Q: We have two full bathrooms and want to convert both tub and shower units to walk-in shower stalls. But some friends have mentioned that removing the bathtubs could possibly classify the bathrooms as half baths? Your input is welcome.
A: I get this question often and tell homeowners to contact a local real estate agent to address this question before removing any bathtubs.
With that said, I’ve heard tradespeople at building shows say that a full bathroom consists of a toilet, sink, shower and bathtub. (A single tub and shower unit can count as two fixture components.) A bathroom with less than those four basic fixtures may not be considered a full bath.
If a bathroom has three out of the four fixtures it could maybe be called a three-quarter bath. But most home listings I’ve seen refer to bathrooms as full or half-baths, so keep that in mind.
In my opinion, it may be wise to install just one walk-in shower, then keep the tub and shower in the other bathroom. This way your home retains one full bathroom.
Bottom line: Like the old saying goes, don’t throw out the bathtub with the bathwater!
Ed Del Grande is a master plumber, contractor and author. Send questions to eadelg@cs.com.