Converting Shower to Tub
Home remodeling, one of the most popular upgrades homeowners look to make, is converting a shower into a bathtub. For the luxury of taking a relaxing bath, the practicality for families with young children, or for a change in design, converting a shower into a tub is a thrilling venture. But such a conversion is done with utmost care to multiple factors, including space, plumbing, design, and cost. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know on how to convert your shower to a bathtub.
Converting Shower to Tub? What to know.
Before delving into the specifics of the conversion process, it’s useful to know why so many homeowners opt to convert showers into bathtubs. Some of the most popular reasons are:
- Relaxation and Comfort: Soaking in a bathtub is a very relaxing and therapeutic experience for most people. Having the chance to relax in warm water at the end of a long day can help to minimize stress.
- Family Needs: If you have young children, a bathtub will make bathing time more convenient and enjoyable. It also makes pet bathing easier if necessary.
- Increased Home Value: In certain markets, houses that have bathtubs may be at an advantage when it comes to resale value. Prospective buyers with children may prefer a bathtub to a shower.
- Aesthetic Preferences: Certain homeowners simply like the way a bathtub looks compared to a shower. The design options are greater with tubs, particularly when one looks at freestanding units, which can be a bathroom centerpiece.
Considerations Before Converting Shower to Tub
While shower-to-bathtub conversion can seem easy, there are several aspects you need to consider before starting the job. These issues may influence the cost and difficulty of the conversion.
- Space Availability: First and foremost, measure the bathroom. Bathtubs take up more space than showers, so you’ll want to make sure there is adequate room available for the new tub. If your current shower is a compact stall shower, you may have to think about whether or not a full-size bathtub will fit, or if you have to go with a smaller, more space-saving model.
- Plumbing Requirements: Of the greatest challenge in converting a shower to a tub is the plumbing. Bathtubs have a drain capable of accommodating the amount of water in a tub, and water supply needs to be routed to the faucet on the tub. If your existing shower drain isn’t compatible, or in case the plumbing is not positioned properly, you might have to shift or upgrade the pipes, and this will contribute to the cost of the conversion.
- Style and Design: Bathtubs come in a wide variety of designs, from classic alcove tubs to modern freestanding tubs. You’ll need to choose the type that fits your space and personal style. Some tubs also come with additional features such as jets, whirlpools, or built-in shelves, which can enhance the bathing experience but also increase the cost.
- Bathroom Layout: In some cases, converting a shower to a tub may require adjustments to the layout of the bathroom. For example, the tub might need to be positioned differently, which could involve reconfiguring the surrounding walls or cabinetry. Additionally, tubs typically require shower curtains or screens to prevent water from splashing onto the floor, so you’ll need to plan for this aspect as well.
The Converting Shower to Tub Process
Converting Shower to Tub is possible through various steps depending on how complex the job is. Below is a rundown of what to do:
- Demolition and Preparation: The initial process of the conversion is removing the current shower. This might include the removal of the shower door, walls, and additional fixtures. You must prepare the surrounding area appropriately, especially if you want to re-tile the walls or the floor.
- Reworking Plumbing: Then, the plumbing must be reworked in order for it to handle the bathtub. This may mean repositioning the drain or upgrading water supply lines. Sometimes, particularly with older houses, you’ll need to hire a professional plumber to make certain that the new plumbing complies with current standards.
- Selecting and Inlaying the Tub: When the plumbing is in place, you will have to select a bathtub that will suit your room. Depending on whether your shower space is large enough, you may opt to place a conventional alcove tub, which is three-sided and fits against a wall. Or else, a freestanding tub may provide a more luxurious, contemporary aesthetic. The tub will be set, leveled, and firmly installed.
- Final Touches: Once the tub is installed, the surrounding walls will have to be tiled or waterproofed in order to withstand water damage. You can also install a showerhead over the tub for further convenience. Providing a shower curtain or a glass partition is also necessary to help keep water contained within the area of the tub.
- Final Inspection: After the installation is complete, it’s best to check all the connections, plumbing, and fixtures to make sure everything is functioning correctly. It should be inspected by a professional plumber to confirm there are no leaks or other problems.
Cost of Converting Shower to Tub
The price to convert a shower into a bathtub can range considerably based on the project’s size. Homeowners typically pay between $1,500 and $5,000 for a standard conversion, but this can escalate with the incorporation of more premium materials, options such as jets, or where significant plumbing adjustments are needed.
Some of the variables that may influence the overall cost are:
- Type of Tub: Normal bathtubs are cheaper compared to luxury tubs like freestanding or whirlpool tubs.
- Plumbing Changes: Migrating or replacing the plumbing will add to the project’s cost.
- Tile Work: Installing new tiles surrounding the bathtub instead of shower tiles will contribute to the cost, depending on the materials you select as premium ones may be more costly like natural stone or designer tiles.
- Labor Expenses: The more intricate the conversion, the more you’ll pay for labor. Hires like those for a plumber, contractor, or tiler will add up.
Conclusion
Showering conversion to tub conversion is an attractive and worth-while home upgrade project. It allows for improvement in bathroom function, comfort, and design appeal. But before you start, you should consider space, plumbing, and design since the process may be tricky and expensive. With good planning and expert contractors, you can have the best of a stunning and useful bathtub in your bathroom. For relaxation, family ease, or value enhancement for your home, this conversion can be a huge improvement on your living space.