Tubs are just a marketing gimmick to get a certain demographic of women more inclined to buy. Most people really dont want tubs

I asked almost the same question a while back, except we had already eliminated a tub from a second bath. I was told no problem with resale, that a "full bath" meant tub or shower. I think as long as there is some place to bathe the little ones you will be ok.

PS: We don't use our large, jetted tub in our master bath either. Currently I have a cat litter box in it. This is gross I know, but we have three cats, it is a waterproof area, and, easy to reach for cleaning! I have covered it up with a large rattan box to try and make it more acceptable.

Hi, if there is a tub in the main bathroom it would be okay not to have a tub in the master ensuite. But it all depends on the local real estate in your area and what is considered a 'must-have'.

We don't have a tub in our master bath. That bathroom is so small the tub would have to be a bucket. But we do have a tub in our front bathroom, a much bigger room.

I think you're probably fine in many if not most markets. A nice shower will substitute just as well, is more practical, and with the right fixtures is a much greener option anyway. I wouldn't recommend a house without a bath anywhere, because we all love the illusion of luxury (of time, of money) that it's presence provides, and honestly families with young children actually need it; since you have one, I wouldn't be concerned.

If you watch HGTV or DIY, you know that rainshowers are all the rage, and for good reason: we don't have time for leisurely bathing any more (or the money, really), but a nice shower in the morning is a great start to the day.

Its a Sales Gimmick about Tubs , if you think its a waste and do not use it then get rid of it .

As a designer, I see a movement away from tubs. You may want to speak to a Realtor in your area, however.

Hi, I'm the REALTOR® posting. Yes, a tub is a must-have for bathing children, future children or grandchildren. I have seen beautiful estate homes in established neighborhoods struggle and settle for much lower sales prices because there was no tub. I agree that it would be acceptable to have no tub in the master, especially if sacrificing the tub is to provide larger shower or storage. It really would be best to get professional advice from a REALTOR® who specializes in your neighborhood. Email me directly if I may help you connect with an excellent agent. lbrown@marthaturner.com p.s. I live in Houston where it is hot and humid, and I soak in my tub most nights. I, personally, would not buy a home without a tub in the master bath.

I'm with you, Lanie. I love tubs and wouldn't buy a house without one for my own use, even though our son is grown. It isn't that I need a tub in the Master bath (our clawfoot tub is in our little third floor guest bath, which makes for wonderful privacy and the illusion that the rest of the world has disappeared), but I need a nice one somewhere. I rarely speak up in these tub bashing discussions because I know I'm in the minority these days, but it's nice to hear reliable advice from a realtor about the issue of tubs and resale.

I guess I am too type A. When I do fill our tub and get in, it isn't very long before I feel the need to get up, out and on with something! Don't really understand it, since I love soaking in an outdoor hot tub...

pcmom1 - me too! Can't stand to sit still for too long.......

i cant get it filled before ive moved on. The only thing I use less than a tub is a fireplace.

I don't even know how to use our fireplace. Never had a gas fireplace before.

We just eliminated a 9-foot whirpool tub and installed a large shower with rainhead plus a side handheld spray; used Moen's 90-degree collection and put Basco double French shower doors on opening. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THE SHOWER and never used the tub. Also freed up enough space for a second closet in the master bath (we do have a tub in guest bath downstairs).

make the question a poll question. I'd expect 25% for keeping the tub.

We are currently building and did not put a tub in the master bath. We do have one in the other 2 bathrooms. In our last house that we were in for a little over 6 years we had a huge jetted tub and I got it in the whole amount of two times! I bathed the cats and dogs in the tub more than I ever got in it. BUT there are some women who absolutely Love soaking and taking a long bath... I'm just not one of them.

Doctors I worked for said you should always take a shower after tub bath....got no argument from me. Guess I have always been a shower gal. Been trying to convince my husband to change our tub to walk in shower. He throws back that "all women want a tub" argument - that we could not sell the house or would take a loss....We have a tub in the hall bath and a walk in shower in kitchen bath. I don't buy it.

