I would def do the freestanding tub. It just gives the bathroom an elevated more luxurious feel.
(If you don’t have a bathtub anywhere else in the house, a tub is a must.)
I have a drop in tub with shower attached and it’s a pain to clean. It also takes up so much space because of the tile that surrounds it. I’ve been wanting g to tear it out and create a separate shower with stand alone tub.
Good luck! It’s looks like an awesome
Space!

It really is up to you to find that answer. It does seem like a good floor plan. For me I would forget the tub completely because I never take a bath, I always shower. I would opt for a bigger shower. We have a huge drop in jetted tub in our master that I’ve used twice and is now just a huge storage space. I hate it. it’s way to big at 72” for me at 5’1” to be comfortable. I can’t lounge. It’s hard to get out of. But we also have a hot tub outside we use pretty much every night. I do appreciate a good soak. Congratulations on you new house!

Thank you both for the feedback. I’m glad you mentioned the hot tub Cheryl, we will have one as well.. also there is a tub in the Jack and Jill.. I think my concern is it looking nice from the bathroom entry since the layout seems to be made for a tub. Like do I want to walk into a bathroom and see part of a shower? or a tub? But again, that’s not a very practical way to think of something you use everyday like a shower. Thank you both so much. It has actually really helped me understand why I’m so conflicted!

You’ve roughed in for the tub so it seems your decision is made, it’s literally cast in the slab. Didn’t you have a particular tub chosen so the could get the drain and supply lines set properly?

IMO unless you have at least 12” all around the free standing tub you do not have room for one. I have not used the new free standing tubs but even as a kid i found getting in and out of our claw foot tub a pain. I think you can just as nice of lookung bathroom with a alcove soaker tub and you have the perfect alcove for one . If you are on a slab you might have some issues now no matter what tub you choose.

Our slab hasn’t been poured but the plumbing is laid ready for the pour. (Rain delays). No I haven’t chosen a tub at this stage.
So, just to be clear, since the plumbing is laid, we HAVE to put in a tub? (After thinking things though I think a bigger shower could work, design-wise).

I will talk to my builder but I just assumed taking away a plumbing option wouldn’t be as big of a deal as adding. However, I have no idea. This is the first time we’ve built. Thanks again for your feedback!

It’s also worth noting that we’ve gone a little unconventional in our build method. We have a builder but we have a build-your-own hybrid arrangement with him. He hires contractors, manages schedule, etc. We do the rest.

Where is your plumbing for your shower? Shouldn't that wall be thicker? I think you will end up with less width than you think you have, which will make a freestanding tub too tight of a fit.

You could do a bigger shower, but IMO that will only serve if you start adding shower heads. If you only have one it's just wasted space.

If you don't want a tub, you could make that area a really nice window seat. If you don't take baths often, it will look as nice and be less of a pain to clean.

I think freestanding tubs in tight spaces look uncomfortable, but I'm claustrophobic, so that might be it. I've seen some alcove tubs that look lovely. But it may depend on what style you are going for. Do you have any inspiration photos?

Free standing tubs should have sufficient space around them to clean easily, you do not appear to have that.

Here's my take: Tile showers are a PITA to clean so the larger =/= the better. It appears that you have a large enough shower anyway so no, I would not increase the shower size.

I don't really take baths so we didn't put one in our new build. However, you do and the plumbing is already roughed in so I'd put one in. You could get a freestanding one more on the small side (59").

on a side note.....I would change the swing of the door so it swings into the master bedroom. it will be awkward to walk around that door every day.

After living with, and cleaning around, 2 charming free standing tubs I opted for a cast iron alcove tub in my new build and have not regretted the decision. There are so many styles to choose from and as far as making them a focal point there are lots of options. You can tile to the ceiling, tile part way up and then wallpaper or hang art (or both), do beautiful millwork above your tile, use a wall mount tub filler on the back wall facing your entrance, do inset tiled shelving for plants and bath supplies, frame your tub with millwork, or do an arched opening, hang drapery panels on either side to frame the tub, hang a beautiful chandelier. Of course, some of these wouldn’t be appropriate if kids are using the tub and all would need to be appropriate for a high moisture environment. Kohler’s website, under the bath inspiration section, has some great examples, and I am sure you can find many examples once you start searching.

I'm surprised that they did plumbing without your tub already selected. Freestanding tubs have drains in different locations so now you could be locked into a drain location of their choice, instead of yours. (Center drains, side, closer to front or back) I had to have mine picked out in advance so that they could place the drain correctly before pouring the slab. I would encourage you to ask them about it. I love having a tub even though I do take showers probably 75% of the time at least. But, I missed our tub some in our last home (we only had a shower) so I added a freestanding one in this home. Ours is *huge* (maybe too big! lol) but I have room to clean around it on both ends and have not found it to be any issue with maintenance yet.

A freestanding tub will also require the supply lines to be roughed into the slab, where a drop in they can run them after through the side walls.

How often do you take a bath? I might take one a year, my friend uses her tub 2-3 times a week.

I like having a tub but it's personal preference. You have a nice sized shower already and making it fill that tub space means eliminating the window currently over the tub and just gives you a long tunnel of a shower. Even if it's all glassed on that side it's still a loooong shower (and what a PITA to clean). Do you want that? You could make the shower a bit larger and along with eliminating the window put in some storage if that would be useful for you. Think about your needs AND wants. Will you use a tub if it's there? If you say yes, there are lots of ways to make a drop in tub look special and not cookie cutter - much of that is about materials. If you are unsure how to achieve that specifically, ask for help either on one of the deco boards or here - lots of good eyes available. Do a search for alcove tubs to get some ideas. Do you have ideas for materials in the rest of the bath yet?

As a daily bath taker, I say go for the bath! But as has been noted here, if you don’t have space on either side of the free standing bath, it might as well be a drop in or alcove model. There are ways you can make a drop in or alcove tub look special. Highlight it with tile up the wall behind it. Choose a special (check codes!) light fixture above it.

Thank you all so much. Very valuable information and suggestions!! Things I hadn’t even thought of (like a window seat, and tiling to the ceiling within the alcove, also was on the fence about the door swing). I think I’m just getting nervous and second guessing my initial decisions. They were made so long ago I nearly forgot (COVID put the brakes on things very early on). My builder reminded me that I chose a drop in tub months ago (not a specific one.. just the type) so I’m hoping the drain situation doesn’t limit my selections too much. I think you all are right about sticking to the alcove built-in tub. I wasn’t sure if my shower was big enough or not. It’s hard to compare to what I currently have since we have a basic tub/shower combo. I currently don’t take many baths now but I do like to. Just not very serene in my current MBA. I’m sticking to the drop in, Im sure it will be fine. I will need so much more help along the way. If you all have any suggestions on how I should post for help please let me know. (I would love to get suggestions for kitchen, great room, patio, etc.) Im just overwhelmed and want to get this right! Thank you all again!

I think a drop in is a good choice in your situation. Much easier to clean around. No dropping soap on the backside of it. A ledge to rest your wine glass on ;)