Tub to Shower Conversions
Benefits
Removing your old bathtub and creating a walk in shower has many benefits, lets look at a few.
Safety - As we get older, stepping over and into the tub can become hazardous. Converting to a shower gives you a low threshold and the option to add grab bars and even a bench.
A study conducted by the CDC produced some eye opening statistics regarding injuries in the bathroom:
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Approximately 370 individuals are injured in a bathroom every day in the U.S.
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66% of injuries that take place in bathrooms occur when people are either in the tub or the shower.
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The most common of these injuries stem from ‘slips and falls' while either showering or bathing; they account for more than one-third, about 78,000, of all bathroom injuries in the United States.
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Every year approximately 50,000 adults and teenagers over the age of 15 are admitted to emergency rooms in the U.S. due to these 'slips and falls'.
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Roughly 32,900, are subsequently hospitalized after first being admitted to the E.R.
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79% of bathroom-related injuries occur to individuals 65 and over.
Size - Even though the actual square footage is the same, the amount of floor space increases by about 1/3. This may not seem like a lot, but the first time you walk into your new shower you will be amazed! Not only is the floor space larger, the slippery slope of the tub walls is a thing of the past.
Value - Bathrooms and kitchens are on top of the list when it comes to attracting home buyers. A large walk in shower is more appealing to most people, from appearance to function, it adds value to your home.
Cons
If your home has more than 1 bathtub, there is nothing to be concerned about. If you are removing the only tub then obviously you can never take a bath again, or bath kids, grandkids, or pets. When you decide to sell your home people that have (or plan to have) kids want a bathtub, as do some pet owners. Removing an only tub may deter those potential buyers. However, there are always plenty of other buyers that would prefer a shower.
Cost
The price to convert varies by a large amount; type of demo, the tile and options you choose, the contractor, and of course location. Once demo is complete there is a chance of finding mold/rot damage - this will add to the overall price. However, if there are any underlying issues it is best to deal with it sooner than later. Mold will continue to grow and create an unhealthy environment and moisture will cause structural damage requiring extensive repairs. Triad Tile Worx can do a conversion for as low as $4,750, and we often do. The customers tile choice, add-ons, and hidden damage are the main reasons for a higher price.
1 Day Conversions
If you watch TV, have Facebook, use Nextdoor, etc, you have seen ads from large, nationwide companies offering this service in 'as little as one day'. That's appealing, one day of construction vs 3-4 and you quickly get back to normal.
Let's break this down...
1. Price - $12,000 is their starting price; thats more than twice our price! If you don't want to deal with multiple days of construction or, if you only have one bathroom, take your $7,000+ in savings and go on vacation!
2. Quality - You do not get high quality craftsmanship in a day, these jobs are rushed to get done so the company can move on. Sure, it will look great in the beginning, but will it last? There is no water proofing done and you are left with one layer of plastic that is caulked together; when the caulk fails, the whole shower fails. With tile you have a substrate that is sealed and waterproofed, then the actual tile. Yes, the same caulk is used to seal the tile in the corners, but upon failure the substrate keeps your home safe.
3. Materials - A piece of plastic glued to the studs or actual tile?
Many homes are built with 1-3 piece plastic surrounds (tubs and showers) due to cost. They are cheap and quick to install, no difference from what we are discussing. After a few years they start to discolor and become brittle. A few more years and water starts to seep through causing mold and rot. Why would you replace one problematic system with another? A tile job that is done right will outlast any plastic surround and increase the value of your home.
DO YOUR RESEARCH!
Before making any large financial decision you need make sure you're getting what you paying for. Check BBB, get multiple quotes, etc. Cheaper is not always a better option, but then again, neither is more expensive!
Gallery
This customer had a leak that required a full tear out to treat the mold. They decided to ditch the tub and have us install a shower complete with a niche and a bench.
This was a brand new house but the tub was not safe for the owners 80+ year old parents to use. A low profile curb and a couple of grab bars provide easy access.
Not a typical tub to shower conversion, but definitely a practical one!
This bathroom had a strong mold smell to it; once gutted we found the entire floor covered in black mold. A previous contractor fixed the leak, but ignored the results. We actually shortened this shower to accommodate a larger vanity.
There was no need for a tub in this master bath when the house has 2 others. We enlarged the area one foot by pushing back into a hall closet.
Typical one and 3 piece surrounds - once removed we found lots of mold and rot! This is what happens with plastic surrounds.
Customers elderly mom was moving in and unable to step into the tub. We not only converted it to a shower but we moved it to a new location.
Another example of a failed plastic surround.
This customer had no need for a tub and it was due for an update!
The customer ripped out a huge jetted tub and had us create this massive shower complete with grab bars and a bench for when they get older.
Basic tub to shower conversion - cost was $4,500.
A few more after pics, prices range from $5,000 - $7,000, including the doors and upgraded tile selection.
