Help Updating Bathroom - x-Post

17 years ago

IÂm cross-posting this request on both the Decorating and Bathroom forums on the chance that different suggestions might be forthcoming.

This coming winter we plan to update our Main Bath. In our case, as we are empty nesters, this is the full bathroom for our guests. We have a Master Bath. Currently the room is unchanged from the builder with exception of the wall paper, by-pass shower door and some additional towel bars. It measures approximately 5 x 8.5 feet. We plan to replace the sheet flooring with tile and update the vanity, light, mirror and water closet.

Here is my request for guidance. DH believes the bathtub should be replaced with a step-in shower on the belief that for a future owner, our two guest rooms would be occupied by children who would prefer a shower to a tub/shower. He also thinks the step-in would be easier for visiting senior citizen parents and with a soak tub in the Master that a second bathtub is not necessary for the home.

DH is very capable and will do most of the work and it does not seem like relocating the fixtures is practical. I just do not want to devalue the home by removing a bathtub. And we only had boys - never a daughter to know their preference. Experience, advice, suggestions are requested. IÂm linking photos of the room.

Here is a link that might be useful: Main Bathroom

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

pooks1976
17 years ago
Hey I have that same bathroom, which I am in the beginning stages of remodeling. Since tub/showers seem to be hated, I am sure I am going to be in the minority.

After much thought, we are keeping the tub/shower. Here is our line of thinking. We have a six year old. She takes a bath and this is her bathroom. It was a pain to bathe her in the big tub in the master. Hurts the back to reach in that far down. Since she is young she wonÂt have any issue stepping over the tub to use it as a shower when she is older.

I know the general rule is that a house has to a have a tub somewhere, but I really think, if you have a house that will be occupied by young children that a tub is necessary in their bathroom. As a mother I wouldnÂt buy one with just a shower in the kids bathroom and a tub in the master. JMO.

As for a step in being ideal for visiting seniors, this is true, but since they are just visiting, we prefer the house to work for the people who are here the majority of the time.

I have seen some beautiful showers done in bathrooms like ours, link, but it just wouldnÂt be practical in our situation.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/bath/msg0311095824390.html?24
Look at msgreatdealÂs shower.
weedyacres
17 years ago
I wouldn't take out a tub because you think the future owners would prefer a shower. I would only take it out if it will be much more functional for YOU (i.e., your guests) to have a shower AND you expect to be in the house a very long time.

If you had a 3rd bath in the house with a tub, it would be ok to convert this tub to a shower.
Related Professionals
Jonesboro Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Nashville Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Beaumont Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · McAllen Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Ogden Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Gillette Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Hot Springs Bathroom Remodelers · Fort Dodge Bathroom Remodelers · Mankato Bathroom Remodelers · Merced Bathroom Remodelers · Boise Bathroom Remodelers · Sedalia Tile and Stone Contractors · College Station Tile and Stone Contractors · Odessa Tile and Stone Contractors · Twin Falls Tile and Stone Contractors
fnmroberts
Original Author
17 years ago
Thank you for your replies. Everyone on both forums recommends retaining the tub. As I do not use a shower myself I needed input for this decision.

Thank you cori25 for the link, msgreatdealÂs bath is exactly what my DH was wanting but this will save him some work.
User
17 years ago
I would not remove the bathtub from the guest bath even if that's what you prefer. We're in the same boat, empty nesters trying to upgrade in a way that will still appeal to the masses. We've removed the tub from the master and left the tub in the main bathroom. The reason: most parents do not relish the idea of sharing their bathroom, that's "their" private spot. Most children especially younger ones need a tub. I'd just keep the same basic set up you have now and embellish up on it.
laurmela
17 years ago
We just redid our guest/kids bath. It was the only bath in the house, master only has a shower (no room for more). I decided that I wanted a jetted tub, for me! Kids only take showers and DH and I are the only ones using the tub, but it is great! Here are a few pics.

It is a small bath, but we made it work.

Have fun with yours!

Laura
pooks1976
17 years ago
Lauraella,

I noticed your bathroom on another tread, it is so lovely. Can I ask what kind of vanity and bath tub you have?

Thanks,
Cori
laurmela
17 years ago
The bathtub is a Jacuzzi Espree and the vanity and mirror were Allen Roth that we got at Lowes. They have since discontinued that line! Why is it when we finally find something we like it gets discontinued?