What to do with this terrible shower/tub layout?

Question

We have recently begun renovations on a new property that will be a long term hold.  Everything is going well so far.  The only full bath has a poor layout due to it being narrow and having a sloped ceiling that follows the roof line.  Doing a bump out is not an option.

Originally, I was just thinking about replacing the tub and surround and just dealing with the ceiling slope in the shower.  I am 6'1" and can stand in the shower fine.  The slopped wall is pretty close though.  Now I am wondering if there are better, reasonably priced, options. Perhaps moving the plumbing to the opposite wall and doing a walk in shower?  The problem would then be the lack of a full bath.

My other thought would be moving the plumbing and putting a tub perpendicular to the existing location.  Only problem with that is I will need to find a custom tub that is less then 60" wide.

Any thoughts from the experienced investors out there?

I cannot figure out how to make my pictures small enough, so I will have to link to the dropbox pictures.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/dgqc9isfmtdzimm/P4280016...

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ugk9b8ioavaxtlf/P4280017...

https://www.dropbox.com/s/cfhz14vp28arxdb/P4280018...

Thank you all!

Valerie Hiscoe · Answer

Renters with children will need a bathtub so, as you noted, the lack of a tub in the house would be a problem, minimizing your potential renters, if this is the only bathroom.

Placing the tub along the far wall and rerouting the closet to have it opening into the outer hallway instead of the bathroom, is a great option if you can find a tub that will work.  It would allow you to add a much more desirable larger vanity, as well as make everything feel less closed in.

Another solution would be to keep the tub where it is but move the plumbing so you could replace the dividing wall with glass block and give not only the illusion of a lot more space, but also allow natural light to flow and give a modern edge to the room for a fairly small investment.  The added sparkle would be a noticeable upgrade in the rental market.

When painting, you could choose the same color for both ceiling and walls to de-emphasize the sloping roof, and choose materials with very little contrast throughout the room, to again add to that illusion of space.

Absolutely anything you do to that room would be an improvement so you're lucky in that you really can't go wrong! Best of luck!

David Dachtera · Answer

@Matt Holmer,

With that roof line, you're going to be a bit limited unless you can dormer the roof up and improve the "headroom".

My $0.02...

David J Dachtera

Matt Holmer · Answer

Thank you for the suggestions.  I'm going to re-measure everything once the old tub and surround have been torn out.  I suppose the quote from the plumber will make the biggest difference!

Charlie DiLisio · Answer

I think I would make a tub perpendicular to the existing one and lose the linen closet if that is what the little door is.  As for the size of the tub not being 60 inches you can make a tub any size you need with framing and tiling.  I assume it is a wood structure so the plumbing is not difficult to relocate but my opinion is to make it a nice walkin shower which could change the layout and the look would be improved drastically.  The tub in its current condition really restricts your floor space.  Good luck and send photo's of what you decide to do.  All the best.

Shane Kelley · Answer

I'm not super 'experienced' but I have done a couple flips and after looking at your photos I think turning it into a walk in shower is a smart decision.  Not having a bathtub would usually not be a deal breaker if you were to sell it.  That being said, if it is going to be a rental you may want to just keep it the way it is.  I would base the decision on where you are at with your budget. Just my 2 cents.