your new powder room has extremely high-end fixtures, fewer functional bathrooms translate to lower perceived value. This can complicate things, whether you're trying to refinance or sell. If you must update your bathroom, the smartest move is to balance its existing function with refreshed finishes like updated countertops, better lighting, or a fresh coat of paint.