Some form of in-home bath has been common since the mid-19th century. The main or master bathroom as we know it today has been standard in all new homes since the 1980s, so it’s only natural to assume a bathtub should be in the master bathroom. But what if you don’t shower? Does it make sense to invest in a bathtub if you’re never going to use it? What if you don’t really have room for a tub?
Bathing is not a crowd pleaser, as is the dining room. Getting rid of them can win space in your own home for things that truly meet your needs and personal way of life. In my last 15 years designing bathrooms, I think only about 15% to 20% of my clients have had showers. So, the question becomes, “Should I own it for resale”?
The answer is no, you don’t need to have a tub in your master bathroom, especially if there are other tubs in your home. Bathing somewhere in the house can be important for resale. If a family with young children is moving, they will need a bathtub. Some homebuyers have joint/muscle problems and need a bathtub, or at least anticipate it.
But think of it this way – if you plan to have it in your home for the next 10-15 years, you need to invest in a space that is suitable for it. yours need. Why spend money on a bathroom remodel that focuses on Next owner needs, far down the road? New owners may come in and take apart your bathroom, because it may be out of date by then or it may not suit their needs.