In the real estate industry, many ambiguous terminologies are used to describe a home and what's included in it. But it's important to be certain what these terms mean. A common term realtors use in home listings for sale or rent is en suite bathroom or ensuite bathroom.
But what exactly does an en suite bathroom mean? Or how does an en suite bathroom differ from a regular bathroom? This post will explain everything you need to know about an en suite bathroom. And after reading this post, you will know what's included in an ensuite bathroom and its alternatives.
What Is An En Suite?
An "en suite" is a term used in real estate to describe a bedroom that has a bathroom attached directly to it, offering privacy and convenience. Originally derived from the French word meaning "following" or "afterward," the use of "en suite" in property contexts has evolved significantly from its literal translation. In modern real estate parlance, it specifically denotes a space where the bathroom is connected to a bedroom without any intermediary area, essentially making it part of the same enclosed area. This setup is particularly prized in housing layouts for its direct access, allowing occupants to use bathroom facilities seamlessly from their bedroom. En suites are a common feature in master bedrooms but can also be found in any bedroom designed to provide a self-contained living experience.
What Is An En Suite Bathroom?
The phrase en suite may sound super fancy, but often used to describe a bathroom adjoined to a bedroom. In other words, an en suite bathroom is private and isn't attached to common areas of the home like the hallway, kitchen, second room, and so on.
Commonly, an en suite bathroom is found in a primary bedroom. But that doesn't mean only the primary bedroom can have an en suite bathroom. However, an en suite bathroom shouldn't be confused with a bathroom accessible from two bedrooms. This type of room is often called the Jack and Jill bathroom.
What is included in an en suite bathroom?
En suite bathrooms constitute the same features as a regular bathroom. But what's included in different en suite bathrooms differs, depending on the size of the bathroom. But generally, an en suite bathroom has the following:
• Sink: The sink may or may not come with a vanity, but it's typically found in full and half-size en suite bathrooms.
• Shower: Showers are found in most en suite bathrooms, which can be a standalone shower or combined with a bathtub.
• Toilet: Toilets are also found in most en suite bathrooms which may be a wall-mounted or standard-style toilets.
• Bathtub: Some en suite bathrooms may have bathtubs, especially full-size bathrooms. This tub may be a built-in, corner, or freestanding model.
• Towel racks: Towel racks are rare but are included in some upscale ensuite bathrooms to provide storage for towels and other bathroom linens.
• Storage space: Storage space is common in the full-size bathroom in the form of shelves and cabinets for storing toiletries and other essentials.
• Lighting and ventilation: Lighting and ventilation, a window, fan, or LED light, are important features of an ensuite bathroom.
Are ensuite bathrooms good?
Yes, ensuite bathrooms are great as they offer many perks. Most people consider an en suite bathroom a plus when searching for a new home. The main reasons ensuite bathrooms are essential for most people is because it provides:
Convenience
Firstly, ensuite bathrooms provide individuals easy access to a bathroom without leaving the bedrooms. This advantage is especially beneficial at night.
Comfort
Secondly, comfort is another reason it makes sense to go for a home with an en suite bathroom. It gives you the freedom to decorate and arrange items in the bathroom without conflicting with housemates. Also, you can organize accessories in the bathroom to taste.
Privacy
Thirdly, an ensuite bathroom provides individuals the privacy of owning their private bathroom. This advantage is especially valued when living with roommates or family members. Also, it can reduce conflict over bathroom usage and save time.
Is the ensuite bathroom the same as the private bathroom?
Ensuite and private bathrooms are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things. Suppose we look at the technicalities and compare an ensuite bathroom vs private bathroom. Let's first point out that an ensuite bathroom can be a private bathroom, but a private bathroom is not always an ensuite one.
As the name implies, a private bathroom provides you with a private bath, shower, and toilet. But a private bathroom is not always en suite, as it can be outside your room. For example, a private bathroom could be accessed from a hallway, not inside your room.
What Is The Difference Between an Ensuite Bath and a Master Bathroom?
When people use the word ensuite today, it means a bathroom connected directly to a bedroom. As such, it makes it difficult to distinguish an ensuite bath from a master bathroom. While in most cases, an ensuite bath and a master bathroom are connected to the bedroom, the size is a good way to distinguish them.
The master bedroom is often the largest room in a home. Hence, a master bathroom will be attached to a larger room. Also, the master's bathroom will be larger and more luxurious than other ensuite bathrooms. The master's bathroom may include additional features like a bathtub, separate shower, extensive storage space, double vanities, etc.
Alternatives to En Suite Bathrooms
Depending on the layout and design of a home, there are many alternatives to an en suite bathroom. You may be aware of some of these alternatives, as we've discussed them earlier. Or, it could be the exact bathroom design in your previous home. Whatever the case may be, here are some of these alternatives:
• Jack and Jill Bathroom: A bathroom shared between two adjacent bedrooms with different entrances.
• Hallway Bathroom: A bathroom in the common areas, near the living room or hallway.
• Powder Room: A half bathroom or small bathroom designed without a bathtub or shower and intended for use by guests.
• Shared Bathroom: A bathroom located in a central area and shared by all household members.
• Basement Bathroom: A bathroom in a finished basement to provide an additional bathroom in the home.
