I love the niches! Though your mom's looks built-out, not recessed between the studs. I could do that, even with the pocket door, but it would have to be very shallow as there is only 11" from the wall to the tub at the closest point. I also love the windows all the way to the deck - wish mine were lower (maybe not all the way down, but so that I could see out when sitting) but I lost the battle on that window and the one over the kitchen sink - I kept putting in bigger windows and they kept changing the plans, every time a study plan came back it had the smaller windows in again so I figured there was a structural reason and gave up. I could take out the linen closet - I've never liked linen closets in bathrooms, always take out lowest shelf to slide a hamper in and use the rest to stock up on shampoos and soaps - towels go in hallway linen closet where they won't get musty. I just need to keep a column at the front corner of the linen closet near the tub, there is a vent pipe running there - though maybe it could be relocated to the opposite wall of the closet, that is shared with the toilet/shower compartment, that's a thick wall anyway b/c of another pocket door (that slides in the opposite side - b/t the shower and the vanity which I'm not crazy about but I don't think I'm into trying to gut the unfinished bathroom around the brand-new tub and shower. Anyway, code says the controls have to be accessible from outside the tub, so faucets definitely have to go in front corner if I don't tear out the linen closet and box out around that vent pipe. I could forgo the handshower completely but it is convenient for rinsing hair and for rinsing the tub after cleaning (which I have to get into to tub to wipe so I usually clean just before or after using the tub). I could just return this small handshower and get a slightly larger one (with multiple settings!) that could mount on the deck and then I don't have to put it right in the middle, on the acrylic rim. I don't really like a big spout right near my face, would have to try it out and make sure it was far enough away not to be claustrophobic (or a hazard!) if I put it at the head of the tub instead of by the drain. The hot and cold water lines are the ones that would require 6ft hoses from the shutoff valves to the faucet handles/valves, the handshower is fine since it won't be that far from the spout (even when I had planned on it being opposite end, I just figured I'd put a 10-ft braided washing machine hose on). Maybe I will put a grab bar under the window - have to see if it really helps getting up/out. But if I were to put on on the deck for assistance getting in (I've only got a 30" inseam and the deck will be about 20" from finished floor), where would you suggest I put it? Thanks

Yea, I better stick with original plan. There are too many issues with American Standard quality and the nature of the Americast tubs, which are really like Bootzcast tubs but with a resin backing that gives it more support. And there are reports of the resin even cracking on the bottom especially where people stand when taking a shower. But darn, that Cambridge tub sure was comfy for me. So I will go back to the Kohler Tresham Vanity top sink to match a white acrylic tub. I also like the drop in Tresham which you showed above and of course I like the Memoirs drop in sinks. The Tresham vanity sink version is like a countertop sink. It will give me some height without having to build up the existing vanity. like the looks of Kohler Devonshire tub but it has a depth of 14 inches - I could always install a Kohler deep soak tub overflow drain. Or choose the Mirabelle Bradenton which has a depth of 16.5 inches. My inspiration for this remodel is a bath I found on Houzz. It has a Kohler Archer alcove tub. I will be extending the shower out and Hydro Ban has a 36 wide x 48 deep premade shower pan with a 36 curb (per Mongoct's recommendation). I called Laticrete and they emailed me the spec page. The crazy tract home supply plumbing has 2 cold and 1 hot pipes coming up on the corner of the big garden tub. I don't want to move all of the plumbing so I will build a ledge for it and install the Roman faucet on top. Right now, the garden tub is installed right up to the vanity. I am going to install a 32 inch wide alcove tub to give more floor space and a sliver of wall space to keep the bathroom from looking too boxed in. I will fill in the drop down under the current tub to make the floor level and the bottom of the tub even with the floor to make it safer to get in and out of the tub. That's the plan. Here is a link that might be useful: Houzz This post was edited by Anna_in_TX on Sun, Mar 23, 14 at 17:30

I want to replace the faucet and handles - trim kit. The old spout was very confusing to remove but we got it off and now I want a more modern replacement. The delta model I tried does not fit this rough in. Model BT2796. Trying to see if anyone knows of a model that can be use as replacement. Would like it to be oil rubbed bronze.

You have all provided great information for to me consider. I've moved from absolutely wanting a claw foot tub to not wanting one! However, I still want a tub. I'm remembering that in a previous house I had a soaker-tub with a 12" tile surround that I could sit on and swing into the tub. And I was in my 30s but we also installed grab bars and it worked for me. I'm now looking at soaker-tub options. One is only 19" to step over (my current tub is a 24" step over). Might work. * I should have mentioned before that we're also installing a 42" x 42" shower with seat. The tub is just to satisfy my "I wanna be a tub woman" longing. auntthelma: "if I'm not a tub person, why would I invest in a nice tub?' lindsey: "Buy for the life you have, not the one you wish you had." In thinking about it ... I believe that if a person wants to paint, they should paint. If they want to travel, they should pack up and go. If I don't install the tub I'll wonder, what if ..." Too damn old to let opportunity pass by. All of your posts have been thoughtful and helpful and funny! Thank you all and keep um coming. I'll keep you posted on progress ...