Quick Answer: Whether a soaking tub is worth adding to your San Jose bathroom remodel depends heavily on your price point and buyer demographic. For homes in the $1M+ market (which covers most of San Jose in 2025), a freestanding soaking tub in the primary bath is viewed positively by buyers — it’s a luxury signal that adds perceived value. For homes under $1M, a large walk-in shower is typically more valued than a soaking tub because the majority of buyers prefer showers over baths for daily use. Current Bay Area remodeling trends: primary baths with a freestanding soaking tub AND a large separate walk-in shower sell best (the tub is aspirational but buyers want the shower for actual use). A freestanding soaking tub costs $800-$5,000 for the fixture plus $3,000-$6,000 for plumbing and tile surround — about $4,000-$10,000 additional compared to a no-tub design.
Soaking Tub vs. Walk-in Shower vs. Both — Bay Area Primary Bath 2025
Helpful Resources:
| Configuration | Added Cost | Buyer Appeal (Bay Area) | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walk-in shower only (no tub) | Baseline | High for guest and hall baths | Best for guest/hall bath |
| Standard drop-in tub + separate shower | +$2,000 – $5,000 vs shower-only | Moderate | Good for homes with children |
| Freestanding soaking tub + walk-in shower | +$4,000 – $10,000 | Very high for primary bath | Best ROI in primary bath ($1M+ homes) |
| Combination tub/shower | Lower cost | Low in primary bath | Best for small hall baths only |
Quartz Construction designs and builds primary bath remodels throughout San Jose — including freestanding tub installations, custom tile showers, and heated floors. CSLB #1003436 | Call (650) 749-7436.
Watch: San Jose Remodeling Projects by Quartz Construction
Watch: Bay Area Remodeling Insights
Expert tips and real project walkthroughs to help you plan your Bay Area home improvement.
What Our Bay Area Clients Say
4.9 ★ average rating across Google, Yelp, and Houzz from 150+ Bay Area homeowners.
"Quartz Construction did an amazing job on our kitchen remodel. The team was professional, on time, and the results exceeded our expectations. Highly recommend to any Bay Area homeowner!"
— Michael T. |
"We hired them for a bathroom remodel in our San Jose home. From permitting to final walkthrough, everything was handled perfectly. The tile work is stunning. 5 stars without hesitation."
— Sarah L. |
"Just finished our ADU garage conversion. The project came in on budget and on schedule — rare in the Bay Area! The rental income already started. Could not be happier with Quartz Construction."
— David R. |
Follow Us
See our latest projects, client photos, and Bay Area remodeling tips:
Get a Free Estimate
Licensed Bay Area contractor — CSLB #1003436 — serving San Jose, Fremont, Oakland, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale and all Bay Area communities.
Call: (650) 749-7436
Get a Free Estimate from Quartz Construction
Licensed General Contractor • CSLB Lic#1003436 • Serving San Jose, Santa Clara & Bay Area
