Bathtub or walk in shower in Accessory Dwelling Unit?

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

We are converting our crawlspace into an Accessory Dwelling Unit. It is a failry small space, approximately 350 sq ft and will have a small bathroom, approximately 5' x 8'3". Our original plan was to have a 60" x 32" bathtub in the bathroom but I am now considering a walk in shower instead as I feel it may make the space feel larger. We are planning to use the space as additional guest space/mother-in-law suite but I am trying to keep the future of a renter or resale value in mind. Any information or insight on trends, pros and cons, etc. that anyone is willing to share to help make the decision would be amazing. Thank you in advance!

Bathtub

Walk in shower

Featured Answer

3onthetree

2 years ago

Thanks for the clarification, converting to walk-out basement, then converting that to an ADU.

I assume there will only be 1 bedroom, so in that case, renting would probably be to single/coupled adults and the lack of a tub to bathe a toddler would not position you out of the market. Combined with better accessibility for elders, prioritizing a shower to make the bathroom feel larger seems a good choice. With that a glass enclosure with the shower tile extending across the entire bathroom will contribute to making the small bath (and shower) seem larger.

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Comments (7)

jck910
2 years ago
It's not really big enough for a wheelchair so I would do a shower with a shower pan
Kim Y thanked jck910
PRO
Minardi
2 years ago
Crawlspace?? There's 96" of ceiling height so that after you add all the stuff, you can end up with 90"? And there is a legal fire emergency escape and egress?
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Maureen
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
An easy access walk in shower is what I’d do and possibly??? reconfigure the space to get a larger vanity/more storage which would be a bonus. Have door swing out and place (larger) vanity on that wall and you might have a bit more flexibility with layout. Keep it light and look for compact designs.
Kim Y thanked Maureen
Kim Y
Original Author
2 years ago
We live on a fairly steep hill so in the area we are converting it is more of a walkspace than a crawlspace.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
2 years ago
IMO any home needs one tub so I would do a tub/ shower combo.
apple_pie_order
2 years ago
In some areas, there are far more regulations (especially for fire safety) for a legal rental than for one-family homes. Check with city hall before you get started.