By Alicia, owner of Windows Plus
Tub-to-shower conversions are one of the most common jobs we do. Usually it’s a tub nobody’s used in years, or a tub that’s getting hard to step over. The first question is almost always “what’s this going to cost?” I can’t give you one number for every bathroom, but I can walk you through exactly what goes into the price, so you know what you’re paying for and what to watch for in a quote.
Why there’s no single price
Two conversions can look alike in photos and still be priced very differently. The size of the space, what’s behind the walls, the options you pick and whether the plumbing has to move all change the number. That’s why we give every homeowner a written price after we’ve looked at the bathroom in person.
What’s included in a professional conversion
When we convert a tub to a shower, the job covers the whole wet space:
- Removing the old tub, walls and fixtures, and hauling them away
- Checking the subfloor and wall framing for water damage
- Adjusting the drain and valve for the new shower
- Installing a new acrylic shower base sized to the space
- Grout-free wall panels, trim and accessories like shelves and a seat
- New fixtures and a shower door or curtain
- Sealing, cleanup and a walkthrough
What affects the cost
1. Shower size and layout
Most conversions go into the same footprint as the old tub, which keeps things simpler. Going larger or changing the layout adds work.
2. Materials
We install acrylic bases and grout-free wall panels, not fiberglass or tile. Wall patterns and colors, trim and accessories all affect the price. If you’re curious why we chose acrylic, read fiberglass vs. acrylic.
3. Plumbing
A tub drain is in a different spot than a shower drain usually needs to be, and the valve height changes. Most conversions need some adjustment. Moving the drain or valve to a new wall costs more.
4. What we find behind the walls
Old tubs sometimes hide soft subfloor or water damage from years of small leaks. That has to be fixed before the new shower goes in. We look for signs of it at the estimate, so it’s in the price up front whenever possible.
5. Door and entry
A glass door costs more than a curtain rod. Sliding, hinged and bypass doors vary too.
6. Safety and accessibility features
Low-threshold bases, built-in or fold-down seats, grab bars and handheld showerheads add a little to the cost and a lot to everyday safety. More in bathroom remodeling for seniors.
7. Permits
Some plumbing changes require a permit, depending on where you live. We’ll tell you if your project needs one.
Walk-in shower vs. keeping a tub
People worry that giving up a tub hurts resale. If there’s another tub in the house, a nice walk-in shower in the other bathroom usually appeals to buyers. If it’s the only tub and you have young kids or expect to sell to a family, it’s worth thinking through. We’ll give you an honest opinion. If you want to keep a tub but replace a worn-out one, see bathtub replacement.
How long a conversion takes
Most of our tub-to-shower conversions are done in one to two days. We focus only on the wet space, which is why it doesn’t take weeks like a full bathroom remodel.
DIY vs. professional installation
I understand the appeal of doing it yourself, but a shower is the one place in the house where a small mistake shows up as water in your subfloor or the ceiling below. The hard parts are the ones you can’t see: getting the base perfectly level and supported, getting the drain and valve right, and sealing every seam. If something leaks behind a wall, you may not know for months.
Ways to make it more affordable
- Keep the same footprint. Using the tub’s existing space keeps plumbing changes minimal.
- Choose options that matter to you. Spend on the seat and grab bars if safety is the goal; skip upgrades you won’t notice.
- Use current offers and financing. Right now we’re offering 50% off installation (labor only) plus 0% APR financing on approved credit. Check our current offers, since they change.
What happens on conversion day, step by step
- Protect the house. The crew covers the path from your door to the bathroom and protects nearby surfaces.
- Remove the old tub and walls. The tub, surround and fixtures come out and get hauled away.
- Inspect what’s underneath. This is when we see the subfloor and framing. Any soft spots or water damage get addressed before anything new goes in.
- Adjust the plumbing. The drain is moved or adapted for the shower base, and the valve is set for a shower instead of a tub.
- Set the base. The new acrylic base is leveled and fully supported so it won’t flex or crack.
- Install the walls. Grout-free panels, trim, shelves and a seat go in.
