Many homeowners appreciate the privacy and luxury of an “en suite” bathroom, or a bathroom that is accessed through the master bedroom. Some buyers choose a home specifically because of this feature, but there are potential drawbacks to consider.
Benefits of a Master Bathroom
An en suite bathroom is convenient. A trip to the bathroom in the middle of the night can be easier, safer and less likely to wake up other family members if a bathroom is located right next to your bedroom and you don’t need to walk down a dark hallway. If you or your spouse gets ill, you can stay in the bedroom with quick access to the bathroom, and you won’t have to use a bathroom shared by others and possibly expose family members to germs that could make them sick.
If you have a lot of toiletries and grooming supplies, and your kids do too, sharing a bathroom can be frustrating for everyone. Having your own bathroom can give you plenty of space and help you keep things organized. A master bathroom can also help you make sure that you, your spouse, and your kids arrive at work or school on time without everyone competing for bathroom time and getting stressed out.
Downsides to Consider
A master bathroom can be a good thing if the house also has enough bathrooms for other family members and guests to use. Otherwise, people could traipse through your bedroom to get to the master bathroom if others are occupied, eliminating the privacy that you thought you’d get from having your own bathroom.
Couples sometimes find that an en suite bathroom is a source of frustration and annoyance. If partners have different schedules, one person may have trouble sleeping if the other is making noise in the bathroom while getting ready for work. Some people feel uncomfortable using the bathroom when their spouse is just on the other side of the door in the bedroom.
A master bathroom takes up space, which means the rest of the house might not have as much room as you’d like for entertaining and relaxing with your family. If you have or plan to have kids, you might come to regret prioritizing a master bathroom and wish you had another bedroom.
An en suite bathroom may appeal to you, but it might not help you sell your house in the future. Prospective buyers might not consider a master bathroom a luxury worth paying for and might prefer to have more living space.
How Important is Having Your Own Bathroom?
A master bathroom can offer convenience and privacy, but some people find that it has unexpected drawbacks. If you’re considering a house with an en suite bathroom, think about your family’s lifestyle and whether having a master bathroom is truly important, or whether buying a home with a different layout would be a better choice.
