A bath - to - shower conversion adds space , simplifies cleanup , and heighten safety . Plus , options to keep your tub .
There ’s nothing quite like relaxing in awarm , bubbly bath to let your cares languish away , but showers are more pragmatic and efficient for busy people . Newly constructed or reconstruct dwelling house often include a shower bath in every full bathroom , but if you have an honest-to-god base , you may be appear to do a tub - to - shower transition . likewise , humble bathrooms(often a 5x8 - foot space or smaller with a lav , a small self-love , and a vat ) do n’t go out room to add a shower without blowing out some walls or reconfiguring the be tub . If you ’re face a exchangeable conundrum , weigh the keep an eye on options for a tub - to - shower spiritual rebirth in your bathroom .
Option 1: Tear Out the Tub and Build a New Shower
Tub Removal and Shower Installation
One agency to update a john is to get rid of the bathtub andadd a new shower building block . This is n’t a small task , so call a professional contractor to help you measure the space and likely root . In the footmark where the tub stands , you ’ll likely have batch of elbow room for a vat - to - shower changeover , but you ’ll need to add a tile or whole surface curb to keep the water from shed into the bathroom .
A curbless exhibitor allow for easy access code for those with mobility egress or young nestling while having fewer corner where mould and filth can build up up .
One downside to see before supercede your tub with a shower is the effect on yourhome ’s resale value . Many homeowners want a tub for bath children — particularly if the bathroom being remodeled is a partake kinfolk space . If this come to you , believe update the bathtubinstead of replace it entirely .
Credit: Adam Albright
Shower Door Considerations
Consider how the shower threshold will factor into the layout when planning a bathtub - to - rain shower conversion , especially in a small space . If you plan to have a shower threshold , make certain there ’s way for the door to swing open without gain the bathroom or cesspool . Or , skip the shower bath door wholly . A properly placedhanging curtainor a fond glass panel can well keep the water contained . These option can , however , have in cool zephyr . So , verify the room is ardent , and consideradding a heated floorto your shower . ( fillip : The warmth will keep the story ironic and cut the possibility of slip . )
Option 2: Retrofit the Plumbing to Create a Shower-Tub Unit
Update Plumbing and Waterproof the Area
The less encroaching answer to a complete bathing tub - to - exhibitor conversion is retrofitting the existing bathroom plumbing to make a combination shower bath - tubful unit . This take into account you to keep the original bath while adding the take plumbing for a shower . You ’ll need to afford the wall ( usually from the elbow room next to the tub ) and ensure theplumbing is up to code .
Relocating plumbing requires permits to ensure the work and pipes meet current computer code requirement .
If the wall surrounding your bathing tub are n’t already waterproof , considerinstalling tile on the wallsas a durable roadblock against water harm . Similarly , if the tub area includes a low window that might get plastered , fence the window off and tile over it or replace it with glass blocks , which will resist up to water . If these alternative do n’t fit your budget or design plan , babble out with your builder about other possible waterproofing solutions .
Credit: David Tsay
Add an Enclosure
For a tub - to - shower conversion , you ’ll need an inclosure . you may add sliding door that mount to the top of the tub , but a less expensive and more ornamental solution is to flow a shower pall with aplastic lining . For shower bath curtain hardware , you’re able to bribe atension - mount rodor a wall - mount perch , which could be true or curved . Keep in mind that slue curtain rods can make the cascade find more roomy .
For a shower - bathing tub combo with a fixed glass panel , place the shower bath handles on the opposite wall of the showerhead for easy access .
Regardless of which solution you choose , a tub - to - shower rebirth also demonstrate chance to update the rest of the toilet . Consider upgrading discharge and privy light or building amenities that meliorate the experience , such as a bench , shelves , or aniche for soap and shampoo .
Frequently Asked Questions
depend on size , material , trade union movement , and plumbing , the average tub - to - shower bath conversion can be as little as a few hundred dollars or as much as $ 15,000 . The bigger the projection , the higher the cost . Get quotes from multiple contractors in your field to make certain you are getting the best deal .
If you are handy enough , a DIY - friendly tub - to - shower transition kit could save you lots of cash . First , you ’ll need a whole clutches of canonical carpentry , plumbing acquisition , and local plumbing codes . You ’ll also need to be comfortable adjusting and relocating water line , instal sealing stuff , and caulking effectively to achieve a professional stopping point . criterion cautiously to guarantee a proper fit and always touch to the maker ’s instructions for both the conversion kit and any extra components .
Yes . In fact , convert a pes cavus tub may be one of the loose tub - to - shower spiritual rebirth projects — assuming you do n’t demand to make other renovations . you could purchase a conversion kit with a diverter that attaches to the faucet assembly online or at most home melioration computer memory . Then , to protect the walls and floors , install a round pall rod that suspend above the bath from the ceiling or attache to environ paries . And , as always , check to see if your labor run into localplumbing codesbefore begin the process .
