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Your bathroom is likely one of the most used rooms in your home. But if you are anything like us, it is also the room you are least likely to take the time to make beautiful.
We get it. Unlike a living room and a kitchen, a bathroom isn’t necessarily on full display all the time. Besides, most homeowners tend to think of it as a space that needs to be functional rather than well-designed.
Here’s a secret for you: function and design go hand in hand. If you are struggling with having a bathroom that:
- Doesn’t fit your needs
- Is difficult to clean
- Is outdated
Then, it may be time for you to consider revamping your bathroom. Not sure where to start? Allow us to suggest a tub to shower conversion!
This simple remodel can have a huge impact on your space, making it more efficient, easier to maintain, and more beautiful. However, if you are hearing about tub to shower conversions for the first time, don’t panic. You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we’ll be sharing all the facts you need to know if you are considering a tub to shower conversion. Whether you are concerned about price, installation time, or simply wondering what the process involves, we have the information you’ve been looking for!
✅ Benefits of a Tub to Shower Conversion
Let us start at the beginning. Why would anyone want a tub to shower conversion in the first place?
There are tons of reasons why a conversion may be a good choice for you. Here are some of our top reasons to make the switch.
Mobility Assistance
As we age, our bodies start to face new challenges that require us to adapt our surroundings to our needs. As your mobility changes, you may find your bathroom to be a more hazardous space than ever before. Getting in and out of a tub simply may not be feasible.
Don’t wait for it to become a bigger problem! A tub to shower remodel can help give you the accessibility that your need by creating a walk-in shower that you can use safely.
Efficient Use of Space
Too many homeowners think that in order to add a new shower to their bathroom, you have to find the space to install one separately. Or, they consider adding a shower head to their existing bathtub. However, a shower head installation will require you to install new plumbing pipes. This can quickly become a messy, time-consuming, and expensive project.
It all comes down to being realistic about your daily needs. Do you frequently use your bathtub? If not, it may be a more efficient use of your space to do away with it and simply install a new shower.
Modernizes
While a bathtub may have been the primary way to bathe for centuries, these days, most people turn to a shower when it is time to freshen up.
If you are planning to sell your home in the near future, you may find that buyers are dissuaded by the lack of a shower. A shower conversion can help modernize your bathroom and make it more appealing to future buyers.
Easy to Clean
Tired of scrubbing the grout in between tiles and having grime build up on your tub? Us, too.
Modern-day conversions make your bathroom easier to clean than ever before. Acrylic showers and wall panels are designed to discourage bacteria and mold growth. With your new shower system, you’ll walk away feeling cleaner than ever…and so will your bathroom!
❌ Downsides of a Tub to Shower Conversion
It’s clear that there are plenty of benefits from a tub to shower conversion. But are there any downsides you should watch out for?
A few. Here are some things you should take into consideration before going ahead with your plans.
Money
While a tub to shower conversion isn’t the most expensive home improvement project, it is not something you want to try and do on the cheap. After all, a poorly installed shower means you could be dealing with water damage and mildew in the future.
Be sure to do some research to make sure that a shower conversion is feasible with the budget that you have.
No Tub
It may sound obvious, but it is important to remember that if you have one bathroom, you would be giving up the only bathtub you have. While a new shower may seem more convenient, if you will miss having a bath now and then, you might want to consider alternative solutions.
How Does a Tub to Shower Conversion Work?
So, we’ve piqued your interest. You are probably wondering what the actual installation process is for a new shower.
For professional bathroom remodelers, this will be a fairly streamlined process. Here is what you can expect when you begin your bathroom remodel.
1) Contact a Reputable Contractor
The first step in the conversion process is on you! It is important to do your research and choose a bathroom remodeler that is well-versed in tub to shower conversion. This will ensure that you have the best experience possible, with a speedy installation and knowledgeable professionals to help you.
2) Assess the Area
Once you find the contractor who is right for you, they will likely come to your home and assess your existing tub. They may take measurements and offer your suggestions. This is the ideal time to ask any questions. After this, they will order the materials you need to transform your tub into a shower.
3) Remove Tub
On the day of your remodel, they will start by removing and disposing of your existing bathtub. Once the tub is removed, they can check the floors and walls for any existing signs of water damage or mold growth.
Assuming everything checks out, you will soon be ready to move on to the next step.
4) Build Base
Once everything has been removed, your bathroom remodeler will begin to build your new base. This will be the structure that contains your shower pan and fills the area where your tub used to be.
Most builders will recommend acrylic shower pans for easy cleanup and maintenance. Part of installing your new shower floor will also involve setting up a shower drain.
5) Add Walls
Once your new shower pan is fully installed, your conversion pro will begin to prep the wall. This typically involves making sure that they are as water-resistant as possible before installing acrylic panels.
Does the idea of acrylic walls make you pause? Don’t worry. With today’s endless design options, you can get a wall that looks like a more traditional shower wall material, such as ceramic tile or stone. You’ll get all of the aesthetic appeal without the price tag, cleaning hassle, and maintenance.
6) Install Shower
The time has come! It is time to add the finishing touches to your shower. This typically includes installing the shower door and a new showerhead. Alternatively, you can choose to have a shower curtain instead, depending on the style of your new shower.
This is also a great time to add customizations, such as shower chairs, or railings, to assist with limited mobility.
How Much Will It Cost?
It doesn’t sound all that complicated, right? But you probably still remember the cost factor we mentioned at the beginning.
Bath to shower conversions on a national average range between $16,000-$30,000. This number will change greatly depending on where you live, the materials you choose, and the size of your future shower.
In general, we recommend budgeting for the higher end of the spectrum so that you don’t get surprised later on.
How Long Is the Installation Process?
So, how long is this thing going to take anyway?
We know firsthand that remodeling your bathroom can be a nuisance. After all, losing access to one of the most high-traffic areas of your home is never convenient. In fact, many homeowners put off home improvement projects all together in order to avoid the stress of a lengthy remodel.
We have good news for you, though! A tub to shower remodel couldn’t be easier. Most pro bathroom remodelers can have your entire shower system installed in just a day! This allows you to get back to your normal schedule as soon as possible, with the added bonus of a beautiful new shower stall.
Consult With a Bathroom Remodeling Pro
Are you ready to get started on your tub to shower remodel? You’ll want to be sure that your home is in the best possible hands. Luckily, you can rest easy knowing that the team at Lori K Bath has you covered.
When it comes to bathroom remodeling, the Lori K team are experts. Since our founding, we’ve specialized in tub to shower conversions, offering our customers the best quality products on the market. From design to installation, we will talk you through every step of the process.
If you’re ready to give your bathroom the refresh of your dreams, contact Lori K Bath and get a free quote today!