On the opposite side of that wall is the closet in the 2nd bedroom. I could easily cut the wall and drop in an access panel. That is more plumbing work than I feel comfortable doing myself. I like to experiment and learn to do things on my own. But since when I shut off the water supply, I shut off eight units in total, I don't want this to be a learning experience that inconveniences my neighbors for a long time. If I do that, it can wait until I do a complete remodel in my master bath and have a plumber here. I've got that planned for another year or two. Thanks for the tip though writersblock!!! And trtsmb, I do agree with doing a linen closet or hutch with a smaller vanity. But I need suggestions or pics for ideas. I'm not sure exactly what.

Well, here's my thoughts on your situation, from the viewpoint of a BB'er who broke her leg and wasn't able to get up/down stairs to the master suite for 4 MONTHS (at least the sofa was comfortable to sleep on, LOL): If you can't get a level-in MB suite on the main level, and it sounds like you can't, don't do it. We had a mere four steps to our front door, and had to build a ramp for me to manage getting in and out (first I used a wheelchair, then a walker, then a removable "boot" cast). Plus, you've moved an awful lot in your past, and already have a 4bd 2ba house. Remodeling in a poor or even average market means your chances of recouping remodeling costs when you do sell, are not great. I would recommend you do what works best for you, keeping the design and finish consistent with the rest of the house, and adhere to a strict budget. This sounds like putting the master suite upstairs would work best in your situation.

Several months ago I was reinstalling an undermount stainless steel sink in a granite top, a job I've done at least 50 times. These things might weight 5 lbs. It fell on top of the PVC supply lines and snapped one off, so I'm pumping a hose full of water onto the tile kitchen floor. I calmly went outside to the shutoff valve, turned it, and heard the homeowner shout it's not working. That was not good. Less than a minute had passed. I ran to my truck, got some tools, popped the lid on the curb box, turned the valve, and stopped the water. Maybe 5 minutes. There was an inch of water on the kitchen floor, fortunately I was able to sweep it onto the concrete garage floor immediately. I reinstalled the sink, no charge, and told the homeowner to call a plumber in the morning. The homeowner's insurance company sent a certified letter saying they were subrogating the damages to my liability insurance and they did. Despite the documentation of deteriorating PVC in Florida, cleaning ladies have snapped pipes with mops and homeowners have snapped pipes turning valves, I believe my insurance company paid the claim because it's cheaper than arguing. I saved a broken piece of pipe for forensic testing, to no avail: I check every shutoff every time now.

I vote for the bath in the hall. Some parents want to shower their kids starting at age 4. Some want the option of baths for much longer, even into young adulthood. You don't know what your hypothetical children will prefer and you have no idea what any future buyer will prefer. A shower/tub combo in a hall bath is quite innocuous for those who don't use a tub and a necessity for those who do. Plus it's not only good for bathing little kids. Who wants to give their labrador a bath in their beautiful master soaker tub? Or fill a scrub bucket in the kitchen sink and lug it upstairs to wash the bathrooms? Or support a sick kid who just woke up puking and shower them off? (Sitting them in the bath to shower them is *much* easier I assure you) All those things are really difficult in a wide, deep soaker tub. Whether or not you choose to have a second en suite is up to you but remember this: if one kid gets their own bathroom, the other should too. It's fairly easy to justify having to share a bathroom and impossible to justify preferential treatment. I agree that it's hard to give specific advice without knowing the layout and style of the house. You can rest assured that your kids will grow up knowing that whatever you have is "normal" so don't worry about planning for their potential preferences which are completely unpredictable. Soon enough they will grow up and be able to create the homes they've always dreamed of!