Most people take baths about as often as they go to confession. And yet there is often a fear of not including a tub in their master bath renovation, even if it will go unused. The debate goes something like this...
Point: Must have the tub!
"Master baths are supposed to have a nice tub in them. What about resale? Even though we will never use it, we'd better put a tub in there because if we don't, potential buyers will run screaming from the building. Hey, maybe we can use it as a nice planter!"
This position is understandable if you are remodeling to sell your house.
Counter-point: Nuke the tub!
"This bathroom doesn't work for us. It has a large tub that we never use, and a cramped shower that's almost an afterthought. I want to nuke the useless tub, and use the free space to create a comfortable shower. This will be okay, because I have a tub in another bathroom if needed."
This position makes sense if you are remodeling to enjoy your home more, and you intend to stay for a while.
Our bottom line:
Be bold! Do your own thing! If you enjoy a soothing bath on a regular basis, then of course, a tub makes sense in your master bath, usually separate from the shower. If you rarely or never take baths, forego the tub and build a really nice shower. You will enjoy this space every day. If you live in the new bath ten years or more, whoever buys your home will probably renovate the bath anyway. If they want a tub, they will add one.
