Like many individuals in their 50s and 60s, we have no intention of moving in the foreseeable future. We love our home and location and want to stay put. Instead, we are assessing what home updates are necessary to suit our needs (and desires) now and through our later years. We don’t want to make changes just before selling—we want to enjoy the updates ourselves.

The master bathroom was a ‘gut job’ and the most expensive improvement on the list.

Ditching the Platform Tub

The jetted platform tub was the room's focal point, with a sizeable half-round window offering private views of a wooded conservation area. These tubs were the rage in the early 1990s when the house was built. Unfortunately, our two-stepped platform now looked big and clunky, and getting in and out of the tub could be treacherous, particularly when wet. To make matters worse, we discovered old water stains on the downstairs room ceiling one day and realized we had plumbing issues. The plumbing was a nightmare to reach behind the tiled step.

We replaced our sizable 'gem' with a Fleurco free-standing tub. Here are the benefits we gained with this decision:

• The new tub is easier on the eyes compared to the old one. Simple and clean lines.

• The water stays hot longer, and the tub is super comfortable—significant improvements from the jetted tub removed.

• We no longer have concerns about bacteria, mold, and mildew collecting in the jets. The new tub doesn’t have jets, and we don’t miss them at all.

• The tub filler rough-in valve is very accessible should we have any plumbing issues.

• We created more open space in the bathroom.

The difference is striking!