Replacing an outdated tub with a sleek, accessible walk-in shower customized to your needs is one of the smartest investments you can make in the look, feel, function, and value of your bathroom. Old bathtubs or tub-shower combos can look dated, take time to clean, and take up significant space in the bathroom. In today’s market, walk-in showers are often prioritized over a bathtub or tub-shower combo. Wondering how to replace a tub with a walk-in shower? It’s possible with the right help.
How to Convert a Bathtub to a Walk-In Shower
If you have a bathtub or tub-shower combo you wish you could transform into a walk-in shower, you aren’t alone. Tub-to-shower conversions top many homeowners’ renovation wish lists. While some families find bathtubs practical and get plenty of use out of them, for many other homeowners, a bathtub is unnecessary and impractical. Unused bathtubs can take up valuable space in the bathroom, making small bathrooms feel more cramped and limiting your ability to redesign or install other bathroom features or updates. Walk-in showers, on the other hand, offer many benefits homeowners find appealing.
Walk-in Shower Benefits
More Space
Bathtubs take up a lot of space in a room where square footage is usually limited. For some homeowners, that space is more than worth it, whether you’re someone who destresses by soaking in a bubble bath or you’re the parent of small children who regularly use the tub. But if you’re someone who prefers showers to baths, the space a bathtub takes up can feel frustrating and unnecessary. Walk-in showers take up less space than traditional bathtubs while still being spacious and making the bathroom feel larger and brighter.
Enhanced Safety
Walk-in showers offer important safety benefits, especially for households with elderly members, individuals with mobility challenges, or young families. The reduced risk of slips and falls — thanks to features like non-slip flooring and the option for barrier-free entry — directly impacts daily comfort, accessibility, and safety. Walk-in showers are also easier to clean and maintain than bathtubs, able to resist cracking, dents, and mold and mildew growth.
Clean, Bright, and Open
Walk-in showers offer a clean, minimalist look that can make your bathroom appear larger and more inviting. With a variety of design options, from simple setups to luxurious spa-like experiences, you can customize your shower to match your unique style.
Increased Home Value
Beyond the immediate benefits, upgrading to a walk-in shower can also increase the resale value of your home. It’s a desirable feature for potential buyers, making it a wise investment for the future.
How to Replace a Tub with a Walk-In Shower
So, what do you do if you have a bathtub but prefer a shower? Removing your existing bathtub and replacing it with a new shower is a complex, labor-intensive home renovation. DIY home projects can be tempting, and plenty of projects or upgrades around the home can be tackled by experienced DIYers. The question of how to replace a tub with a walk-in shower, though, is one best left to the professionals.
The installation process involves intricate plumbing work, waterproofing measures, and (where relevant) adherence to building codes — tasks that require specialized knowledge and skills.
DIY errors in shower installations or upgrades can lead to serious problems: water damage, mold issues, and structural compromises that can be hazardous and costly to rectify. Professional installers ensure that your new walk-in shower is installed the right way the first time, protecting your safety, your home, and, ultimately, your investment.
If you have questions about replacing a tub with a walk-in shower, the bathroom conversion experts at Liberty Home Solutions can help guide you through the process. We offer bathroom remodel conversions that will take any bathtub or tub-shower combo and transform your existing structure into a brand-new, beautiful walk-in shower. Along with options for barrier-free shower entry, we offer the ability to design your shower with a wide range of accessories, including shelving units, built-in seating, grab bars, customizable shower doors, shower wall colors and patterns, and more. To start the process of designing your dream bathroom, contact us today.