Bathroom Renovation: Does Shower = Half-Bath?

**alanpward** · 05-30-2008, 03:07 PM

Allow me to set the scene, I am currently the owner of a one bed apartment in Queens, NY and I am looking to renovate the bathroom. Currently the bathroom is small with a full bath, sink and toilet. I initially was going to remove the full bath tub and replace it with a shower unit, alas a friend informed me that this could reduce the value of the Co-Op due to the bathroom being reduced to half-bath status, Also my sellers would be cut in half as it was my friends belief and somewhat of a good point I might add, that females will not purchase an apartment without a bath. These are all things that need to be taken into consideration prior to my renovation. I would really like just a shower unit, alas if it will dramatically reduce the price or decrease the interest upon re-sale, then this may not be an option. Would anybody out there have thoughts on this?

I might also add, I will not be selling this property in the near future, it is my home for the next 5-10 years at the very least.

I really do appreciate your input on this quandary...

Alan

**jamesww** · 05-30-2008, 04:27 PM

Originally Posted by alanpward

Allow me to set the scene, I am currently the owner of a one bed apartment in Queens, NY and I am looking to renovate the bathroom. Currently the bathroom is small with a full bath, sink and toilet. I initially was going to remove the full bath tub and replace it with a shower unit, alas a friend informed me that this could reduce the value of the Co-Op due to the bathroom being reduced to half-bath status, Also my sellers would be cut in half as it was my friends belief and somewhat of a good point I might add, that females will not purchase an apartment without a bath. These are all things that need to be taken into consideration prior to my renovation. I would really like just a shower unit, alas if it will dramatically reduce the price or decrease the interest upon re-sale, then this may not be an option. Would anybody out there have thoughts on this?

I might also add, I will not be selling this property in the near future, it is my home for the next 5-10 years at the very least.

I really do appreciate your input on this quandary...

Alan

It would not be classified as a half bath but rather as a 3/4 bath. Your friend is correct on it being a negative thing for resale. You would be just fine if you had another bathroom with the tub but not having a bath tub would leave many buyers uninterested in your home. I too prefer a shower over a bath any day and like a seperate shower unit. If you have room that you can take from another part of the unit, I would suggest you put in a soaking tube and your shower. This would add more value to the unit than you have now.

**joehall** · 05-30-2008, 08:18 PM

I always thought that a half bath was just a toilet.

**wchua24** · 05-31-2008, 03:28 AM

i think you just need to remodel it by using the same old bath tub and putting an shower enclosure above the tub then you get an bath tub and a shower...just my suggestion...