Depending on the level of your home, as long as there is a tub in another bathroom, you're OK to not have one in the master bathroom.

I can understand how eliminating a tub and providing more space and storage with a fresher and more contemporary look and interior finishes in the master bath are always a plus for resale.

If it is step one of "The Master Plan" be sure you have steps two and three in mind.

Bobbi, I use my fireplace too and wear a sweatshirt to the market in the summer because the A/C is so cold. My husband is now convinced that marrying me and moving me from Ohio was a rescue mission. Thanks, All, for the fun tub debate. direland, I hope you got the advice you sought.

You definately can go with a space without a tub. Just go with a shower.

Just leave a future space 5'x3', or 6'x3'6'...for a tub. this leaves a space, one you can use for furniture or a chaise. Then a future owner can install a tub. This is easy and one without major renovation.

Add storage space, and one space for a future tub. Thanks,

Dear Okeoma,

I think all your plans will add great value to your home. Luxury showers sell!

I would love to take the tub out of our master. No one uses it anyway. It's all about the oversized shower in the master and the little tub for the kids, right? My husband thinks we would kill our resale value, but I definitely think people are getting away from master tubs. I'll get my way, but it's going to take a little convincing.

I just don't have time to clean the whirlpool. Showers get cleaned once a week while standing up. Tubs must be cleaned after each use, on your knees.

Oh, I'm a bubblebath freak ... have to have a tub! I only use Epsom salt to soak and before I get out, I always wash around the tub with my washcloth, then when I'm out, I just rinse the tub with handshower on boiling hot .... only clean tub 1x/month (and it doesn't even need it then!) as it doesn't get dirty.

we are looking for a new house right now, & the one house that met most of our needs, that we fell in love with, had zero tubs! Our four kids are ages 12-6, so the only one who still really does take baths more so then showers, is the 6 year old. Occassionally, one of the boys comes home from football or soccer and is sore, a bath is also something that they enjoy. So, in order to make this house work for us, we would have to rip up one of the recently remodeled bathrooms, and install a tub, or, put in a bathroom in an unfinished bonus room. Both options= more money that we don't want to sink into a house we are all ready paying $500K for. So, the moral of the story for us is as we are looking at building now too, is to make sure there is at least one bathroom with a tub. On the build option, we are not planning on having a tub in the 1st floor master, instead, a very large dual shower head stall, but will definitely be putting a tub, in one of the bathrooms on the 2nd floor.

Yes, there should always be at least one tub somewhere!

I'm with Arlene Warda...as long as there is space in the mater bath where a tub could be installed in the future, then go for the shower and no tub now...assuming a tub somewhere in the home.

Thanks for this discussion. My husband and I were just having this discussion too! I've never been much of a bath person (gotta shower to rinse after bath and who has time). Anyway, sounds like a nice big shower for two might be a better choice. I have 2 other bathrooms upstairs both with tubs so resale should be okay. Thanks!

Went to the home show and saw this bathroom designer from DIY. He said as long as you have one bathroom with a tub, that's all you need. I like to have and give privacy, so I would prefer to have a seperate sink and counter area outside the actual bathroom, where the shower and toilet is. Hyatt Place hotels have that and it's such a smart idea. Two people can get ready at the same time.

Makes total sense to me to have a hotel-like set up: sink in each bedroom then a bath/toilet area with privacy.

Another realtor with an opinion. Every home must have a tub somewhere, hopefully on the same floor as the bedrooms. Also, no need to go to the expense of a jetted tub, they have a bad rap now for not being able to clean the jets properly between uses, and harboring dangerous bacteria that can cause nasty infections.

Oh, great! I have a jetted tub....eek

I think you can just put a cup of bleach in the water once a month and let it run for 10 minutes. I also do that monthly to my washing machine.