Cost & Budget
What changes the cost of a tub-to-shower conversion
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Short answer
A tub-to-shower conversion is priced by four things: how far the drain has to move, what the old tub deck and wall framing look like once the tub is out, how much wet-area surface has to be waterproofed and tiled, and whether the opening gets a fixed panel or a full door. Everything else is finish preference.
Key takeaways
- The tub drain sits at one end of the alcove; a shower drain usually sits centered, so some plumbing work is normal.
- Removing a tub exposes framing and subfloor that were never finished — expect a small allowance for repair.
- A shower waterproofs higher and wider than a tub surround, so tile and membrane quantities go up.
- A fixed glass panel is usually less than a hinged door and keeps the opening feeling wide.
- Reusing the existing alcove footprint is the single biggest way to keep the project contained.
Drain and valve position
Tubs drain at one end. Showers usually drain in the middle, or at a linear drain along one wall. That difference is the first line item in every conversion. Over a crawlspace it is straightforward work from below; on a second floor it means opening the ceiling underneath or working from above through the subfloor.
The valve moves too. A tub valve sits low for a spout; a shower valve sits at chest height. Since the wall is already open, this is the moment to set the valve where you actually want it rather than where the tub put it.
What the tub was hiding
- Unfinished framing behind the tub apron that now becomes a finished wall
- Subfloor staining or soft spots around the old overflow and drain
- Studs that are out of plane, which matter more for tile than they did for an acrylic tub
- Old tub surrounds set directly on drywall with no waterproofing behind them
None of these are emergencies. They are the reason a conversion quote should include a written approach for hidden conditions rather than a single optimistic number.
More waterproofed surface than a tub
| Item | Tub surround | Shower |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing height | Typically to about 6 ft | Full height, wall to ceiling in most builds |
| Floor | Factory tub, no site work | Sloped pan, membrane, drain assembly |
| Curb or threshold | Tub wall does the job | Built and waterproofed on site |
| Glass | Curtain rod or bypass doors | Fixed panel or hinged door, measured after tile |
Frequently asked questions
- Does removing the only tub in the house hurt resale in the Treasure Valley?
- It is worth thinking about if the home has a single bathroom. Most Treasure Valley homes we convert have a tub in a second bath, which makes the primary-bath conversion an easy call.
- Can a conversion be done in the same footprint?
- Almost always. A standard 60-inch alcove converts cleanly to a walk-in shower without moving walls, which keeps the project inside one room.
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