The Benefits of a Tub to Shower Conversion

March 15, 2021

A tub to shower conversion takes your existing bathtub area and converts the space into a beautiful new shower. This is done for safety reasons, aesthetic purposes, and resale value. Adding variety and functionality to your home, converting your tub to a shower is a simple fix that could add benefits to your home–and leave you with a beautiful new look for your bathroom! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about converting a bathtub to a shower, so you can make the right decision for your home.

Reasons to Consider a Tub to Shower Conversion

There are several reasons you might consider converting your tub to a shower, but these are some of the reasons we see most often:

  • Safety: The Centers for Disease Control has repeatedly reported that the bathroom can be the most dangerous room in a home. If you misjudge when stepping over the wall of a tub, you run the risk of tripping and falling. Slipping can also happen more easily in a bathtub than in a shower. A tub to shower conversion can help eliminate the risk of injury and give you peace of mind while bathing.
  • Convenience: Many of our customers prefer showers to bathtubs because they are significantly easier to clean! With a beautiful new shower, gone are the days of being on your hands and knees scrubbing away at soap scum.
  • The Illusion of Added Space: Did you know that a tub to shower conversion can make the whole bathroom look bigger? It will also give you more in-shower floor area than a bathtub. While the actual space in your bathroom will be the same, you’ll feel like you have more room once your new shower is installed.

A new walk-in shower with a shower door.

  • Increased Home Value: According to Remodeling Magazine, an upscale bathroom remodel can add up to $34,000 to your home’s resale value. On average, homeowners that remodel a bathroom recoup around 56% of the remodel cost once they go to sell their home. If you convert your tub to a shower, you’ll enjoy the benefits yourself and if you decide to put your house on the market.

Things to Consider Before Getting a Tub to Shower Conversion

Once you’ve decided you’re ready to convert your tub to a shower, the most important decision you can make is who you will hire to do the job. We recommend asking the following questions to any potential contractor you are thinking of hiring:

  • How long have you been in business?
  • Do you offer any warranties?
  • Can I see examples of your past work?
  • Do you have customer testimonials I can read?

tub to shower PREPaRATION

We can’t speak for how long it will take other contractors, but at West Shore Home, we can convert your bathtub to a shower in as little as one day. Of course, the more customizations you add to your project, the more your timeline may be affected, but we try to work as quickly as possible without sacrificing quality.

One of the best parts about remodeling your bathroom is that you can rearrange the layout to your liking. If you’re thinking about converting your tub to a shower in a new location within the bathroom, communicate that with your contractor from the beginning. It will make plumbing logistics easier throughout the project. Additionally, the type of tub you replace may affect your shower conversion options. While both tubs can be converted to a shower, converting a freestanding tub may require additional plumbing work. Keep this in mind as you ask questions to potential contractors.

MEASURING FOR YOUR TUB TO SHOWER CONVERSION

Before you decide on your bath remodel, it might help to measure the area. There’s nothing worse than getting excited about a home renovation project and then realizing the logistics won’t work. Before you decide to move forward with a tub to shower conversion, keep in mind these key measurements that meet building codes. If your bathroom won’t allow for these requirements, you may have to look into other options.

Key Measurements

  • The floor of a shower stall needs to be at least 30”x30”, but a 36”x36” wide stall is recommended by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).
  • The finished ceiling height will be 80”.
  • There needs to be a minimum of 15” from the side of the toilet to the shower wall (measured from the center of the toilet to the shower wall), but 18” is recommended when possible.
  • There must be a minimum of 21” from the front of the toilet to the shower wall (measured from the front of the toilet bowl to the shower wall), but 30” is recommended when possible.
  • The shower door should clear all obstructions, especially the toilet and vanity cabinet when it swings open. Sliding glass doors or shower curtains can help solve door swing space issues.

OPTIONS FOR YOUR REMODEL PROJECT

When you decide to convert your bathtub to a shower, you have many options in terms of style and accessibility. Barrier levels, grab bars, shower seats, and other features make your new shower customized to your wants and needs.

New shower fixtures in a remodeled walk-in shower.

A barrier free shower is safer and more easily accessible for all age groups, as there is no curb to step over when entering the shower. The seamless look of a barrier free shower can also make it look bigger. With a curbed shower option, there is less chance of water leaking out onto the bathroom floor and it keeps heat in better than its barrier free counterpart. For added comfort, shower seats are available to build into the wall of your shower. Shower seats are great for accessibility and add value to your bathroom altogether.

A built-in shower seat in a newly remodeled shower.

Grab bars add an accessibility feature that provide stability when you’re getting in and out of the shower. With a tub to shower conversion, you have the option of adding multiple grab bars to your space. Great for any age, you or others in your life will feel at ease with this safety feature in the bathroom.

A close-up of a shower grab bar.

When it comes to shower materials, we recommend acrylic as the most convenient and cost-effective way to update your bathroom in as little as just one day. These are one-piece systems that can be completely customized to suit your needs and are cut to fit perfectly in your bathroom. Acrylic is highly resistant to mold and mildew and very easy to keep clean, making your life easier all around.

Tub To Shower Conversions at an Affordable Price

West Shore Home offers different styles and textures that can make your shower match your vision. Our showers can be made with customizable accessibility features such as low or no barrier entry, built-in seating options, and grab bars. If you are interested in a new shower, set up a consultation and get a free quote.