Why Replace a Bathtub with a Shower?

Bath division lead Sargam Patel discusses the benefits of replacing your bathtub with a shower.

Baby Boomers, Be Prepared for the Future with a Tub-to-Shower Conversion

Nationwide, 10,000 people turn 65 every day.

If you’re one of the 73 million Americans who are a part of the baby boomer generation– those born between 1946 and 1964—then you may want to remain in your own home as you get older.

That’s becoming more and more common, and it’s called aging in place.

The desire to stay in your home is possible with a few changes that will make your existing home safer and more comfortable.

These modifications may be adding a ramp at your home’s entrance, replacing flooring with less slippery options, or installing smart home devices with voice-activated technology.

Another common modification is to convert your existing bathtub into a shower.

Bathtubs can be dangerous for people with joint problems or balance issues. That’s why so many boomers would rather have showers. A walk-in shower increases overall safety and makes it easier to bathe.

The benefits of replacing a bathtub with a shower are obvious. But what about the process?

Even if you’d like to have a shower installed, you probably don’t want the project to take a lot of time or cause major disruption to your normal life.

And there are companies who promise to replace your tub in one day. But is it really possible to get a bathtub-to-shower conversion that quickly?

Let’s look at what this project involves.

How do you convert a tub into a shower?

1-800-HANSONS has a specific process to replace a tub with a shower in as little as a day. These are the steps we take on the day of the installation:

Evaluate space.
Before any work begins, an installer checks the space to make sure everything will fit correctly. We do not want to begin any work until we know we have everything we need.
Remove the existing bathtub.
Our experts remove everything from the existing space down to the studs. Then they inspect the studs to be certain there is no damage. The wood around a window can often be damaged by inside or outside moisture. If we find any damage, we replace the wood and make sure everything meets building codes.
Install wood blocking.
After the studs are ready, the homeowner selects where they would like their grab bars installed. The location of grab bars can differ based on each person’s individual needs and preferences. Our installers put in wood blocking where the grab bars will be placed to ensure they will be secure and able to support a homeowner’s weight.
Set the foundation.
Installation happens from the bottom up. We start with the foundation, and then add the shower base, walls, and ceiling, if necessary. To ensure the shower will never leak, our team installs a lip at the shower base that goes behind the walls and corner pieces at the walls’ corners.
Add wall panels and finishes.
Then we put greenboard drywall in place that is water resistant, and we adhere the wall panels to it. Finally, our team adds the custom finishing touches like hardware, shelves, benches, and grab bars.

Trained and certified professionals can perform these steps quickly and expertly, even in as little as one day.

But if you are considering having your bathtub replaced with a shower, you probably have other questions. Here are some of the common questions I receive from homeowners:

Why is a 1-800-HANSONS tub-to-shower conversion better than a full-scale renovation?

It is often better for seniors to break a bathroom renovation into pieces, and a full-scale renovation can be a timely and expensive process.

We are shower experts and the process from first contact to installed shower takes about six weeks or less, which is fast for a home renovation project.

You can enjoy the immediate results of a shower, and then hire less specialized professionals to make modifications like replacing flooring or installing a new vanity.

What should you look for in a bath replacement company?

There are several companies that offer tub-to-shower conversions. And if the products and guarantees they offer are similar, it may be hard to decide which company to choose.

We recommend looking at each company’s history and operations to help guide your decision. Ask your sales representative questions like:

How long have you been in business?
How many of these conversions have you completed?
Do you have responsive customer service in case I need to make a warranty claim?
Will you work with manufacturers to get part replacements and make repairs?

1-800-HANSONS has been in business for 30+ years, has thousands of five-star reviews, and offers a no-leak lifetime guarantee. If one of our customers has a warranty claim, we handle all the paperwork, obtain the replacement part from the manufacturer, and install it ourselves. We manage the entire process from beginning to end.

What is the average cost of a tub-to-shower conversion?

Replacing your bathtub with a shower costs anywhere from $9,000 to $15,000. The design, features, and finishes you choose determine where the cost falls within that range.

Is there any bathtub that 1-800-HANSONS cannot replace?

At this time, we can only replace three-wall bath areas. We cannot convert two-wall or four-wall bath areas. But, when you request a no-obligation, free estimate, you can send a picture of your space and we will let you know if we can convert your tub at that time.

What maintenance does the shower require?

Our showers require zero maintenance. The shower walls are single acrylic panels that are very easy to clean. You can even choose a tile wall pattern and have the look of tile without the maintenance of grout.

A tub-to-shower conversion is an ideal solution for baby boomers planning for their futures or those who already need the safety features a shower provides.