One of the biggest questions facing homeowners investing in a new master bathroom is whether to include a tub. In previous generations, not having a tub in the master bathroom would have been considered odd, but today it is not uncommon for master bathrooms to scrap the tub in favor of bigger showers or other features. There is still no consensus, and every home is different, but here are a few pros and cons to including a tub in your new master bathroom:
Pros of Including a Tub in Your New Master Bathroom
Like most people, you probably don’t take a bath every day, so you may not think a tub is necessary. However, keeping it in your new master bathroom has other benefits.
Design
If you are trying to achieve a serene and high-end look for your master bathroom, many designs will often feature a tub as the focal point. Tubs can be a great design feature and add to the overall design theme you are looking to achieve. Modern tubs are also easy to dress up with accessories like candles and tub trays to create a luxurious look.
Relaxation
When you redesign your new master bathroom, you have the opportunity to create your own relaxing retreat. Tubs offer an element of relaxation that showers simply don’t. There’s no replacement for drawing a hot bath with bubbles at the end of a long day. Taking a bath can also be a great way to relieve stress on both the body and the mind.
Home Resale
Even though shower-only master bathrooms are becoming more popular, many home buyers still look for a tub. In fact, according to a 2021 report by the National Home Builders Association, 74% of home buyers said they wanted both a tub and a shower in the master bath.
You can’t predict which homebuyers will think a tub is essential and which ones won’t, so it can be helpful to include a tub if you are looking to sell your home in the future.
Cons of Including a New Tub
While a tub can provide an excellent design focal point and offer valuable relaxation time, that doesn’t mean they don’t come without a few downsides. For example, tubs take up a lot of space, require cleaning, and in some cases, can limit your design options.
Takes Up Space
There’s no way around it; tubs are big and take up a lot of space. If you want to create a space for soaking and relaxation, you’ll need a tub that allows some breathing room. Bathrooms can already be short on space, and committing to a tub can take up a lot of it.
Tubs Can Limit Some Design Options
When you decide to invest in a new master bathroom, you need to ensure that you get all the design elements you want. Sometimes, accommodating a tub can limit your options because of the space issue. For example, if you’re redesigning your bathroom and incorporating a unique and functional large shower, having a tub may stand in your way.
More Cleaning
Few people like cleaning their bathrooms, but it is a reality of life. Tubs tend to collect dust even if used frequently and can show dirt if they aren’t cleaned often. Including a tub in your master bathroom adds to your cleaning list.
Trust Friel Kitchen & Bath Design for Your New Master Bathroom
Friel Kitchen & Bath Design has been in the business for over 100 years. We’ve never stopped striving to achieve our goal of providing quality materials with exceptional customer service, all at a fair price. So whether you are looking for a minor facelift to your master bathroom or a complete remodel, we can help. Call us today to get started.