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Reducing bathrooms from 4 to 3 1/2

Started by Oxymoronic
over 12 years ago
Posts: 165
Member since: Dec 2007
Discussion about
As part of a renovation, I'm considering converting a full bathroom to a powder room and utilizing the space currently occupied by the bath to be an additional storage cupboard. The configuration means that it would create a deep cupboard off the entry hallway. We would be left with 2 master bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, two kids bedrooms served by 1 full bathroom and 1 powder room close to the entertaining space. However, from a resale perspective, others have cautioned that you should never reduce the number of bathrooms in a property. Either way, the bathroom is dated and needs renovating. The question is whether we replace the bath or create a cupboard from the space. Views?
Response by West81st
over 12 years ago
Posts: 5564
Member since: Jan 2008

Oxymoronic: I don't think it's possible to answer the question without seeing the floorplan, or at least knowing more about the position of that bathroom. If it's in a location where nobody is likely to ever take a bath or shower, converting it to a powder room is probably fine.

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Response by uptown_joe
over 12 years ago
Posts: 293
Member since: Dec 2011

If you're concerned, trade the tub for a stall shower and it remains a "full" bath but you get a closet too, though smaller?

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Response by alanhart
over 12 years ago
Posts: 12397
Member since: Feb 2007

What neighborhood is this in?

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Response by greensdale
over 12 years ago
Posts: 3804
Member since: Sep 2012

Who lives in the place?

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Response by aboutready
over 12 years ago
Posts: 16354
Member since: Oct 2007

Do whatever works for you. You don't discuss the adequacy of your closet space, but for a family of four or more I can definitely see the value of extra storage. Three showers is definitely enough for up to six people. Easy for five.

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Response by West34
over 12 years ago
Posts: 1040
Member since: Mar 2009

Do you want a bathroom or a cupboard? There's your answer. Otherwise anyone who can afford a 4 bathroom apartment who worries about the impact of a bathtub on future resale value might be considered a bit of a...hmmm, whats the word.....? Oh nevermind.

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Response by reallystate
over 12 years ago
Posts: 59
Member since: Apr 2009

From a functionality standpoint, your primary consideration should be what you really need for your household today. After that, it is definitely about protecting value in the resale, but that comes later, since I assume you'll be living there for a while (since you're going through the trouble of renovating!)
I see no need for a bath/shower near your entertaining space. A powder room is much more valuable in both near/long term. The storage seems more important to you and obviously is something that is lacking in a 4 BR apartment, so I'd go for it.
Most importantly in a family-sized apartment, is there a washer/dryer? To me, that would trump all. I'd make the full bath a powder room with washer/dryer/storage, which boosts the value of the home in every scenario.

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Response by nyc_sport
over 12 years ago
Posts: 814
Member since: Jan 2009

One of our 4 baths was converted to a full sized laundry room. Far better us of space for us.

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Response by NYCMatt
over 12 years ago
Posts: 7523
Member since: May 2009

"I see no need for a bath/shower near your entertaining space."

Until YOU get a guest who shits himself. Then that shower comes in darn handy.

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Response by alanhart
over 12 years ago
Posts: 12397
Member since: Feb 2007

Matthew entertains "uptown style".

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