bathroom remodels with clients

in all my decades practicing residential design, it was a given that a full or master bathroom included a tub. Lately, though, when discussing bathroom remodels with clients, there comes a point when I must ask whether they want a bathtub.

While some clients have an immediate answer, others are startled by the question, often inquiring, [Are we required to have a tub?" There`s no metro St. Louis municipality that requires a tub – it`s purely a personal preference. However, it`s clear that a bathtub is no longer a foregone conclusion.

Certain pros and cons should be considered when deciding whether your new abode or bathroom remodel will include a tub.

You can shower in a tub, for instance, but you can`t bathe in a shower. The classic bathtub/shower combination remains popular because of the flexibility to do both in one space. The increasing popularity of handheld showerheads also keeps the tub a desirable option. However, with a rapidly aging population and increased awareness of universal design, stepping into a bathtub to use the shower creates accessibility concerns.

Also, when`s the last time you took a bath? For someone who rarely takes a soak, a bathtub uses valuable space, whereas a walk-in shower with a bench could suffice. A recent Houzz poll indicates bathing may be a generational experience, with 39 percent of 25- to 34-year-olds willing to skip a tub anywhere in the house. But homeowners do have valid resale value concerns if all tubs are removed.

In that regard, consider these three bathtub rules of thumb: (1) If you have multiple bathrooms, keep a tub in one of them. (2) If you have toddlers, small children or dogs to bathe, a tub is necessary. (3) If soaking in a tub is your surefire way to relax, a tub is a must.

The therapeutic aspect of soaking in a tub is undeniable. This is why a stand-alone soaking tub in addition to a walk-in shower is quickly becoming a master bathroom standard when space permits. And modern stand-alone tubs take up far less room than those 1990s tub jets with large decking.

The resale value of a tubless house is tricky to gauge because half the people want one, and the other half don`t care. For instance, when a house is listed for sale, those who require a tub will see it missing from the listing and won`t bother to view the house. Also, seldom does one buy the perfect pre-existing home; modifications usually happen, especially in bathrooms, which, along with kitchens, are the most frequently remodeled parts of a house.

Still, to have or not have a bathtub is a very personal decision, so don`t let future unknown buyers or predictions of future trends keep you from having what you want and need right now.

Brian Yount is an AIA-registered architect in Missouri and a Certified Aging in Place Specialist with St. Louis remodeling and design firm Mosby Building Arts. Along with his award-winning design skills, he specializes in metro St. Louis building codes and permits.