Luxurious bathtubs used to be a given in master bath design. In recent years, a new trend is on the rise: the missing master bathtub. As you prepare to build your new custom home, only you can decide what is best for your master bathroom. Before you make up your mind, here are a few points to consider when deciding whether you need a master bathtub.
Why the Master Bathtub is Disappearing
There are several potential reasons responsible for the missing master bathtub. First, a master bathtub is a luxury that has become impractical for the average homeowner. Sure, the idea of soaking in a whirlpool sounds absolutely fantastic, but in reality, there’s often no time in the schedule to actually enjoy one. Secondly, bathtubs pose a significant safety threat to aging homeowners, particularly if they are in the master bathroom and used on a daily basis. Perhaps most importantly, a bathtub monopolizes a significant portion of the floor space in a bathroom. If space is already limited, then homeowners may opt for other luxury amenities like a double vanity or linen closet.
The Pros and Cons of a Missing Master Bathtub
There are pros and cons to leaving a bathtub out of your master bathroom design. Only you can determine what features are most important to you, but here are a few points to keep in mind.
Pros
- More floor space for other features or a larger shower
- Less water consumption
- Reduced safety risk elderly family members
- Conducive for universal design
Cons
- Eliminates a luxury item
- A tub-free home can be difficult to sell
- Tubs are useful for families with small children
- Adding a tub in the future can be costly
Should You Eliminate Your Master Bathtub?
If you’re considering a tub-less master bathroom, here are a few questions to ask yourself before making a final decision.
Do I have a tub in my existing home?
If you’re already accustomed to not having a tub in your master bathroom—or in your home at all—then designing your new home without a tub in the master bathroom may be an easy decision. If you don’t have a tub in your current home but think you would enjoy having access to one, consider including a tub in a secondary bathroom. If you do have a tub in your current master bathroom but find yourself rarely using it, then now is the perfect time to adjust your master bathroom design to fit your lifestyle
Will there be a bathtub in a different bathroom?
If your custom home includes several bathrooms, then don’t worry about leaving one out of your master bathroom. Instead, include a bathtub or shower/tub combo in one of your other bathrooms. This can be an excellent solution if your children are the primary bathers in your family.
Who is using the master bathroom?
Most likely, you (and perhaps a partner) will be the primary people using your master bathroom. As such, it’s most important for the master bathroom to include features that you want.
Designing your custom home can be a challenge, but with a professional home builder, it doesn’t have to be! If you’re ready to move forward in the custom home building process, contact Homes by Brill. Our team has successfully built more than 400 homes in the Des Moines area, and we can help you determine the features that will work best in your new home. Schedule your consultation today!
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