The Pros and Cons of Doing a Bathtub to Shower Conversion

There are many reasons to convert a bathtub into a shower. However, it is not always a good idea. Unless you live in a 55 and older community, most home buyers are interested in having at least one bathtub in the house. It makes it easier to bathe children and it is an absolute necessity if one enjoys a relaxing soak at the end of a busy day. Additionally, removing the only bathtub in the house could reduce the value of your home, and even if you don’t need it yourself, you may need it for the resale of your home.

Upgrades Can Break the Bank

There are thousands of design options available if you decide to convert your tub into a shower. Multi-head showerheads can run into thousands of dollars as can fancy etched or frosted glass shower enclosures. There are also many options for wall tiles running from inexpensive ceramic or porcelain tiles up to the very high-end range for stone and glass block tiles. Blending colors, patterns, and textures create one-of-a-kind designs but every design step comes with a higher and higher price tag! Other expenses to consider are the possibility that drain pipes and water lines may need to be rerouted for a successful conversion and exposing old pipes may result in the replacement of leaky damaged plumbing. All of these possible scenarios will add to the project’s bottom line.

Good Design Matters

There are many good reasons to convert a dated or damaged bathtub into a modern walk-in shower.  First, a shower can take up less floor space than a bathtub, which can free up much-needed space to access the toilet and the vanity. Your bathroom should have adequate room to function as well as have good aesthetics. Additionally, a bathtub to shower conversion allows for design changes to better serve the family. This is especially important when there are older members in the family or there are family members with mobility issues. Low or zero- barrier entryways can be installed eliminating the need to step over the side of the bathtub.  Also, non-slip flooring is much much safer than traditional tub surfaces and bathtubs are where most home accidents occur.

Savings Count Too

Another positive reason to replace your bathtub with a shower is a reduction in energy costs. A typical bathtub requires approximately 50 gallons of hot water to fill so an examination of your hot water heater’s output is needed. Is your hot water able to produce enough hot water to fill the tub and simultaneously respond to other hot water demands in the home? If not a new hot water heater with a higher capacity may be needed since no one enjoys a lukewarm bath! Showers, on the other hand, use substantially less water. A standard showerhead uses 20 gallons of water every eight minutes. This decrease in hot water usage equals a decrease in your energy costs.

Bigger Is Better

Although it is an optical illusion, converting your bathtub into a shower creates the feeling of a more spacious room. Because the tub is removed, your eye no longer stops at the side of the tub but continues through the glass enclosure to the back wall. This gives the impression that the bathroom is larger than it is. An even better option for creating more visual space is to eliminate the door entirely. Mirrors are a well-known trick for enlarging space and by installing high-gloss tiles a similar condition is created. The natural and electric light is reflected off the tiles creating a bigger and brighter feel in your bathroom.

As you can see there are pros and cons to converting your bathtub into a shower and all must be considered in order to make a wise decision. Knowing what is best for your family, your pocketbook, and the effects on your home’s value all add up to helping you decide. A worn and dingy bathtub can be converted into a fresh clean shower adding to your quality of life and bringing you years of relaxation and a refuge from the stresses of your day.

Thinking of converting your bathtub into a shower? Contact us today! We are shower conversion specialists in Newport Beach, Orange County.