Every bathroom is an investment, and so a lot has to go into the choices you make when completing your bathroom remodel. If you’re doing a bathroom addition, or a full remodel, we may ask you whether you’re looking for a full bath (a bathroom with a shower and/or tub) or a half bath (just a toilet and a sink).
If you’re remodeling something like the master bathroom, you will always want a full bath. You’ll need to shower, of course, and your home will lose a considerable amount of value if your master bath doesn’t have at least a shower, if not a shower and a tub. It’s an easy decision. Some guest bathrooms are similarly easy decisions.
But what if you’re adding a new bathroom? Or you’re remodeling a third, small bathroom? Then, the option becomes a bit more complicated.
Situations You May Not Want a Full Bath
There are several situations in which a full bath is not ideal. These include:
- Bathroom Not Near a Bedroom – If you’re installing a bathroom somewhere near a public area – for example, the kitchen or living room – then you may not need or want a shower or bathtub. People are very unlikely to take a shower if they’re nowhere near a bedroom, because they’re not going to want to walk in a towel across a public area. A half bath may suffice.
- Limited Space – A full bath, which includes a bathtub, can take up considerable room, making the bathroom feel cramped. Showers take up less space but can still make it difficult to fit comfortably depending on the size of the space.
- Guest Bathrooms – In homes with multiple bathrooms, the primary purpose of each bathroom should guide the remodel decisions. For guest bathrooms, a full bath may not be necessary. A well-designed half bath (or a three-quarter bath with a shower but no tub) can meet guests’ needs without the added expense and space requirements of a full bath.
- Budget Constraints – Bathroom remodels can be costly, and the inclusion of a bathtub can significantly increase the overall expense. If you are working within a tight budget, opting for a shower-only setup can reduce costs. This allows you to allocate funds to other important features, such as high-quality fixtures or improved storage solutions.
- Few Family Members or Guests – If you’re living alone and already have one or two baths and showers, you may not need a third. There may be better ways to allocate your budget.
While a full bath offers certain advantages, there are situations where it may not be the best choice for your bathroom remodel. At Christian Construction, we want to make sure that you’re always making the best long term decisions for your property. Bathroom additions, especially, require careful planning, as you typically already have a bath or shower on the property.
No matter what, bathroom remodels are never something to jump into without planning. Contact Christian Construction today and let’s discuss your remodeling goals.
