From Bath Time to Shower Time: What to Expect During a Tub-to-Shower Conversion

So you’ve decided to ditch the bathtub and embrace the convenience (and possibly, the sleek looks) of a shower. Converting your tub to a shower is a popular remodel that can not only modernize your bathroom but also improve accessibility and potentially even boost your home’s value.

At Hello Bath, almost half of our bathroom projects here in San Diego are tub to shower conversions or shower remodels. Why? There’s a whole list of reasons we’ll do in another post but it’s a great economical way to get a great new space that is larger, safer and more usable.

But before you dive headfirst into demolition day, there are a few things you should expect.

Step 1: Planning and Demolition

First things first: get a plan. We take a look at your existing space and go through all of your options with you. Decide on the type of shower you want (walk-in, curbless, etc.) and choose your materials (tile or our lifetime warranty panels). Consider factors like your budget, the overall bathroom design, and any accessibility needs. Once we agree on the plan we get you on the schedule and get to work!

Demolition day will involve removing the bathtub, faucet, and surrounding tile. This stage could be a put in itself for how much we do. Unlike how the TV shows make it look, we don’t just come in swinging sledge hammers. We’re not trying to knock pictures of your walls or damage anything else in your home. We protect the path to the project and seal off the bathroom while we work in order to contain the dust just to the project area. We control demo the shower area and mist it with water while working to cut dust as well.

Step 2: Plumbing and Pan Installation

Now comes the plumbing fun! We only work with licensed plumbers that we’ve been partnered with for years. We will replace your existing shower plumbing with a new valve, relocate your shower head if needed and set a new shower pan. Unlike a lot of contractors we will set your shower pan in a bed or mortar. A lot will say this is an extra unnecessary step but years later you will start to hear a squeak if you don’t.

Step 3: Walls and Enclosures

With the plumbing in place, it’s time to tackle the walls. While we do full bathroom and shower remodels here in San Diego a lot of what we do and the images shown here are from an actual tub to shower conversion we did recently. Unlike the cheap, flimsy plastic inserts we have partnered with a company out of Norway that makes waterproof panels and has been for over 50 years. The company is FIBO and their product is amazing which is why we became one of their largest installers here in San Diego.

This particular client loved the sleek clean look of the polished white. Having had installed many of these it is one of the more popular ones and one of my personal favorites.

Step 4: Fixtures and Finishing Touches

Finally, it’s time for the finishing touches! This includes installing the shower head, faucet, grab bars (if needed), and any other accessories you desire. We have soap niches, shelves, shower rods or glass shower doors, all sorts of options that you can select from and see the pricing right up front!

Bonus Tip: While your bathroom is under construction, it’s a great opportunity to upgrade other fixtures like the vanity, toilet, or lighting. This can give your bathroom a whole new look and feel. At the estimate phase I’ll often suggest some of these items with pricing so you can make a decision then.

Timeline and Costs

Our tub-to-shower conversions typically takes 3 days, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the project or other items your looking to have done. As for costs, our lifetime warranty showers including everything from start to finish start well under $10,000 and often have sales going on. We do also offer financing options which can make payments as low as $100 / month.

Overall, converting your tub to a shower is a relatively quick and straightforward process that can add both function and style to your bathroom.

We hope this blog post has given you a good overview of what to expect during a tub-to-shower conversion. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below!

Chris Brinker is the author of this post and owner of Hello Bath which exclusively focuses on bathroom remodels and shower remodels in San Diego. Reach out for an free estimate!