Bathtub in master bath

[Sun_soakin]

Huge tubs are a big waste of water so they’ve definitely fallen out of favor in CA. A tub somewhere in the house is necessary (and enjoyed!) for small children and maybe dogs (ours are huge and get washed outside). I definitely prefer a huge master shower

 

[_19disnA]

Agree with others depends on how long you plan to live there if you won't have a bathtub somewhere in the house. Master bath doesn't necessarily need a tub, but probably a good plan to have one somewhere in the house. If you are planning to live there for several years, who knows what the trends will be by then? Do what makes sense for you and your family. Free standing tubs also present more issues when cleaning compared to those that are built in.

 

[clh2]

We remodeled our master bath last year. We moved into our house 6 years ago, our house is now 21 years old.

We had a corner whirlpool that took up so much space, but only a little tiny corner/angle shower.

We no longer have the whirlpool, and the new shower is fabulous. If we would have had more room, I still would not have added a different tub or whirlpool, I simply prefer to take a shower, not a bath.

We have a tub/shower combo in the main bath, so there will always be one in the house.

 

[AussieFan8]

When we built our house, we wanted to eliminate the master bath tub. Our builder said that would be a huge mistake for future resale even though there is another tub in the Jack and Jill bathroom, so we left the tub in. This was sixteen years ago so I don’t know if things have changed.

 

[havaneselover]

When we built our house, we wanted to eliminate the master bath tub. Our builder said that would be a huge mistake for future resale even though there is another tub in the Jack and Jill bathroom, so we left the tub in. This was sixteen years ago so I don’t know if things have changed.

Things have changed!

 

[Sinder]

Get rid of the tub and current shower and put in a double shower.

 

[smwisc]

We remodeled our master bath five years ago, removing a big soaking tub (that was nothing more than a dust bin) and phone-booth sized shower...using the footprint of where the tub was and a little additional space from the shower we created a 4'x6' large tiled shower with a bench. It is the most amazing space, and I've decided I'll never be without a giant shower.

Tubs are great for kids, but especially as I've gotten older the last thing I want to do is step over a tub wall, then at some point try to stand and get out of it.
View attachment 648022

Yes...there is a large window IN the shower. It's a vinyl privacy block window and impossible to see in or out because of the texture of the blocks. It only lets the light in.

Was it a privacy block window to start with, or did you have to replace it? We also have a giant corner jetted tub and a phone-booth sized shower, although they are not next to each other. The logical place to put in a big shower is where the tub is now, but there's a regular framed window on that wall.

 

[msmayor]

Was it a privacy block window to start with, or did you have to replace it? We also have a giant corner jetted tub and a phone-booth sized shower, although they are not next to each other. The logical place to put in a big shower is where the tub is now, but there's a regular framed window on that wall.

It was a regular stationary window, above the tub that had been there. This is a 'before' photo:


Here's a picture during the installation of the new window - take note of the definition of the trees and the house behind us:




Now, after the window is installed - take note of how little definition of anything outside that window can be seen...the level of privacy is perfect for the shower...only light or dark can be seen, no shapes at all:



Window was sized to fit the current opening, ordered from Hy-Lite. I was able to select the grout color between the blocks, too.

The insulation properties of the window are terrific. Even in the bitter cold, the window doesn't feel cold. Very easy maintenance - just wipe it down.

 

[smwisc]

It was a regular stationary window, above the tub that had been there. This is a 'before' photo:
View attachment 648915

Here's a picture during the installation of the new window - take note of the definition of the trees and the house behind us:

View attachment 648916


Now, after the window is installed - take note of how little definition of anything outside that window can be seen...the level of privacy is perfect for the shower...only light or dark can be seen, no shapes at all:

View attachment 648919

Window was sized to fit the current opening, ordered from Hy-Lite. I was able to select the grout color between the blocks, too.

The insulation properties of the window are terrific. Even in the bitter cold, the window doesn't feel cold. Very easy maintenance - just wipe it down.

Nice! Thanks for the detailed pics. That's exactly what I want to do - gives me hope that it is possible. Granted, probably not for a while, since we have three kids to get through college before we spend $$$$ on a bathroom remodel.

 

[barkley]

Nice! Thanks for the detailed pics. That's exactly what I want to do - gives me hope that it is possible. Granted, probably not for a while, since we have three kids to get through college before we spend $$$$ on a bathroom remodel.

add another $ to that. our shower remodel is SO MUCH more costly than i ever imagined.

 

[havaneselover]

add another $ to that. our shower remodel is SO MUCH more costly than i ever imagined.

Yeah, btdt. I had a budget and am pretty frugal but upgraded from just a shower faucet to the whole Delta shower kit (rainhead and handheld shower), got the low iron glass, etc. Is it worth it? Yes! Was it more than I planned? Yes.

