What Changes the Cost of Bathtub to Shower Conversion
- Drain relocation. Tub drains and shower drains sit differently, and moving one means opening the floor.
- Waterproofing method. A properly built and waterproofed shower pan costs more than a moulded base and lasts longer.
- Curb, threshold or curbless. A flush entry needs the floor recessed, which is a structural job in an older building.
- Glass. A frameless enclosure is measured and made after the tile is finished, so it also adds lead time.
- Tile area. A shower has far more tiled surface than a tub surround, and the tile choice drives both cost and labour.
Bathtub to Shower Conversion Questions
Is converting a tub to a shower a good idea?
It depends on the household. If nobody uses the tub and the bathroom is tight, a shower usually makes the room work far better. If it is the only tub in the home, that can matter at resale u2014 worth a conversation before committing.
Does the drain have to move?
Usually, yes. A tub drain sits at one end of the tub; a shower drain sits in the middle of the base. Moving it means opening the floor to reach the trap and drain line, which is the main reason a conversion is more than a swap.
Can I have a curbless shower?
Sometimes. A flush entry needs the floor structure recessed so the shower can drain, which depends entirely on the joist direction and depth beneath. In a concrete-slab condo it is often not possible. We check the structure before promising it.
How long does a conversion take?
Longer than a tub replacement. Demolition, drain work, framing, waterproofing, tile, cure time and then glass measured to the finished opening u2014 the glass alone is usually ordered after tiling and takes time to arrive.
Will a conversion make the bathroom feel bigger?
Generally yes. Removing a tub and putting in clear glass takes the visual break out of the room. A frameless enclosure does more for that than a framed one, which is why most people choose it once they have seen both.
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