If you build a very nice master bath with a very nice shower, not having a tub really shouldn't be a big problem as long as there's a tub somewhere else in the house.

Since things can be regional, you could contact a realtor and ask them how it would affect resale.

If I could offer a different opinion, I think not having a tub in the master bath could effect your resale value, especially if it's a larger home or if other homes in the neighborhood have both tub and shower in their master bath. Being a tub person myself, a very nice shower would not compensate for there not being a tub in the master bath. My 2 cents.

Thanks for the different views. I am thinking the rough-ins are sort of an insurance policy. Will probably go forward with these...

maybe get an estimate for how much it would cost to rough in a tub once the construction is done? that would let you know how much of a difference it makes to do it now vs later, other than inflation.

I wouldn't spend the money on the rough ins. As a realtor, I can assure you, you won't get your return on it. Mongo hit the nail on the head. As long as you have a tub somewhere else in the house then you are good to go. Now where you would definately benefit from roughing in a bathroom for future use is in a basement. It's a popular option that lot of buyers like to see, it costs a lot of money to do after the cement pour and so you'll get a return on having it in place should you need to sale. But in regards to a bathtub in the master, listen to your DH this time and save your money, believe me at some point during the build, you'll be glad you did!

Coming from a bath person, I think $1600 is small investment for the "insurance" you're referring to. I would easily pay that much or more for a home with a bath in the master vs one without. Even if you don't get a full return, you'd be opening up the market to more people and your home would sell faster. And time is money.

Another thought: have you considered asking your builder to get a quote from another plumber? With the economy being the way it is... I'd think there may be room for negotiation. Good luck with your decision.

How can you fully rough it in without knowing the model of tub and the location of drain and water?

Maybe I'm missing something, but all I would do is install two supply lines (H/C) that are capped off and put a T in the existing waste line also with a cap. When/if you rip out the walls you could connect up then. That shouldn't be $1600--more like $60.