And as much as I love my new shower (had a tiny neoangular shower), I swear I'm spending more time cleaning it than actually showering. Having nice things is a lot of work!

 

[msmayor]

Nice! Thanks for the detailed pics. That's exactly what I want to do - gives me hope that it is possible. Granted, probably not for a while, since we have three kids to get through college before we spend $$$$ on a bathroom remodel.

add another $ to that. our shower remodel is SO MUCH more costly than i ever imagined.

Our master remodel was a full gut, to the studs on the shower-side of the room (to eliminate the standard sheetrock and install cement backer-board) and to the wall board for the rest. Plumbing was required to rework the water supply for the new shower and eliminate the piping and drain for the old shower. The existing drain for the tub was able to be used. We had a two-function fixture installed, a large-diameter fixed wall spray and a hand-held with a good length hose. That helps with rinsing while cleaning the tile.

Hand-constructed shower base installed with mortar and rubber lining, much more durable than a stock shower pan and needed for the large footprint of the shower (4'x6').

We didn't change any layout for the cabinetry and were able to purchase stock sizes (KraftMaid). New high-rise toilet, LED lighting for over the shower (on a dimmer) and new fixtures for the vanity. New ceramic tile throughout (we had vinyl on the floor prior). Granite counter, undermount sinks and granite bench/accents in the shower.

I had an AWESOME builder who managed the entire project with his carpenter doing a lot of the wood work and cabinet installation, his tile subcontractor doing all the tile work, his plumber, his painter. Soup to nuts...labor and materials...$32k. I love that shower so much, it was worth every single penny. I will never, ever be without a big shower again.

 

[barkley]

Yeah, btdt. I had a budget and am pretty frugal but upgraded from just a shower faucet to the whole Delta shower kit (rainhead and handheld shower), got the low iron glass, etc. Is it worth it? Yes! Was it more than I planned? Yes.

And as much as I love my new shower (had a tiny neoangular shower), I swear I'm spending more time cleaning it than actually showering. Having nice things is a lot of work!

we are looking at shower systems right now. the one we are leaning towards has the rainhead, handheld and two sprays. looking at a frameless shower door with the treatment on it to help offset water spots and streaks. i'm hoping our remodel will help reduce my cleaning time-going with tile that has dark grout, and getting rid of those awful doors that slide on the track should make cleaning easier at least.

Our master remodel was a full gut, to the studs on the shower-side of the room (to eliminate the standard sheetrock and install cement backer-board) and to the wall board for the rest. Plumbing was required to rework the water supply for the new shower and eliminate the piping and drain for the old shower. The existing drain for the tub was able to be used. We had a two-function fixture installed, a large-diameter fixed wall spray and a hand-held with a good length hose. That helps with rinsing while cleaning the tile.

Hand-constructed shower base installed with mortar and rubber lining, much more durable than a stock shower pan and needed for the large footprint of the shower (4'x6').

We didn't change any layout for the cabinetry and were able to purchase stock sizes (KraftMaid). New high-rise toilet, LED lighting for over the shower (on a dimmer) and new fixtures for the vanity. New ceramic tile throughout (we had vinyl on the floor prior). Granite counter, undermount sinks and granite bench/accents in the shower.

I had an AWESOME builder who managed the entire project with his carpenter doing a lot of the wood work and cabinet installation, his tile subcontractor doing all the tile work, his plumber, his painter. Soup to nuts...labor and materials...$32k. I love that shower so much, it was worth every single penny. I will never, ever be without a big shower again.

you're making me feel better about what we are spending-we are having much the same done with regards to the shower. our shower will be a full gut b/c we are pulling out the nasty cheap molded plastic shower the spec builder put in and doing tile. we will gain about 3-4 inches in depth as well as ridding ourselves of those ridiculous 'seats' that eat up space in two corners (maybe a toddler could sit on one-adult? nope, not even situated well for someone to shave their legs). no new cabinets-but new flooring, counter (went over budget on this but i found something i like that will hold up well), new back splash, and coordinated new back splash for the tub area. going for a shower system and when all is done-a repaint of the space. kills me to spend this much but we are cash flowing it, it will be a one and done renovation and i'm making sure to get flooring and shower doors that can be safer/ more accessible as needed as we age.

 

[havaneselover]

we are looking at shower systems right now. the one we are leaning towards has the rainhead, handheld and two sprays. looking at a frameless shower door with the treatment on it to help offset water spots and streaks. i'm hoping our remodel will help reduce my cleaning time-going with tile that has dark grout, and getting rid of those awful doors that slide on the track should make cleaning easier at least.




you're making me feel better about what we are spending-we are having much the same done with regards to the shower. our shower will be a full gut b/c we are pulling out the nasty cheap molded plastic shower the spec builder put in and doing tile. we will gain about 3-4 inches in depth as well as ridding ourselves of those ridiculous 'seats' that eat up space in two corners (maybe a toddler could sit on one-adult? nope, not even situated well for someone to shave their legs). no new cabinets-but new flooring, counter (went over budget on this but i found something i like that will hold up well), new back splash, and coordinated new back splash for the tub area. going for a shower system and when all is done-a repaint of the space. kills me to spend this much but we are cash flowing it, it will be a one and done renovation and i'm making sure to get flooring and shower doors that can be safer/ more accessible as needed as we age.