- Fixtures and door. Showerhead, handheld if you chose one, grab bars and the door or curtain rod.
- Seal, clean and walk through. Every seam is sealed, the space is cleaned, and you get a walkthrough of your new shower.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Picking tile because it looks nice in photos without thinking about the grout you’ll be scrubbing for years.
- Skipping the seat or grab bar to save a little, then wishing you had it later.
- Choosing the cheapest quote without checking what’s included, especially plumbing, water damage and the warranty.
- Covering a problem instead of fixing it. Liners and refinishing can hide a cracked or flexing base, but they don’t fix it.
- Converting the only tub in a house with small kids without thinking it through first.
Is a tub-to-shower conversion worth it?
For most people who’ve stopped taking baths, yes. You get a bigger, easier shower, a safer step-in, walls that are easier to clean and a bathroom that feels updated, usually in a day or two. The value is in using the space the way you actually live, not the way the builder guessed you would.
Tub-to-shower conversion FAQ
Can any tub be converted to a shower?
Most standard tub alcoves can. We’ll confirm at the estimate after looking at the space and the plumbing.
Will I have a working bathroom during the job?
You’ll be without that shower for a day or two. If it’s your only bathroom, we’ll talk through timing with you.
Is a walk-in shower easier to clean than a tub?
Yes, especially with grout-free walls. There’s no grout to scrub and no tub to lean over.
Do I need a glass door?
No. A curtain works fine and costs less. Glass looks cleaner and keeps water in better.
Can you add a seat and grab bars?
Yes. Both are common add-ons and make the shower safer for everyone in the house.
Shower layouts that work in a tub space
A standard tub alcove is about five feet long and 30 inches deep, which is a great size for a walk-in shower. The most common layouts:
- Full-width shower: The new base fills the whole tub space. The roomiest option and the most common.
- Shower with a built-in seat: A molded or fold-down seat at one end. Great for shaving legs, and for anyone who needs to sit.
- Low-threshold shower: A very low curb to step over, for the easiest possible entry.
- Shower with storage: Built-in shelves or niches so bottles aren’t lined up on the ledge.
Choosing a shower door
- Sliding (bypass) doors: The most common choice for a tub-space shower, since they don’t need room to swing.
- Hinged doors: A wider opening, but they need clear space in the bathroom to swing out.
- Curtain: The lowest cost and the easiest access for anyone who needs help bathing.
Clear glass makes a small bathroom feel bigger. Textured or frosted glass hides water spots and adds privacy.
Wall options
We install grout-free wall panels. They come in patterns that look like tile, stone or marble, plus solid colors. With no grout lines, there’s nothing to stain, crack or reseal, and cleaning is a quick wipe-down. It’s one of the biggest quality-of-life upgrades over an old tiled tub surround.
What to ask when you compare quotes
- Is removal and disposal of the old tub included?
- What’s the base and wall material, and how is it supported underneath?
- Are plumbing adjustments for the drain and valve included?
- How do you handle water damage if you find it?
- Who does the work, your own crew or a subcontractor?
- How long will I be without the shower?
- What does the warranty cover, and is labor included?
If one quote is far lower than the others, the difference is almost always in one of those answers.
How to get ready for install day
- Clear the bathroom of towels, bath mats, bottles and anything on the counter near the tub
- Clear a path from the door to the bathroom so the crew can carry the old tub out
- Plan for pets to stay in another room
- If it’s your only shower, plan to use a gym, a neighbor’s or a family member’s for a day or two
Signs it’s time to convert
- Nobody in the house takes baths anymore
- Stepping over the tub wall has started to feel risky
- The tub is cracked, stained or flexing
- The tile surround has loose tiles, crumbling grout or mold that keeps coming back
- You want a bigger, easier-to-clean shower without remodeling the whole bathroom
Get your exact price
We’ll look at your bathroom, show you the options and give you a written price. No pressure, and we respond to requests within 24 hours. Our own crews do the work. See shower replacement or schedule a free in-home estimate.
