One of the great improvements for any house is converting a vintage, underutilized tub to a shower. A walk-in shower makes your bathroom appear larger and far more modern. It also makes it even more accessible to individuals with physical challenges.
Before carrying out the remodel, it is always good to consider the persons using the bathroom. If there is someone in the family with physical limitations, substituting the tub with a shower and incorporating useful safety equipment such as grab bars and shower seats is a great way to make their lives easier. Bathtubs, on the other hand, may be preferred by some parents with small children. This is because they find it difficult to handle bath time for youngsters under a shower.
Converting your bathtub to a walk-in shower is a practical and elegant way to renovate your bathroom. Glass sliding doors and flawless crystal walls may give a room a modern look and make it feel like it’s all new again.
It’s also worth thinking about upkeep and cleaning before converting your tub to a walk-in shower. The cleaning effort necessary for the tub might be a concern for those with mobility problems. In particular, crouching over a tub is more challenging than swabbing the shower surround glass. That said, let’s take a look at the tub to shower conversion process and associated benefits.
Tub to Shower Conversion Process
1. Decide on the size and location of your items
Because the drain pipes and water supply will already be in place, it’s ideal to install your new shower in the area left by your bathtub when converting a tub to a walk-in shower. The job will be significantly more expensive if the plumbing is relocated. An average walk-in shower takes up a floor space of about 30 inches by 30 inches.
2. Decide on your shower design
There’s a wide range of shower designs to choose from. These include square corners, round corners, and alcove showers. You may even tile them to match the rest of your bathroom with some possibilities. You may also have to choose between curbless or curbed.
Consider how you’ll keep water from leaking out of your new shower, as well as what that will be like. Before considering a shower, do not just think about how you will use it now. Also consider how your living situation may change in the future and include that into your design.
3. Tear down tiles and drywall segments
In order to rip the tub off and install a shower, you’ll need to tear off part of the tiles and the drywall surrounding it. Ensure to use relevant tools during the remodeling process to save time and money.
4. Rip the tub off
At this stage, it’s time for the most anticipated moment: ridding of that old tub. Because removing your tub exposes the concrete underlayment panel and floor joists beneath it, you have an opportunity to inspect and make repairs. Long-term exposure to moisture is the most common cause of subfloor damage. If you discover that repair is needed, you’ll save yourself a lot of time and strain in the long run by handling it at this point.
5. Set up the shower
After removing the tub, it’s time to install a new shower. Bear in mind that different shower designs require different floorings. For instance, if you’re switching to a curbless walk-in shower, you’ll have to drop the floor to make the shower pan flush with the rest of the restroom.
A bathroom makeover provides you the opportunity to make your existing space more useful while also introducing new ideas that are more suitable for you and your family. If you’ve chosen to transform your bathroom, there are a few things to think about before ditching the tub in favor of a shower. First and foremost, ensure that the new shower design you select is appropriate for your family’s lifestyle. If you have (or intend to have) small kids, a bathtub is more suitable than a walk-in shower.
Second, you should consider the arrangement of any additional bathrooms in your house. According to the National Association of Home Builders, a majority of homebuyers value having at least one bathtub, which is something to keep in mind if you ever want to sell your home.
Finally, every step of the tub-to-shower transition should be planned ahead of time. The shower type and fittings you pick should not only reflect your personal preferences but also match your budget. Before you begin this project, ensure to budget for all that is needed.