Costs
The first consideration when entertaining a bathtub to shower conversion is the budget. Evaluate the types of products you will use and whether you will have a professional installer do the work or attempt the job yourself. Will you need to relocate the plumbing? This can add significant dollars to your bottom line. Also, you will need to assess whether your floor is structurally sound and can support the increased weight of a new shower install. All these decisions will affect the amount of money you spend on your conversion project. If the scope of the project is beyond your capabilities and you need to hire a professional, then consider demolishing your bathtub and surrounding areas yourself to save money. The base of your shower enclosure is called the pan. This area can be a simple inexpensive one-piece acrylic base or an intricate, custom-designed tile floor which can be very expensive. Glass shower enclosures come in standard sizes and are relatively affordable but any small design changes such as bowing the area in front of your tub to increase the size of your shower can quickly escalate costs. Keeping your existing plumbing is an easy way to save money since many shower kits are fabricated to fit into the footprint of the tub and will therefore use the same drainpipe and plumbing. Other factors affecting costs are the walls of your shower. The walls of your new shower can be simple acrylic or fiberglass panels which are inexpensive to purchase and can be installed by any handy homeowner. Another option is to tile your walls which requires more expertise and the need to hire a professional to ensure proper installation. While offering much larger selections, tiles can enhance your shower design but, with additional choice, comes additional cost.
Time For Demolition
Once you make your design choices and order the necessary materials, it is time to get started. If you need to move your existing plumbing you will be required to obtain permits to ensure the work being done is up to standard codes in your area. Once permits are in place, it is time to shut off your water supply and remove your old tub. This is a simple step but not an easy project due to the cumbersome size and weight of your bathtub. However, if the tub is made of acrylic or fiberglass it can be cut into smaller sections using a reciprocating saw to make the removal process easier. After removing the bathtub, carefully inspect all walls and subflooring for any mildew, mold, or rot and make the necessary repairs.
Update your plumbing
Your old tub had a bathtub valve but now that you are converting to a shower you will need to add a shower valve and a showerhead, as well as install new piping from the cold and hot water supply lines. Running these new valves and piping requires some basic plumbing knowledge but it is a relatively easy project to complete. This is the time to change outdated piping and to examine the exposed piping for loose connections and leaks.
Constructing the Shower
Next, is the installation of the selected shower pan which will keep the water contained and support the weight of the shower. Acrylic, tile, molded stone, and fiberglass are common options for shower pans. Whichever you choose they all should be set on a wet bed of mortar to create a solid base. This base should be allowed to dry overnight before continuing with your project. The vision of your new shower really starts to solidify when the shower walls go up. Prefabricated fiber or acrylic walls can be attached directly to the studs whereas tile walls will require a cement board coated with a waterproof covering to be installed first. The cement boards are then covered with the tile and grouted. It is imperative to create a waterproof surface on the shower walls to prevent water from collecting behind the tiles or panels creating the perfect environment for mold to grow. The next step Is to reattach the drain, install the faucet handle, and attach your new showerhead. If a shower door, rather than a shower curtain, is selected, it can be installed now, completing your bathtub to shower conversion.
Using your existing space, you can design and easily convert a bathtub into a luxurious shower. Following a step-by-step guide, you can be confident your new shower will be a sound financial investment bringing you years of relaxation and beauty.
Are you thinking of a shower conversion project? Contact us today! We are shower conversion specialists in Vista, North County.
