In a real estate listing or on a floor plan, the term bathroom appears on various spaces with different sizes, different means of access and assorted ceramic bathroom fittings. Even the term “bathroom” is misleading because bathing might not be the room’s designated purpose.
In Canada, the term “washroom” is often used in place of bathroom, and the purpose of the room is not primarily washing. Communication is vital in all real estate transactions, so using the terms that are specific and clear will prevent confusion and misrepresentation, making both the homebuyer and the agent more comfortable and smoothing the way to a successful transaction.
It’s worth considering a few types of bathrooms to be sure that everyone is using the same terms and speaking the same language.
Master bathroom
Until fairly recently, the “master” bathroom was related to and exclusively used by the largest or “master” bedroom. In many real estate markets, the term “master” has been replaced with “primary” to describe the largest bathroom to be more sensitive to the marketplace.
The primary bathroom is distinguished by its proximity to and sole use by the primary bedroom. Some primary bedrooms will feature two complete bathrooms, one for each of the two primary bedroom residents. The term “his and hers” bathrooms has been retired for some time.
Guest or hall bathroom
As the hall bathroom name would imply, this bathroom is accessible to and used by multiple members of a residence, and it’s located on a hallway serving numerous bedrooms.
In some markets, this bathroom was labeled as the “family” bathroom, but that term has fallen out of use. As this bathroom services more than one individual, it might be partitioned for privacy, with the bathing and toilet functions taking place separately from the sinks and vanity area.
Jack-and-Jill bathroom
Located between two bedrooms, a Jack-and-Jill bathroom has doors accessible from both bedrooms. One can assume that some imaginative architect or homebuilder first used this term to describe a bathroom that two children of different genders could use.
Privacy is always a concern with a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, as one must be diligent in locking both doors when using. Realtors, when using this term, it is always best to include an explanation because not all buyers will be familiar with this type of bathroom. Some might refer to it as a “shared bathroom.” Most importantly, a Jack-and-Jill bathroom is a very efficient use of space.
Half-bath or powder room
A half-bath includes only a toilet and sink with no bathing facilities. It’s typically used by guests and is located near public and entertaining areas on the first floor of a residence. The half-bath location is not close to bedrooms or the family areas of a home to preserve privacy. In pre-war urban apartment buildings, a half bath was often located near the kitchen for domestic household employees’ exclusive use.
Home values are significantly impacted by the location of a half-bath on the first floor, as a population dedicated to aging in place will expand the half-bath to include access to bathing, most frequently a shower. A full bath on the first floor of a residence prevents the need to regularly ascend and descend stairs.
A quick explanation of the term “powder room” is appropriate, as both genders have played a role in the name. This term had its origin in the 1920s when indoor plumbing was widely accessible, and it came into use to replace “ladies room.” Ladies did not use the bathroom; instead, they retired to space dedicated to powder their noses.
In Colonial times, when men wore powdered wigs, the powder room allowed men to engage in this activity. Whatever the origin, the term is still used in real estate today. Interior designers view powder rooms as statement spaces to make guests feel pampered.
Whether a first-floor half-bath or a powder room, the presence will increase the home’s value and convenience.
Three-quarter bathroom
If such a term can be used, standard bathrooms consist of a sink, toilet, and bathtub, which may or may not also have a shower attachment. An Englishman, William Feetham, a stove maker, is credited with the invention of the modern shower in 1767. A bathroom without a bathtub but with a shower or shower “stall” is known as a three-quarter bathroom.
This type of bathroom was popular in America in the 1940s and 1950s, when the total number of bathrooms in homes grew to two or more. Showers were standard in new homes built in the 1960s, and in the 1980s, large showers with multiple sources of water or jets were in fashion.
Bathrooms with showers were less expensive to build, required less space and responded to the popularity of showering as opposed to bathing in a bathtub. It’s possible to approximate the date of a house or apartment by the number and placement of original bathrooms and their type.
Full bathroom
A full bathroom consists of a sink, toilet, tub and shower in a separate location. Another term for this type of bathroom is a “four-piece bathroom.” A “five-piece bathroom” would feature two sinks in addition to the toilet, tub, and shower.
To complete the scenario, while not standard, it is possible to see a listing with a “six-piece bathroom,” which would include all the standard features and a bidet. Depending on one’s background and experience, the term “full bath” might have different meanings. It’s always wise to take a physical inventory of all rooms in a home, particularly bathrooms, and count the fixtures.
Researching the original location and types of bathrooms with local building departments can also provide valuable information. Many plumbing issues can also be avoided by using a reputable building inspector.
A bathroom renovation in older homes with full bathrooms that I have encountered is the removal of the bathtub and replacing it with a washing machine and sometimes a dryer. Stacking laundry units replacing showers is another renovation that is not uncommon. The wise agent will confirm that the renovation adheres to code and meets the co-op or condo board’s approval if applicable.
Bathrooms, their location in a listing, their size, components, and style can help or hinder a real estate transaction. Just as fashion has entered and influenced every other aspect of housing, bathrooms, as seen in any plumbing or tile showroom, present seemingly endless options.
Storage, function, lighting, floor plan, and heating and ventilation decisions are not addressed in this article, but they also play a significant part in any bathroom function. Water conservation and solar panels impact current bathroom design, adding to the decisions a builder, agent and homeowner will need to address.
Gerard Splendore is a licensed associate real estate broker with Warburg Realty in New York. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
