Plumber: Do some homework before starting your bathroom remodel

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GOLETA NORTH

265 Moreton Bay Ln 2 Peaceful single-story cottage nestled in prime location opening to large green space-freshly painted, all new windows, open floor plan, move-in ready. 1/1 1-4 $575,000 Village Properties Michael Dickman 805-689-3355 # 02093312

TURNPIKE/PATTERSON

59 San Dimas Ave 4/2 12-3 $1,495,000 Looking for a turnkey, beautifully remodeled, bright, modern home? Look no further.

Village Properties Curtis Swan II 805-607-9709 # 02049218

SUMMERLAND

2521 Whitney Ave Sitting on the highest street in Summerland, this home has ocean and island views, open floor plan, front and rear entertainment areas and privacy. 4/3 1-3 $2,895,000 Village Properties John Henderson 805-689-1066 # 00780607

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Plumber:

Do some homework before starting your bathroom remodel

Question:

Ed: 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 list the bathrooms as half-baths? Your input is welcome.

– Arnold

It may be wise to install just one walk-in shower, then keep the tub and shower in the other bathroom.

Photo courtesy Kohler/TNS

Answer:

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 discuss 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 a full bathroom may be retained no matter what.

Bottom line: Like the old saying goes, don’t throw out the bathtub with the bath water!