Deciding which bathroom gets what....

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Next up, is remodeling the bathrooms. They are currently functional, but that is all I can say about them. The main bathroom is 5'x13' and is your usual layout of a vanity, toilet and tub/shower combo unit.

The master bath is 5' wide by 6' deep. with the tub/shower unit along the 5' wall, the toilet and sink along the rest of the other wall. The unusual feature about the MBR is that there is a step down from the vanity to the tub/shower and toilet. Quirky but weird.

The other bathroom is one that I will be installing in our basement. It will be the typical 3 piece unit, Toilet, shower, vanity but, I will be using a macerating system as I don't want to dig up the floor.

Yes, I will be doing as much work myself as possible. And, yes, Permits will be pulled.

Shluter Ditra/Kerdi or similar will be used in all shower/tub applications. Mold resistant drywall in all other areas, along with mold resistant joint compound, assuming they make such a thing. I hate mold and I feel that the more waterproofing the better.

I will also be switching from traditional copper to a pex modified home run system. (A main manifold running a 3/4" run to a sub manifold at each point of use)

Tiling will be done by me as well. I have done tiling as a side job whenever I needed money and I am confident I can handle it.

What I need help with is deciding which of the 3 bathrooms get a tub as well as a shower. I have always wanted a curbless walk in shower with glass barn doors. I am thinking that the master bath gets this and the main bath gets the alcove tub with tile surround. The other bath gets a larger shower, no tub.

Any thoughts?

I will be adding photos later today.

Thanks, Dan

PS, I live in the mountains of Colorado at about 7500 feet.

Featured Answer

PRO

Designer Drains

8 years ago

I also vote for the walk in shower, unless you are going to soak in the tub 4-5 times a week, it just takes up space.

https://designerdrains.com/tips/8-simple-bathroom-design-tips/

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Comments (9)

RaiKai
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Most people prefer walk in showers. My vote is a walk in for ensuite over a tub. Whether or not it needs to be tiled sort of depends.

I am a bit confused as you say what you want but then note this is a rental. That is planning for two things at once that may not necessarily coincide.

A high end rental? Sure. Do the tile. Not so high end? Eh...I think the lower maintenance, the better. Tile and grout looks pretty as long as it is kept clean, but not every renter may be as motivated to keep things clean. If intended market is families, a tub or tub/shower unit somewhere in house is a good idea. Again, a tiled drop in depends on market.

Also, you can do “tiling” as you said but please make sure you can also do “waterproofing” and proper tiling in a shower. A lot less room for error unless you want to be ripping it out when the wall rots in a year.
PRO
Sina Sadeddin Architectural Design
8 years ago
I urge you to hire a professional to do the waterproofing. That's not something that should be DIYed, even with experience. The rest is cosmetic, but waterproofing can impact your entire home.

Do the walk-in shower for the ensuite, the tub/shower combo for the other main bathroom, and the basement bathroom can have just a shower.
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Dan
Original Author
8 years ago
No tub soaking other than in the hot tub. I do know that we need 1 tub for washing the kids, both 4 legged and 2.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
8 years ago
your M bath is 5 x 6’ is that right .There is IMO no space for even a tolet and vanity along the 6’ wall. Maybe post some pics and floor plans.
Dan
Original Author
8 years ago
Sorry, I forgot to include the tub when I calculated the depth. It is 5' wide. 8'8" deep.

The vanity is on a 36" platform and the toilet and tub is 7 1/2" down.
The reason for the step down is due to roof pitch.

We do have a new vanity. The grey tile seen in the first picture is what we are planning on for the floor. Still deciding on what to use for the tub/shower. Hoping to do minimal tear out, but I will be tearing out the existing shower/tub.
arcy_gw
8 years ago
If you are going to the huge added expense of using Shluter Ditra/Kerdi why aren't you making a walk in? That is what their systems specialize in, WHY they were invented.
Dan
Original Author
8 years ago
Yes, I plan on using Ditra/Kerdi or similar. What I am asking for is where should I put the walk-in. The MBR or the Main BR.

The new bathroom that I am planning for the basement will just have a shower in it. It will have a macerating toilet that will have the shower and vanity running in to it.
katinparadise
8 years ago
A curbless shower requires a recessed shower floor for installation. There is a slope required for draining.

At any rate, I agree that unless you soak in the tub in the master bath, I would do the shower in that room, tub in the main bath, and shower in the basement bath.
Dan thanked katinparadise