Frameless glass is high maintenance, even with the treatment. Maybe I’m being neurotic because I just spent $3k on glass though.

 

[msmayor]

you're making me feel better about what we are spending-we are having much the same done with regards to the shower. our shower will be a full gut b/c we are pulling out the nasty cheap molded plastic shower the spec builder put in and doing tile. we will gain about 3-4 inches in depth as well as ridding ourselves of those ridiculous 'seats' that eat up space in two corners (maybe a toddler could sit on one-adult? nope, not even situated well for someone to shave their legs). no new cabinets-but new flooring, counter (went over budget on this but i found something i like that will hold up well), new back splash, and coordinated new back splash for the tub area. going for a shower system and when all is done-a repaint of the space. kills me to spend this much but we are cash flowing it, it will be a one and done renovation and i'm making sure to get flooring and shower doors that can be safer/ more accessible as needed as we age.

Kitchens and bathrooms are the most expensive rooms in a house to remodel. We did our hall bath at the same time (actually did that one first) - similar type of remodel with a gut-to-the-studs on the tub/shower and bought a new tub, full tile surround and tile floor (again replacing vinyl). Stock cabinets from Lowe's in a similar style to the master cabinets (but less expensive) and new light fixture. No additional plumbing or electric required in that space, and all-in cost was $16k.

Frameless glass is high maintenance, even with the treatment. Maybe I’m being neurotic because I just spent $3k on glass though.

I actually find it far less maintenance than the shower surround we used to have, which was standard framed/textured glass.

Best cleaner IMO is Scrubbing Bubbles mega-shower foaming spray. I spray it on, use a Scotch-Brite scrubby on the glass and then a silicon squeegie. I'll rinse with water any areas that might need it, then a lint-free cloth to dry. Every time, completely clean and streak-free. Takes almost no time at all and without a tough track to clean, even easier.

I use that Scrubbing Bubbles in both bathrooms. Doing both shower areas and glass took me a little over an hour this weekend. It's a great cleaner.

We're also obsessive about using the squeegie after every shower to get the water off the glass. That also helps cut way down on the cleaning effort.

 

[barkley]

on the subject of cleaning glass in the shower-if you have hard water try getting a product called 'brew rite'. it is made to clean out hard water deposits from coffee makers but prior to getting our water softener we found that if we dissolved it in a spray bottle of hot water, sprayed it on the shower door (or any exterior window with hard water stains), let it sit for while-the deposits came off much more easily.

I actually find it far less maintenance than the shower surround we used to have, which was standard framed/textured glass.

that's what i'm aiming for. my knees are not up to dealing with the framing along the bottom.

Kitchens and bathrooms are the most expensive rooms in a house to remodel. We did our hall bath at the same time (actually did that one first) - similar type of remodel with a gut-to-the-studs on the tub/shower and bought a new tub, full tile surround and tile floor (again replacing vinyl). Stock cabinets from Lowe's in a similar style to the master cabinets (but less expensive) and new light fixture. No additional plumbing or electric required in that space, and all-in cost was $16k.

secondary bathroom shower/tub has been used less than a dozen times in the 15 years we've lived here so despite it also being a surround it looks like it's in brand new condition so that room will get new flooring/counter only.

 

[David G Farr]

We recently redid our master bath and powder room. It was all cosmetic changes since it hadn’t been updated since the mid 90s. We kept our garden tub but just changed the surround. My wife enjoys baths a couple times a week. We looked into replacing with a freestanding tub but didn’t want to pay for new plumbing plus a $2k new tub.

 

[Jake]

All you really need is one tub in the house. Master bath. Do what you want. In reality it doesn’t increase your home value. You are not getting that money back on a sale. Do what you want and enjoy it. Having a good hot water heater so you don’t run out of hot water is a big plus

 

[ZellyB]

A lot of new builds around here only have a shower in the primary bathroom. As others have said, you probably want to ensure you have at least one tub in the house but I don't think it would hurt your resale to take it out.

That said, I love taking a long, hot bath, so the lack of a bath in the primary is a no-go for me. So, in that respect, you might slightly limit your buyer pool, but probably not by much. I don't think I'm the norm.

 

[_19disnA]

If you don't want to go to the expense of replacing a large bathroom window, you can buy various adhesive films to give the window a frosted look that makes it translucent from outside.

New homes currently being built in our area still have shower/tub in the master bath so perhaps depends on where you live. Builder also lets you modify that configuration if you want something else.