The Not-So-Obvious Thing That Makes a 3/4 Bath Different from a 1/2 Bath

If you’re house-hunting on listing websites, you’ve likely seen terms like “three-quarter bath” pop up from time to time. And if you’re anything like me, you scratched your head wondering what on earth that means. While you might understand the difference between a full bath and a half bath, it’s possible you’ve never heard of a three-quarter bath before. So, what is a three-quarter bath, or a 3/4 bath, as it’s sometimes written out? Luckily for you, I did the research so you don’t have to.

As it turns out, bathroom types are determined based on which of four key bathroom appliances are included: a toilet, a sink, a bathtub, and a shower. Here’s a look at four common types of bathrooms, what they look like, and how to tell the difference among them.

To be considered a full bathroom, a toilet, sink, bathtub, and shower (or a tub and shower combo) must be present. You may also find additional features like a linen closet, a bidet, or dual sinks, but they are not required. A full bathroom will typically be located near or adjacent to the primary bedroom. 

Thanks to its full suite of features, a full bath is highly desirable for house hunters.  According to 2019 data from Opendoor, adding a full bathroom to your home increases the resale value by $18,000 on average. 

Whether you call it a half bath, guest bath, or powder room, it will have only two of the four key bathroom components. Most often, you’ll see a toilet and sink in a half bath, and the room will be located on the main level of your home to serve as a guest bathroom. 

While not as tricked out as a full bathroom, half baths are still plenty advantageous (like if you live with multiple people). Adding a half bath to your home increases the resale value by $9,000 on average, per 2019 data from Opendoor.

A three-quarter bathroom will have three of the four key components. Most commonly, these rooms will include a toilet, sink, and a shower stall without a bathtub (or in some cases, a bathtub without a shower). If regular soaks in the bathtub aren’t a priority for you, forgoing a full bath for a three-quarter bath can be a good money-saving option.

That depends on what you’re looking for in your home, and if you feel it will better service your needs. If, for example, you’re thinking of aging in place or you need a more accessible bathroom space for any reason, converting your full bath into a three-quarter bath with a walk-in shower could make a lot of sense. 

However, if you’re considering converting your full bath into a three-quarter bath for resale value only, you should consult with experts like real estate agents in your area and contractors and take a holistic look at your home. 

Would you be getting rid of the only bathtub in the house? This question matters because if you’re getting rid of the only tub. Most real estate experts say this will devalue your home. “Many buyers list tubs as a must-have feature and won’t consider properties if they lack one,” Hilary Rovins, a broker with Coldwell Banker Warburg previously told Apartment Therapy.

Experts also agree that the only reason you really should consider getting rid of your only tub is if your bathroom is just far too cramped to have one, but again, that you should really try to hold on to at least one tub if you can. But it’s your home — you can do what you’d like with it.