What You Need to Know About a Tub-to-Shower Conversion

When was the last time you settled into your tub at the end of a long day? Can you remember? If you’re like most homeowners, the answer to that question is probably no. This makes the prospect of a tub-to-shower conversion incredibly appealing. After all, why not replace the bathtub you never use with a spacious shower you can regularly enjoy? Plenty of homeowners have thought the exact same thing, making conversions an incredibly popular bathroom remodeling project.

To help you decide whether replacing your bathtub with a shower is the right call, we’ve put together a list of things you should know before investing in a tub-to-shower conversion.

There Are Several Types of Showers to Choose From

It surely comes as no surprise to hear us say that not all showers are alike. But it’s worth taking a moment to think about the type of shower you want before jumping into a tub-to-shower conversion. Most remodelers will specialize in:

• Enclosed shower stalls, which come with either sliding or pivoting glass doors
• Walk-in showers, which have no doors, for easy access and a spacious look
• Low-threshold showers, which reduce tripping hazards

Each of these showers can be personalized to meet your needs. Inset seating will provide you with a stable spot to sit while shaving your legs or scrubbing between your toes. Storage options like shelves or inset shower caddies will keep clutter off of the floor of your floor. Whatever you want from your shower space, you’ll find accessories that meet your needs.

The Scope of Your Project Will Affect Its Timeline

The more complex your new shower is, the more time it will take to complete a tub-to-shower conversion. Large enclosures with intricate tiling usually take the longest amount of time to finish, as laying tile requires exceptional precision. On the other hand, experienced remodelers can install acrylic showers as part of a one-day bathroom remodel. So, when determining the type of shower you want, it would be worth considering how long you’re willing to go without using your bathroom.

The Cost of Your New Shower Depends on Several Factors

Before beginning a tub-to-shower conversion, you probably want to know how much the project will cost, so consider the:

• Materials – Investing in high-caliber fixtures and surrounds—like stone or glass tile—will drive up the cost of your conversion. That’s why homeowners looking to maximize value for their investment often choose acrylic surrounds for their tub-to-shower conversions, especially since the acrylic can convincingly mimic more expensive material.
• Arrangement – Completely rearranging your bathroom during a tub-to-shower conversion will increase the cost of your project dramatically. That’s because, in addition to replacing the bathing fixture, your contractor will have to rework the plumbing. For a more efficient project, try to maintain the location of your existing drain.
• Labor – Did you know that labor is the most expensive part of any bathroom remodeling project? That’s why many homeowners prefer conversions that can be completed during a one-day bathroom remodel. Not only does this save you from the headache of having to shut down a high traffic room for weeks on end, but it also guarantees that you won’t need to pay remodelers for weeks’ worth of labor.

Remember, a trustworthy contractor will provide you with a quote for your tub-to-shower conversion ahead of time.

A Tub-to-Shower Conversion Will Add Value to Your Home

Calculating the value your bathroom upgrade adds to your home is a bit complicated. Almost all bathroom remodels will improve resale value. A tub-to-shower conversion tends to increase home value by a larger margin when you live in an area with a large ageing demographic, who will appreciate the accessibility of low-threshold showers.

So, are you ready to make the leap to a stylish shower? Let Michigan’s leading bathroom remodeler help! Contact HWC Home Works Corp. today to learn more about the tub-to-shower-conversions we perform.