[Oakland] Clawfoot Tub in Rentals?

Question

Hi All,

Starting the my rehab project in Oakland and the existing units have clawfoot tubs.  Would these be desirable in rentals in the Lake Merritt area?  I'm a shower guy and have always found clawfoot tubs a bit cramp when showering.  I'm also concerned about water splashing all over the place during showers and leaking to the units beneath.

Are clawfoot tubs worth keeping?  Are they more appealing than a standard tub/shower setup?

Thanks!

Calvin

Calvin Kwan · Answer

Wound up selling them for about $500-600 each. Was more hassle to get them restored. Would’ve kept them if I lived there.

Andrew Freed · Answer

@Calvin Kwan Here is a good article going over the pros and cons of this type of bathtub. Everything I'm reading seems like this is more of a hassle than a benefit. More cleaning is required, more expensive installation and upkeep, the weight of the item can be hard on old houses, all in all it doesn't seem to be beneficially for a rental. Perhaps your dream home but for investment purposes, I would pass.

https://www.remodelista.com/po...

Jared Hottle · Answer

I honestly do not like the look of them and I find more cleaning is needed around them. I would look to take them out and maybe if you dont break it put it on Facebook marketplace to see if someone needs one. I understand people love the character of them but just not my style.

David Cook · Answer

Hey Calvin - I'm asking myself the same question.  Curious to know what you ended up doing?  I'm in Brooklyn, NYC.  I reno'd one bathroom in a rental (very small) and took out the clawfoot & put in a 4 & 1/2 foot tub.   Have to say it's much cleaner looking with no water splashing out, no under-the-tub gunk/debris to worry about and no giant step in & out.  Now I have to reno another apt in the same house with a similar layout & am thinking of keeping the clawfoot, solely to save money on the reno.