Giving your bathroom a makeover provides the perfect opportunity to improve on its appearance and utility, but you might not be sure on which area to focus on first. Soaking in a tub filled with warm water is nothing short of satisfying, but you need time to fully enjoy the experience. Modern living often demands the need for a bathroom feature that offers convenience, such as a shower unit. However, when space is at a premium, fitting one in can be challenging. You might as well dismantle your tub to make way for the shower.
A tub-to-shower conversion can dramatically enhance the beauty and functionality of your bathroom, as well as increase your home’s overall value. With these in mind, you might be thinking about whether this bath renovation project can be DIY’d. As a remodeler, you’re better off leaving this complex job to the professionals. Let this in-depth article explain why.
There are two options you can consider when it comes to converting your tub into a shower. One involves tearing out the tub and building a new shower in its place. The space where the tub once stood will provide sufficient room to construct a shower, but it requires a tile or solid surface curb to prevent water from spilling out into the bathroom floor. The other option involves retrofitting the bathroom’s existing plumbing to accommodate the shower. Here, you keep the tub and add only the necessary plumbing for the shower unit. Here, you’ll have to open up the wall and make sure the plumbing follows the local building codes.
It can be surmised that a tub-to-shower conversion is a big job that requires turning to a trusted shower installation contractor for the best results. They have the right training and the proper insurance to cover all unexpected circumstances and ensure an accident-free workplace and the safety of everyone in or near the work zone. Attempting to complete the plumbing and electrical systems in this particular project on your own can put you in danger. This can also lead to material failure and shoddy installation. Improperly moved pipes or inadequate waterproofing results in leaks and further damage, which can cost you more money down the road.
It might seem simple on paper or a YouTube video, but a tub-to-shower conversion is a complex work. For one, it requires precise measurements to ensure every detail is up to code without restricting movement within the bathroom. Below are some of the ideal dimensions to consider:
Another thing that makes a tub-to-shower conversion complicated is the skills required to complete the project. If you want a custom-designed shower unit, you’ll have to determine if you have the necessary knowledge to carry out tasks like the following:
What makes it all trickier is the fact that you have to take timing and scheduling into account. No matter how simple the tub-to-shower conversion might seem, you have to cover all bases. You must choose the materials, order them, and schedule their deliveries. Also, trades must be coordinated and booked for their specialties. Cleaning up the work zone is a part of it as well. If you choose to do the work yourself, sorting out all of the details can be too much to handle. What if you started the demolition process only to find out that the materials you need aren’t in stock in the required quantities? Will you be able to have the mental toughness to go through this unexpected delay?
Leaving the tub-to-shower conversion to the pros instead of going the DIY route has its benefits. For one, you get to save time and money. The remodeling team is paid to do the construction work, and with each member working collectively as a unit, it won’t take them as long as it will take you when you try squeezing it in your spare time. They can provide you with an estimated timeline as well so you know what you can expect as far as the entire remodeling process is concerned.
By working with a remodeler, you can also rest assured that you get the results you want. A DIY tub-to-shower conversion rarely looks as good as the one completed by professionals. As long as the team you hired has the necessary remodeling skills and experience, you can expect your newly installed shower enclosure to be as attractive as the ones you see on home improvement magazines and Pinterest.
More importantly, hiring the pros helps reduce the stress involved in tub-to-shower conversions. Your bathroom can get messy, and it can take upwards of a few days before things go back to normal. A good contractor will take all these worries away by keeping you updated with everything that happens in the remodeling process. For this reason, you need to work with a team that maintains constant communication with you.
When it’s time to upgrade your bathroom, The Bathroom Store can help. We offer a wide range of services to make your bathroom remodel hassle-free, and we can complete most jobs in just a few days! Whether you’re looking for a tub-to-shower conversion or need a brand-new shower installation, our team will work closely with you to identify your wants and needs. Give us a call at (701) 223-1008 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.
The bathroom, particularly the powder room, is often a space of compromise, juggling both functionality…
Embarking on a bathroom remodeling project can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially when…
Creating a bathroom that mirrors your unique style and brings warmth to your home is…
These days, homeowners are becoming increasingly aware of the impact their renovation choices have on…
Undergoing a bathroom remodel can drastically improve your home's functionality and aesthetics, but it can…
Renovating your bathroom is not just about improving functionality—it's about elevating your daily routines into…