Quick answer: A tub-to-shower conversion removes the bathtub and builds a walk-in shower in its place, with a new drain location, shower valve, a sloped and waterproofed pan, tile and glass. Done right, it improves accessibility and makes a small bathroom feel bigger. Keep at least one tub in the house if resale to families matters to you.
Why Homeowners Convert Tubs to Showers
- Easier, safer entry with a low curb or no curb.
- A larger, more usable shower in the same footprint.
- A more open, modern look.
- Planning to stay in the home as you age.
What the Work Involves
- Demolition of the tub, surround and wall finishes down to the studs.
- Plumbing changes: moving the drain to the shower location and raising the valve and shower head.
- Framing for niches, a bench or grab-bar blocking.
- The shower pan: sloped to the drain and waterproofed, with cement board on the walls.
- Tile on the floor and walls.
- Glass door or panel, measured after tile is installed.
Waterproofing is the part you never see and the part that matters most. Our post on what goes behind the tile in a walk-in shower walks through each layer.
Curb or Curbless?
A low curb is simpler and works in most bathrooms. A curbless shower is the most accessible, but the floor usually needs to be recessed or built up so water slopes to the drain without running into the room. We check the framing before recommending curbless.
Will It Hurt Resale?
Many buyers with young children want at least one bathtub in the house. If you have a second bathroom with a tub, converting the primary bath is rarely a problem. If it is your only tub, weigh how long you plan to stay.
Permits
Moving drains and changing the shower valve is plumbing work that requires a permit in Longmont. We pull it and schedule the inspections.
See our bathroom remodeling in Longmont page, or our full kitchen and bath remodeling services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a tub-to-shower conversion take?
It depends on tile choices, plumbing changes and glass lead time. We give you a schedule with the written estimate.
Do I need a permit for a tub-to-shower conversion in Longmont?
Yes, when drains or the shower valve are moved or replaced. We handle the permit and inspections.
Will removing my only tub hurt resale?
It can matter to buyers with young children. If you have another tub in the house, it is rarely an issue.
Can a shower be curbless?
Often, but the floor may need to be recessed or built up so water slopes to the drain. We check framing first.
Ready to Convert Your Tub?
Josh Brooks Construction and Renovation Inc. is a licensed general contractor in Longmont with 30 years in construction, serving 46+ Front Range cities. We handle demolition, plumbing, waterproofing, tile and glass under one contract. Call 720-828-7997 or text 720-453-5095.
Licensed. Local. Not a storm chaser.
