Dispensing with a bathtub

We are planning to renovate our two bedroom house, and considering ditching the bathtub to ensure more space in the bathroom, including a luxurious shower. I suspect that for resale most people would advise that you need a bath, but I hate the idea of cramming in a tiny bath that won’t be used. Would you buy a house without a bath?

Shane

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Kermit

Our bath rarely gets used but I would consider resale if you aren’t planning to stay for a long time. Without a bath you might be limiting your audience a little – for example, a couple who are thinking about having a baby or have young kids would likely want a bath.

That said, I’d reckon most people would prefer a luxurious shower than something horrendous like a shower over a bath or a really cramped design.

Jackson

I'm with @Kermit. A killer shower is definitely the way to go, but you definitely need to consider the resale scenario. That being said, if you plan on staying in your current place for a fair while - just do whatever you want!

Down with baths!

maknilsin

I'm a big fan of a bath! Couldn't have been happier when I found out my new place would have room for one.

That being said, if your space only has room for the tiniest of bath tubs I would probably suggest not worrying about one. No point to a bath if there's no room to relax!

kaylah_rose

I am very pro the bath for a number of reasons.

1. I have numerous sport injuries, so the bath is perfect for aches and pains.

2. As a new home owner who is thinking of having a family, the thought of having a bath option available for potential kids is good.

However, I do think the bath size needs to be worth including. A small bath is never really a good thing.

It seems that there is probably a market for re-sale regardless of whether or not your home includes a bath. Mixed opinions throughout!

WisteriaLane

In terms of resale I don't think it's a deal breaker if the house doesn't include a bath however it would be seen as a nice bonus. I would only include a bath if my bathroom was big enough as I wouldn't want to comprimise space.

cupofchloe

It's your home and you have to live in it, so unless it's an investment property - I would choose what I wanted the space to be, which for you seems to be an awesome shower with no bath.

There are many reasons a couple planning to have kids or with kids choose a home, its not all about the bath. Also with young babies/children, they can just buy those small plastic baths and place them in the shower when the kids are little. My little boy is 1.5 yrs and hes having showers most days now.

stupidfish

Until recently, we lived in a house without a bath and it was perfectly fine until we had kids. Now that we have a bath at our new place my 18 month old daughter uses it daily - and it is a hell of a lot easier than using one of those cheap portable baths you can get from Kmart.

However, if you don't have kids, and you don't really use a bath much, then get rid of it for the increased space in the bathroom.

In the end, it's your place, so do what is best for you.

Shane

Thanks for your comments everyone.

Fyre

Location > bath

I have never heard a person say " I don't like the area but the bath was so good that I just had to buy it"

Do what works for you and forget about re-sale now.

Riana

I recently purchased a 3 bed 2 bath property. Looking at the layout of the second bathroom I was adamant of removing the bath for more storage/bench space and a larger shower. Then I got a dog! I would now never give up the bath!

Jason

Hi @Riana,

Thanks for sharing your experiences. Let me also extend a very warm welcome to Workshop. It's great to have you join the community.

Congratulations on your recent property purchase. Looking forward to seeing more of your posts soon - I'm sure you have a lot of projects planned to put your stamp on your home.

Jason

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