No way would joining Direct Buy be a sensible decision for you. You are only planning to spend $6- $10,000.00 in total, so you'd be spending close to $6K just to get in the door. Besides the contract fee there are yearly fees. I did join Direct Buy- we are doing a total house reno from top to bottom (literally), replacing all windows and doors, gutting, rewiring, jackhammering concrete to put in drains, new roof- well you get the idea... I was enthralled by all the possibilities when I went for my visit. Luckily for me, I did go without my husband- signed the contract by myself- and after researching that night at home, I was heartsick that I had made such a stupid decision. WE played good cop/bad cop when we went back in- I composed a letter asking for a refund, and they very graciously DID give us our money back. So kudos to that particular DirectBuy outlet. However, I did a fair amount of research (albeit a day too late), and did discover that there are many many issues with DB. The least of which is, shipping and handling fees which can be 25%, and that they are not refunded if you decide you do not want the product you ordered. And, if I'm not mistaken, the item is delivered to the warehouse, not your home address, so there's that whole issue... I'm not going to go into a litany of all the problems, but suggest you google direct buy consumer concerns for yourself. Again, I reiterate- I do NOT think you should consider joining. You will NOT save any money, particularly just on ONE bathroom reno.

I love an old tub!!! And by the looks of yours, it is not a new model! If I'm a buyer looking at your house, I'm thinking "great! That tub is original and probably comfortable!" Our tubs in this house (built in '94) are steel and they are definitely not comfortable to recline in. They also don't hold the heat like an older (quality) cast iron tub will. You have a little treasure that just needs some TLC! I'd suggest checking out tub/tile re-finishers in your area. I know what you are talking about with an older tub---the kind momma scoured with Comet every week until the glaze was gone! They can also cover up those sailboats too. Do you plan on keeping the slate floor? It looks nice to me. The only other suggestion (aside from swapping the door and vanity) would be to put up some bead board on the lower section of the wall. Why? Well, the way the tub tile butts into the window looks awkward. If you have white bead board next to the tile (under the window and beyond) then there won't be any contrast in color and the lack of space between the tile and window won't show up at all. Above the bead board, I'd nix the yellow and go with a light sandy, golden tan. I could see this bath looking very Pottery Barn/beachy. She does not like the sink? Those crazy sailboats? The grody tub? Well, you've obviously done something right, LOL!!! The kid has good taste--what more can you ask for? :)

Thank you roarah and benjesbride. Roarah, agree the opening is inspiration picture is narrrow, we would want a 24" opening, which I think is possible: 36" width for tub, 24" opening" , 38" for glass wall which should be sufficient to keep most water out. Could have a curb too. Is 36" width for a tub unrealistic I wonder? benjesbride, I can move the door but it would disrupt the layout of the hall, so I prefer to avoid it if possible. But something to consider for sure. This bathroom would be primarily used by a now 9 year old boy and only occasionally by guests. We have ample linen storage elsewhere. I'm thinking I might be able to get away with something like this for the vanity, although I would at least 36" to comfortable stand in front of vanity. :

Ok. I have an idea! First of all let’s do a sliding barn door on the outside so we save on some room. Then I think you do need a bathtub. I totally agree with your family ... but! I’ve seen a standing tub in a shower. I’m wondering if this can work in this small space. I’m going to try finding pictures.... but I think as big as we can make the shower we can try to see if a tub works also. This is to maximize the space you do have. Am I making sense?