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Original poster

Do you need a bath?

135 replies

Nowthereistwo · 25/02/2025 23:13

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

OP posts:

Vettrianofan · 26/02/2025 07:14

I would choose to install a wet room.

Geneticsbunny · 26/02/2025 07:23

Put a Japanese soaking tub in then you will have space for a good sized shower without losing the bath completely. https://www.omnitub.co.uk/

Neversaygoodbye · 26/02/2025 07:25

Our main bathroom is quite small and the bath narrow. When the kids became teenagers we replaced the bath with a walk in shower, it's been excellent. We have no intention of moving anytime soon and when we do the bathroom may well need updating anyway. Since we replaced our bath with a shower, several neighbours have done the same.

boulevardofbrokendreamss · 26/02/2025 07:34

The bath is never used in our house.

DustyLee123 · 26/02/2025 07:36

Now the kids are grown, I could live without a bath.
If I were to put a bath in now, I’d look at one of those smaller/half baths like I saw in France.

MysteriousUsername · 26/02/2025 07:39

We haven't had a bath for about 10 years. I don't miss it. DP has a bath at his, and I thought I'd have a nice long soak, but after 5 minutes I realised I get bored very quickly!

I'm hopefully getting the bathroom done up soon and will get a lovely big shower cubicle. I'm not planning on moving any time soon, so it's fine for us.

MumChp · 26/02/2025 07:41

We do fine without a bath.

unsync · 26/02/2025 08:05

If your daughter enjoys a bath, it seems unfair to deny that. You could consider a Japanese style soaking tub as a compromise, they have a smaller footprint.

CleverMintHedgehog · 26/02/2025 08:13

Generally I’d prefer a nice large shower as neither of us ever bathes. However, I often wash my hair separately over the bath and would hate not being able to do this. DH wants to get rid of it, but I want to keep it for that reason (cannot fit both in).

mynamechangemyrules · 26/02/2025 08:18

I think 'you do you' works when you're going to be there for some time. I remember my parents making their homes just right for them and never this worry of resale value etc.

But- I love a bath! And I really wanted to keep one despite kids not using it. I have a tiny home and 3 kids so I went for an oversized bath (took ages to find!) with a rain shower over the end. I had to flip the plumbing so the bath ran the full width of the bathroom under the window, and moved the toilet behind the door as you open it- and everyone on our road (we're a nosy bunch!) has said how much bigger the bathroom feels despite technically having less floor space now. Sorry- rambling 🤣

Scoobyblue · 26/02/2025 08:42

Definitely put in the shower that you want now if you are going to stay for 10 years.

PineappleSeahorse · 26/02/2025 08:43

Personally no. I absolutely detest baths.

PoppyBaxter · 26/02/2025 08:45

I have a bath about 4 times a year (normally for period pain) and DH never does, so we could do without a bath. But we will always have a bath for resale purposes. I know that's a bit bleak, but it would put SO many people off if there isn't a bath, it would only create headaches down the road.

richardosmanstrousers · 26/02/2025 08:46

We got rid of the bath, nobody used it and now we have a huge walk in shower which suits our needs much better. I don't understand why people prioritise resale value over what suits the family living in the house.

rivalsbinge · 26/02/2025 08:50

You need a bath, you've said your 9 year old has them? Why would you take that away?

ThimbleT · 26/02/2025 08:53

We got rid of our bath years ago. Much happier with a fancy walk-in shower. I do think baths are better when the children are little though.

MagpiePi · 26/02/2025 08:53

Can't remember the last time I had a bath and if I wasn't moving soon I'd definitely take my bath out and have a walk in shower. In fact I am planning to take out the bath in any potential new house and put in a walk in shower.

PinotPony · 26/02/2025 08:55

We have the same dilemma. Currently have a shower over the bath and I can’t remember the last time I or the teenagers ran a bath.

I’m going to refit the bathroom with a walk in shower or wet room. I like the idea of a Japanese soaking tub but I’m not sure it’ll get used!

If you’re not planning on moving anytime soon, do what works best for your family.

Advocodo · 26/02/2025 08:57

We used to have a separate bath and small shower which was quite cramped. We got rid of the bath and now just have a statement very spacious shower. Looks so much more high end and luxurious. Don’t regret it one bit even when we had daughter and new baby move in with us for a year whilst awaiting house purchase. We have a 4 bedroom detached house with an en suite shower room. Figured if and when we sell (very unlikely) then we could put in a bath if required. Estate agent told our neighbours who did the same thing that it wouldn’t affect a sale or lower the price.

MumonabikeE5 · 26/02/2025 08:59

If it had all the bells and whistles then go for it.
heated floor, spacious shower area, flip down seat, shaving perch, different water heads, convenient shelves or pumps for products, soft lighting and bright lighting.

CoastalCalm · 26/02/2025 09:00

I only bathe so it’s an essential for me and have been put off viewing houses without as it would make life difficult , a couple of days in a hotel with shower only is the most I can do

Advocodo · 26/02/2025 09:01

Will add, last time I had a bath was almost 38 years ago just after I had given birth. A family member has just had a new bathroom too and only has a shower as at their age they find a bath difficult to get in and out off.

Oooeee · 26/02/2025 09:04

I discounted houses without a bath and even a short bath. I wanted a full size bath and even measured them when viewing to make sure and laid in the bath to test it out 🤣 I love my baths though.

Craftysue · 26/02/2025 09:06

We have a large shower cubicle and a small bath . I can't remember the last time I had a bath - my daughter has the occasional bath otherwise I wouldn't have bothered when we upgraded the bathroom

Topseyt123 · 26/02/2025 09:09

We only have showers in this house. In fact, the only reason the bath is used at all is because the shower is above it.

I'd get rid of the bath. Huge waste of space.

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