Tub vs Shower in a small ADU in San Diego

[Oscar Miguel]

Hello everyone! I am finally moving forward on an ADU project I have been working to permit since the new ADU law went into effect in California back in January of 2020.

Originally, I wanted a tub in the bathroom since a full shower would give me more value in the property as well as higher monthly rent.  However, now that the walls are framed, I am finding it to be a very tight squeeze in the bathroom with the sink right next to it.  The sewer lines have already been placed, inspected and concrete poured so I cannot change the location of the toilet or tub.  BUT, I can opt to create more space by going with a shower stall instead of a full tub.

I was wondering your thoughts on this. My thought process is that this ADU is in a beach community and people are used to smaller spaces, so I'm leaning towards keeping the tub so I can claim a full bathroom vs. 3/4 bath.

Thank you all and have a safe holiday season!

[Dan H.]

Have you seen the tubs with doors?  Typically they are for elder people.  The are tall with a small footprint.  It would have an "unusual" look, but it could provide a tub in the footprint of a shower.  

The question are:

• Would the "unusual" look degrade from its rentability?
• How reliable are the seals on those doors?  My Father in law had one and it never leaked, but he had it less than a decade.
• What is the cost of those types of tubs?

I do not know the answers to any of the above questions.  It provides you something to consider/research.

Good luck