Page 9 - Real Estate Now May-June 2022

Size, type, and functionality
There are a lot of great bathtub options out there, and what you select will depend on the measurements and
planning you did above, as well as your vision for the room. Do you want jets to help relax your muscles? Do you want
to be able to shower in the same place? Are you trying to conserve space? These are all things to consider when you
start shopping for a new tub.

Three-wall alcove and corner
tubs
If you have limited space, then either a
three-wall alcove or a corner bathtub
might be the right choice. The three-wall
alcove is a tub-shower combo tucked into
one end of the room. It refers to tubs that
are unfinished on three sides, which are
enclosed against three walls, with the
fourth side facing out. The corner tub
is square or triangular in design and is
usually sized to fit more than one person,
perfect for families with small kids.

Freestanding and clawfoot tubs
If you have a lot of space and potentially want
a separate shower (which, according to Forbes,
potential home buyers see as a luxury), a
freestanding or clawfoot bathtub could be the
way to go. A freestanding tub sits in a solid base
or cradle and creates a sculptural focal point.
However, it can be heavy. Do some calculations
to see how much it will weigh with water and a
bather so you can make sure you don’t need to
add extra floor supports.
With their signature curved feet, clawfoot
tubs are easy to spot. They are deep and often
shaped to have a high back which supports
your upper body. Like the freestanding tub,
clawfoot tubs are the focal point of the room
and add instant romance. You’ll also have the
ability to match the material of the feet to the rest of your bathroom hardware.

Future planning
Even if you’re not planning on selling anytime soon, it’s good to think about the future when choosing a bathtub. If
you dream of growing old in your home, have mobility issues, or think you may embrace multi-generational living
in the future, you may want to consider having a separate walk-in shower or a walk-in tub with a hinged door and
bench. Bathtubs can be slip-and-fall hazards, but you can get a bathtub with non-slip surfaces and a wider lip,making
it easier for sitting and easing into the water.

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