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Kids bathroom - replace tub with walk-in shower?

4 years ago

My kids have always hated taking showers in their bathroom. They always come downstairs to use mine. I think it is time to put an end to this. The reason they refuse to take shower in their bathroom is because it is tiny and looks congested. It is a Jack-n-Jill bathroom with 2 separate sink-vanities, and one common toilet/tub. When asked what will help them take shower in their bathroom, they say they don't like the tub. They want a walk-in shower like I have in the master bedroom. I think something with glass doors to open up the room a bit more?

Which option is better?

1. Remove the tub and replace with a walk-shower.

This option will cost more, look better, Definitely make it more functional for the kids. Does this reduce the resale value of the house? We live in a neighborhood with a lot of kids and great schools so it is attractive to buyers with young kids.

2. Keep the tub, but add sliding glass doors.

Cost less. Doesn't look as good as Option 1. May be a hit or a miss with my kids. They may decide after it is done that they don't really like it and continue to use my shower downstairs.

Featured Answer

K R

4 years ago

We are just getting ready to remodel a kids’ bathroom exactly like yours. We are planning to sell in a couple years, and aside from the master tub this is the only tub (out of 4 full bathrooms) so although my teen is 16 and hates the tub/shower combo, it’s staying. We are going to add the sliding doors and use a square flatter bottomed tub that is easier to stand in. We’re doing something like this, frameless “barn doors” with frosted glass, so he doesn’t feel like someone could walk in, especially since it is a jack and Jill design with 2 doors. Plus it’s more of a modern style.

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Comments (7)

User
4 years ago
If it’s the only tub in the house, it needs to stay. The kids will be gone soon, and you’ll put the house on the market. It needs a tub. You’ll also never recoup the 10-15K cost of a second floor tub to shower conversion.
Jamila Banu
Original Author
4 years ago
We have a large jetted tub in the master bathroom downstairs. When the kids were babies, we gave them their baths in the master bathroom tub.
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Jamila Banu
Original Author
4 years ago
Thanks Karen, I like this!
cpartist
4 years ago
As long as there's a tub in the house you're fine.
Lars
4 years ago
I'm getting rid of both tubs in my Coachella Valley house and replacing them with walk-in showers, but my neighborhood has a lot of retired people in it, and I am not interested in selling the house any time soon. My real estate agent said that no one in Palm Springs takes baths. Also, we plan to rent it for about half of the year, and I was told that guests do not like to take baths. Of course it is different if you live in the house full time. Right now, it is very difficult to step into the master bath/shower because the tub is oval, and there is a lot of edge to clear to get inside.
stir_fryi SE Mich
4 years ago
We are remodeling a vacation condo in FL with two full baths, one with a walk-in shower and one with a tub. The first thing one of our renters asked is "will you still have a bathtub?" I've decided to keep the tub. I also have young (3 and 5) great-nieces/nephews that love to take "tubbys". Better to have one of each.

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