Do you need a bath?

[Nowthereistwo]

We (2 adults, 2 pre-teens girls) live in a 4 bed with a small bathroom and downstairs shower room. We're thinking about upgrading the upstairs bathroom - potentially without a bath.

Currently we have a power shower over the bath and considering whether to have a separate shower and smaller bath or a large shower unit.

Our neighbours have a separate shower and bath but it looks cramped in and they say noone uses the bath. They put the bath in for resale purposes.

Only our 9yr old actually likes a bath, the rest prefer a shower. Also we are committed to the house for 10 years whilst the kids go through secondary.

I want to have a statement shower and really use the space. Also my DH is 6ft3 so needs room to move in the cubicle.

WWYD

I couldn't live without a bath. I did it for 3 years while at Uni and I really missed it. That said if you think you won't miss it and you aren't planning to move any time soon I wouldn't worry about resale value.your house needs to work for you.

I couldn’t cope without having a bath. It’s like therapy to me.

Never lose the bath

Going shower only will affect onward sale of your home as a bath somewhere in the home is a requirement for a significant portion of buyers. What is that worth to you to have the ideal shower experience every day for 10+ years?

personally I would prioritise my own preferences on a 10 year horizon, but I don’t know the role of home equity in your bigger picture financial planning.

Yes. Hate hotels where the 'bathroom' only has a shower.

I could not live without a bath. But I’d also hate to have a shower over the bath, rather than separate. I’d be inclined to have a decent sized shower rather than a poxy one over a bath.

It's your home, do what suits you.

It depends how long you intend to stay in your property - a house without a bath is not going to be attractive to a young family. If you want to go the shower route I would put one of those showers in that take the footprint of a bath and can be easily changed back for future purchasers.

I love having baths and think it could affect resale to get rid of it. Not the price necessarily but more how long it takes to sell because for some people it would make the house less attractive than a similar one with a bath.

I have never had a bath in my house.

Much rather have a big shower.

I would choose a shower. As you intend to be there for 10 years do what suits your family.

I bought a house without a bath thinking I'd manage fine without one. I actually really miss having one so I'm re-doing the bathroom much sooner than I had planned in order to put one in.

IMO, you need a bath. Even if it's a smallish one. Especially if your 9 year old likes a bath.

Have exactly the shower you want, and when you come to sell the house, add in the description 'large shower; plenty of room for a bathtub'. Then if it doesn't sell, you can put in a cheap bathtub with the existing shower over it.

I wouldn’t use up space for a bath I didn’t need for 10 years in case some future buyer wanted one.

I would choose a shower every day of the week. I'd get rid of my bath in a heartbeat if I could afford to

Unless you're planning on moving in the next few years do what suits you best

We have the same issue, my husband wants to get rid of the bath (big Victorian tub) as it must be about five years since it was last used. I think removing it could make the house harder to sell - we used it loads when our kids were little. It’s beautiful but a lovely big shower would be great!

I very rarely have a bath, I can’t remember the last time, but I’d always want a bath in a bathroom. I think the room looks strange with just a bath too. And what about your littlest who likes a bath? Could you not make the downstairs shower room wonderful and keep the bath shower upstairs?
(Although you should really have the bathroom you truly want if you’re going to be there a a decade).

We have a bath that is never used now so we are also considering getting rid of it. It was used regularly when the kids were little but noone uses it now except for putting the recycling bins in to dry off before they are put back in the cupboard, after a rainy day. Your house, do what works best for you.

Deliberately chose a house without a bath. Showers all the way.

Defo need a bath especially as 9 year old enjoys it
I shower everyday but bath on the weekend as its lush to be under hot water!..

I would want a bath when house hunting especially if I have smaller children. Bathing my children use to bring me such joy. It would calm them and pass some time on winter days when stuck at home. Hours of fun!!

We only use the bath for the dog these days! We all prefer a shower and I can't remember the last time I had a bath.

This.

I don't know anybody who actually uses their bath yet so many think they need to hang onto it for resale.

I stupidly bought a house without a bath. It’s a matter of great regret, and if we go away I make sure there is a bath as it’s such a luxury for me now. I mostly have showers but there are times when only a bath will do. It will also affect resale. Having said that, if you plan to stay long term, have what suits you.

That's funny, the only person who used the downstairs shower in our old house was the dog.

Because he loved rolling in muddy puddles and jumping into swampy water.