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How to Remove a Bathtub and Install a Shower8 Converting your dated, unused tub to a shower is a stylish and practical update for any home. A walk-in shower can make your bathroom feel larger and more modern. It also improves accessibility for those with mobility issues. Not sure how to begin your DIY tub to shower conversion? Our step-by-step guide will simplify the process. Can I Replace My Tub With a Shower?While a walk-in shower sounds great in theory, it’s not the best fit for every household. You should consider your family’s needs, bathroom layout and budget before tackling this project. Your FamilyIf you have young kids or a bundle of joy on the way, consider keeping your tub to make bath time easier. Have a furry friend that likes digging in the dirt? Drawing a bath is the simplest way to give your pet a quick rinse. Your Bathroom LayoutYou won’t live in your house forever. According to the National Association of Home Builders, having at least one bathtub in the home is important to most prospective buyers. If you don’t have a tub in any other bathroom, consider keeping the one in question. Your BudgetMake sure to budget for all costs associated with a DIY tub to shower conversion. This is especially important when it comes to shower kits and the tools you need for installation. You should also consider renting a dumpster and plan for any other potential cleanup costs. How Much Does It Cost to Replace My Bathtub With a Shower Stall?The cost of a tub to shower remodel typically ranges from $800 to $15,000. Pricing depends on how big the shower will be and the materials you’re using. If you’re buying a shower kit, expect to pay within the $1,000 to $8,000 range. Planning to tile your walk-in shower from top to bottom? Your total cost will be between $3,500 and $15,000. No matter which design you choose, you’ll save around $1,000 going the DIY route. Photo Courtesy of Innovate Building Solutions How to Convert Your Tub to a Walk-In Shower in 7 StepsNow that you have a plan and budget in place, you can start your tub to shower remodel. You should give yourself about two or three days to complete this project. 1. Gather Your ToolsBefore removing your bathtub, make sure you have the right materials to finish the job. You should have the following tools before getting to work:
2. Determine Spacing and PlacementYou should install your walk-in shower where your bathtub used to be. The drain lines and water supply will already be in place, which makes installation easier. Moving plumbing will add significant costs to the project, and you’ll need to hire a plumber to do the work correctly. Use a tape measure to ensure you have the proper spacing. Spacing Required for a Walk-In Shower
3. Pick Your Walk-In Shower DesignWhen you’re taking on a DIY tub to shower conversion, shower kits may sound appealing. They’re fairly easy for a DIYer to install, and come in several different styles. You may choose a tile pattern. You can also decide between square corner, round corner and alcove shower designs. When selecting a shower stall kit, you’ll have to choose between a curbed or curbless design.
Comparing Shower Stall Kits
Photo Courtesy of Innovate Building Solutions 4. Remove Tiles and Wall SectionsBefore you convert your tub to a shower, remove some of the tile and drywall around it. This makes it easier to detach your bathtub from the wall. Follow these steps to prepare the area for bathtub removal. How to Prepare the Area
5. Take Out Your BathtubIt’s finally time to remove your bathtub. Use these five easy steps to get rid of that old tub and prep your walk-in shower.Remove any nails or screws attaching the tub to wall studs. How to Remove Your Bathtub
Removing your bathtub will expose the concrete backing board and subfloor underneath, so it’s a good time to fix any damage. Subfloor damage is usually caused by overexposure to moisture. If you need to replace your subfloor, you’ll save yourself a lot of time and stress down the road by taking care of the issue now. 6. Install Your Walk-In ShowerNow all you have to do is replace your tub with a shower. If you’re using a shower stall kit, follow the instructions carefully. Remember that converting to a curbless walk-in shower requires you to lower the shower floor. This lets the pan sit flush with the rest of the bathroom floor. You’ll need to hire a concrete contractor if your bathroom has a slab subfloor. Fortunately, this is typically a quick job that shouldn’t break your budget. If your subfloor isn’t slab, get a permit from your city’s building department to cut down the tops of the floor joists beneath the shower pan until it sits level. Use your level to ensure the shower pan is properly aligned. If it isn’t level, your shower could leak.
Photo Courtesy of Simple Bath 7. Clean Up After Your Tub to Shower RemodelOnce you’ve converted your tub to a walk-in shower, you should feel accomplished, not stressed about the cleanup. We recommend renting a dumpster so you can get rid of your old tub, broken tile and drywall as you work. Remember most cities only have one bulk waste day per month, so having a renovation dumpster nearby is the fastest and easiest way to clean up. What Should I Do After My DIY Tub to Shower Conversion?We have tips for sprucing up every part of your bathroom, from your toilet to your vanity. Check out the following posts to create the bathroom of your dreams, one project at a time.
How much does it cost to remove a bathtub and install a walkThe cost to convert your bathtub to a shower during a bathroom remodel ranges from $1,200 to $8,000, with an average cost of $3,000. The total cost depends on size, accessibility features, fixtures, installation and other aspects.
Is it worth it to convert tub to shower?A tub to shower conversion is one of the very best things you can do to improve your bathroom, and your home as a whole. With this kind of upgrade, you will find that your bathroom is a lot more modern, more aesthetically pleasing, and easier to use as well, for all kinds of people who might live in the home with you.
Is it cheaper to replace tub or convert to shower?Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost: DIY vs.
Taking on the job of replacing a tub with a shower can save you $1,000 or more in labor costs.
How long does it take to replace a tub with a walkReplacing a tub with a shower is a complex task that can take from two days to a full week to complete, but it is a project that often pays itself off after the dust has settled.
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