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kathy_pickering

Update master bath for home re-sale

4 years ago

We built our custom home in 2003 in the country on 60 acres. Now that we are seniors maintaing that much acreage is a challenge and we are considering selling. When we built the house, we chose to increase the shower size and vanity/storage in




place of a tub in the master bath. In previous homes we had owned, the tub in the master was seldom used. People who want to live on 60 acres in the country may have higher priorities in making the decision to purchase but how critical is it that the master bath include a tub? What affordable suggestions do you have for updating the bathroom with or without a tub?

Comments (9)

  • 4 years ago

    Is there a bathroom with tub elsewhere in the house? I would not put the time and energy and inconvenience, not to mention money, into doing anything with your bathroom.

    kathy_pickering thanked sushipup1
  • 4 years ago

    There is a bathrom with a standard tub/shower combo adjacent to one of the other bedrooms. Thanks for your input.

  • 4 years ago

    No tub needed in this situation.

    kathy_pickering thanked rrah
  • 4 years ago

    That's a very fine bathroom. Says the person who has lived 36 years with only a shower stall in MBR! And the previous house had a half bath for MBR.

    kathy_pickering thanked Rho Dodendron
  • 4 years ago

    I wouldn't spend a penny on " modernizing" that bathroom. It's fine.

    kathy_pickering thanked jmm1837
  • PRO
    4 years ago

    Here’s my suggestions. It’s very nice as is but I would refresh with antique gold hardware on cabinets and shower handle. I would replace faucets with gold finish too. I would update lighting as well. Then add some thick cream or white bath sheets to set on that bench. Done. No tub for sure. Very nicely done room.

    kathy_pickering thanked Flo Mangan
  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    As a retired appraiser allow me to advise that the lack of shower in the master is not an issue. The market is slowly changing to reflect that most adults use the primary/master bathroom and prefer a better shower. Small children use accessory baths. As long as there is reasonable access to a basic bathtub on the property, you don't need a huge garden tub or jetted tub.

    Clean, clean, clean. You will want to clean the grout on the floor and in the shower. I use a spray bottle of vinegar, a bottle of baking soda, Dawn dishwashing detergent and water, and a good grout scrub brush. Oxo Good Grips makes a really good set of grout brushes. Spray vinegar on grout surface for at least 15 minutes, then spay soap mixture. Scrub with brush. Rinse and repeat a few times. That grout will brighten right up.

    Your hardware is fine. I see that the shower door handle finish has worn down to the brass. This is typical. Let the new owner change the hardware. I wouldn't worry about it. It's not worth the cost of replacement. You may want to paint walls and trim in order to freshen things up. Only you can tell for certain if the condition or color needs refreshing.

    The suggestion to change the light bulbs and pay attention to the color of the bulb is a good one. Some realtors will tell you to use new towels. Others will tell you to remove all towels.

    It looks like some bushes or trees have grown up around the windows outside. They need pruning.

    You might consider painting the cabinets, but I don't think I would. I wouldn't tear anything out, either.

    Pressure wash the exterior. Paint if needed. Prune back overgrown trees and bushes. Empty closets. Remove clutter. Give or throw all kinds of stuff away. Remove heavy curtains. Clean, clean, clean.

    kathy_pickering thanked homechef59
  • 4 years ago

    The bathroom is nice - I wouldn't do anything for resale other than declutter. Whoever buys can tweak it to their liking. I personally would want a tub in the master bath and would find it helpful to know whether it's straightforward to add one in that open space or if it would require a more extensive remodel.