Tub to Shower Conversions: What You Need to Know

Many homeowners want to convert their tub to a shower for practical reasons or to beautify their bathroom. There can also be other reasons for a tub to shower conversion, like making it easier and more accessible for family members to bathe, or to increase the overall value of the home. Some homeowners want to eliminate having to clean grout in between shower tile. Or they want to install a freestanding tub and convert the current tub to a shower.

Whatever the reasons for initiating a bathroom remodel, there are some important things to know about tub to shower conversions.

Considerations for Replacing a Tub with a Shower

What are some questions you should answer if you are considering a tub-to-shower conversion?

1. Do you plan on selling your home in the future? If so, is there another bathtub in your home? The National Association of Home Builders says that selling your home is much easier when you have at least one tub in your home. In a 2014 Houzz forum post, over 58% of respondents also agreed with this statement.

Why is this? The most likely reason is that families with young children want the ability to bathe them in a tub. This is something to consider if you only have one bathroom in your home.

2. What features do you want in your shower? Depending on what you want in your new shower, the cost of materials and labor will fluctuate. The simplest type is a shower stall. If you get a shower enclosure with better looking patterns and features, the cost will go up. Fancy fixtures or shower jets will also add to the complexity of the project. Adding a custom tile backsplash will also carry a different price tag than a simple shower enclosure.

3. Will you need to adapt your plumbing or floor space for the features you want? If you currently have a tub without a shower head, the bathroom contractor will need to run a pipe for the shower head. If you are adding shower jets on the shower wall, the plumbing will also need to be configured. If you are adding a freestanding tub, or changing the location of the tub, some adjustments will need to be made in the bathroom to fit everything into the floor plan.

4. Do you have enough budget for the shower you want to install? Call around and find out how much the bathroom remodeling project will cost. Remember that there will be hidden costs, like removing and disposing of the old tub.

When in doubt, consult with a trusted bathroom contractor to go over your options.

The Tub-to-Shower Conversion Process

Here are the general steps in completing a tub to shower conversion.

Discuss project goals and options.

Talk to local bathroom remodeling contractors and get three estimates. Find out if you can accomplish your bathroom project goals with your budget.

Analyze the available floor space.

The contractor will measure the floor space to figure out what size the shower must be. They may also calculate any other adjustments that will be made in the bathroom.

Decide on materials.

Select the materials that will be used in the shower construction. Your contractor can help you make selections that will look good and give your shower maximum functionality for your budget.

Remove and dispose of the bathtub.

The bathroom contractor will take care of the extraction and disposal of the old tub.

Assemble shower components and do any necessary construction.

This will depend on what features are included in the shower installation. If plumbing adjustments, construction, or tile backsplash installation is required, the remodeling team will also take care of these details.

Cleanup and wrapping up the project.

Your bathroom remodeling contractor should clean up the work area and leave your bathroom looking fantastic. They may also do a short recap with you as the project culminates.

How much does it cost to convert a tub to a shower?

According to a February 2019 study by HomeAdvisor, the cost of hiring a professional contractor to do a tub to shower conversion ranges from $3,150 to $9,050 nationwide. A similar report by Bathroom Pros NJ in 2020 states that a tub to shower conversion can run from $5,997 to $15,000 with an average project running about $8,000. Lastly, a 2021 study by Home Depot shows that a tub to shower conversion will cost between $6,000 and $10,000 with materials and labor.

The cost can fluctuate depending on the complexity of the shower renovation, the type of shower installation, and the number of plumbing fixtures and pipes that must be upgraded.

If you choose premium materials for a luxury bathroom, or if you opt for tiled walls, the cost can increase.

Be sure to get quotes from at least three contractors in your local market. Choose a bathroom remodeler based not juts on price alone, but also on their customer satisfaction, the quality of their previous work, and ability to stand by their workmanship.

Are You Considering a Tub-to-Conversion?

If you’re a homeowner in the Northwest Chicago suburbs looking to remodel your bathroom, contact our team at (708) 860-9742 for a no-obligation estimate.