Quarter Bathroom vs. Half Bath vs. Three-Quarter Bath: Pros, Cons, and More

Are you tired of fighting over a toilet? It might be time for a new bathroom. While not every home can fit an extra full bathroom, there are a few other options to help make your space more liveable and attractive to potential buyers. This guide will help you weigh the differences between a quarter bathroom, half bath, and three-quarter bathroom. 

Quarter Bathroom vs. Half Bath vs. Three-Quarter Bath: Key Differences

The main difference among quarter bathrooms, half baths, and three-quarter bathrooms is the number of fixtures. A full bathroom contains all four plumbing fixtures: a toilet, sink, shower, and tub. A quarter bath contains one fixture, most commonly a toilet or shower. A half bath contains a toilet and sink. Lastly, a three-quarter bath contains three fixtures: a toilet, sink, and shower. 

While quarter bathrooms are the rarest of the bunch, you’ll find half baths and three-quarter bathrooms in all kinds of spaces, from small rentals to large homes. There are pros and cons to each type of bathroom, and a bathroom remodeler can walk you through which types fit your goals and budget.

What Is a Quarter Bathroom?

A quarter bathroom contains one of the four plumbing fixtures: a toilet or a shower. This type of bathroom is rare, but there are some situations where they’re beneficial. For example, you might find a quarter bathroom with a shower near a pool area. Homeowners can also install a quarter bathroom if they want the livability of a second bathroom but don’t have the space for a half bath. 

Depending on your plumbing access, a quarter bathroom costs $2,000 to $4,000.

Pros of a Quarter Bathroom

Quarter bathrooms, also known as utility showers or toilets, help add livability to a home with serious space constraints. They’re ideal if your home only has one bathroom but lacks space for a half bath or three-quarter bathroom. You can fit a quarter bathroom in a walk-in closet, under a stairwell, or by partitioning off a corner in a larger bedroom.

Cons of a Quarter Bathroom

Quarter bathrooms fail in functionality. You can have a toilet, but you won’t get to wash your hands. You can have a shower, but you won’t be able to use the toilet. You’re getting the idea that this is only an ideal option if you can’t fit a bigger bathroom into your space.

What Is a Half Bathroom?

A half bath, also known as a powder room, contains two out of four major plumbing fixtures: a toilet and a sink. These bathrooms are used as guest bathrooms or secondary bathrooms, and you’ll find them in a main living area or the first floor of a multistory home. This makes them ultra-convenient, whether you’re a guest who needs to use the loo or a family member who needs to get ready while someone uses the shower in your primary bathroom. 

A half bathroom costs $4,500 to $12,000 on average, but you could spend as much as $17,000 if you choose luxury fixtures and finishes.

Pros of a Half Bathroom

Half baths are a great way to maximize space while adding value to your home. Let’s be real: Someone always hogs the bathroom, and this helps get around that. Half baths add resale value and convenience but come at just a fraction of the price of a three-quarter or full bathroom build. 

Cons of a Half Bathroom

Half baths come with certain architectural considerations. Depending on where your plumbing is located, adding an extra bathroom might not be feasible. Additionally, it won’t have the functionality of a three-quarter or full bathroom, making it more convenient for guests than people living in your home.

What Is a Three-Quarter Bathroom?

A three-quarter bathroom includes three out of four bathroom plumbing fixtures: a toilet, sink, and shower. You’ll find them as en suite bathrooms attached to a primary bedroom. In this case, walk-in showers are particularly popular. As long as you have a full bathroom elsewhere, a three-quarter bathroom with a walk-shower can add significant value to a home. 

A three-quarter bathroom costs $6,000 to $22,000 on average, but you could spend as much as $25,000 if you install a luxury walk-in shower.

Pros of a Three-Quarter Bathroom

Three-quarter bathrooms have almost the same functionality as full bathrooms. While you might not be able to take a luxurious bath, you can shower, use the toilet, and wash your hands. This added functionality can add significant value to your home, especially if you only have one full bathroom.

Cons of a Three-Quarter Bathroom

The two main cons of three-quarter bathrooms are the space needed and the price. Homeowners can expect to spend $6,000 to $22,000 on this type of bathroom addition, while a half bath addition will cost thousands less. Beyond that, three-quarter bathroom additions aren’t feasible in every home due to space constraints and the location of the plumbing. You’ll need a minimum of about 35 square feet of space.

Quarter vs. Half Bath vs. Three-Quarter Bathroom

While full bathrooms add the most resale value, there are some reasons you might want a smaller bathroom. Ultimately, it depends on your budget, space, and the existing bathrooms in your home. A bathroom remodeler near you can help you choose the type of bathroom that will suit your home best. Here’s how the advantages of each type compare. 

Price: Quarter Bathroom

A quarter bathroom costs $2,000 to $4,000, while adding a half bathroom costs between $4,500 and $12,000. While it won’t give you as much bang for your buck, it’s a feasible solution if you want to add a bathroom on a budget. 

Versatility: Three-Quarter Bathroom

A three-quarter bathroom offers the most versatility in layout and design. You can have any combination of toilet, sink, and shower or tub. Compact fixtures like a pedestal sink and shower stall work well in small spaces. Larger spaces can fit a full-size sink vanity and spa-like walk-in shower.

Accessibility: Three-Quarter Bathroom

If your home already has a full bathroom, adding a three-quarter bathroom with a shower can help make your space more accessible to older adults and people with disabilities. Curbless showers are easier to access than tubs, especially with grab bars, nonslip flooring, and other accessible bathroom features. Install your new bathroom on the first floor to assist with aging in place. 

Convenience: Half Bath

Forget fighting over a toilet. A half bath adds serious convenience if you already have a full bathroom. This addition can fit into a small space and will bolster the home's livability for guests and multiple occupants. 

Maintenance: Quarter Bathroom

A quarter bathroom only contains a single fixture, meaning there’s less cleaning to do and less repair work when it wears down over time.

Space: Quarter Bathroom

If you’re strapped for space, a quarter bathroom has the smallest footprint. Depending on your plumbing layout, you can convert a small walk-in closet into a quarter bathroom by installing a toilet. That said, most homeowners prefer a half bath if they have the space for a sink.

Resale Value​: Three-Quarter Bathroom

The average bathroom remodel costs $6,700 to $17,700. The fewer fixtures in a bathroom, the less you’ll spend, but it will add less value to your home. As such, three-quarter bathrooms tend to carry the most value. 

That’s not to say other projects won’t have a higher ROI. Bathroom additions have an ROI of 55%, while some of the best bathroom upgrades for resale have an ROI of up to 70%. A rule of thumb is that you’ll add more value by updating your existing space than by adding a new bathroom.