Are you looking for ways to transform the look and feel of your bathroom? When you convert a tub to a walk-in shower, you can instantly make your bathroom more functional for your family’s needs and make it look more modern in the process.
However, scheduling bathroom remodeling services like this is no small task. If you want your bathroom remodel near Hartford, CT to go smoothly, taking the time to plan is key. After all, as the old saying goes, “a failure to plan is a plan for failure.”
Unsure about how to get started? You’ve come to the right place for guidance. Continue reading to learn the 8 most important tips to follow when planning your tub-to-shower conversion project with the CareFree Home Pros team.
1. Set a Budget for Your Project
The first step when preparing for your tub-to-shower conversion is to set a budget you’re comfortable spending. This can seem nearly impossible because CT bathroom remodelers may give you a quote for the project that varies anywhere from just over $1000 to upwards of $8,000.
Why does the cost vary so much? Beyond the fact that different installers have different rates, the total cost of your project can vary based on the following factors:
- The size of your replacement shower
- The state of your old bathtub and how difficult it is to remove
- Any repairs that need to be made to the plumbing, walls, etc.
- Any additional features you may want to add like a built-in shower seat, grab bars, etc.
- The materials you choose for your replacement shower
Taking all of these factors into consideration, we recommend setting a range for your budget, then talking to our team about the specifics of your project for a more accurate estimate.
2. Don’t Replace Your Only Bathtub
As you’re planning your tub-to-shower conversion, first consider the other bathrooms in your home. If you’re thinking of replacing your only tub with a shower, it might not be the best choice for your future home value.
Many homebuyers prioritize buying a home with a bathtub. So, if you remove your only remaining tub, it may be harder to sell your home down the line.
Of course, at the end of the day, the most important thing is that you enjoy your home. If you don’t see the need for a bathtub in your home, that’s perfectly fine! But, before making your decision, think about how long you plan to stay in your home and if you might list it for sale in the coming years.
3. Take the Time to Measure
Another important thing to consider is the amount of space you have in your bathroom. Before starting your project you want to make sure that you have enough space for the shower that you want. Since most standard tubs are 60 inches wide, you should have enough width in the space to add your new shower.
However, you also need to account for height and depth. As a good rule of thumb, you’ll need to have 80 inches of ceiling height to accommodate your shower, as well as dimensions of 30 by 30 inches for your shower floor. Finally, you’ll need to make sure that there are at least 15 inches from the center of the toilet to the shower wall and 21 inches from the front of the toilet bowl to the shower.
Of course, if you hire a team of professionals like we have here at CareFree Home Pros, we’ll take all of these Tub-to-Shower Conversion measurements for you to ensure there is plenty of space in your bathroom for your new shower.
4. Plan Around Your Windows
Many homes have windows above standalone tubs to let natural light come into the bathroom. If you’re converting your tub to a shower and there’s a window above it, there are a few things to consider before moving forward.
First, you may want to remove the window, as it could be right in the line of sight of your neighbor’s home. In that case, keep in mind that the cost of your project will increase to account for the extra construction involved in removing the window. For a less expensive option, you could replace the window with textured glass or add window treatments so you have the privacy you need.
If you do keep the window where it is, you’ll need to make sure that the wall material of your new shower is also installed into the window reveal. Then, the window will need waterproofing so you don’t have to worry about leaks.
5. Think About the Rest of Your Bathroom
Another important thing to consider is the rest of your bathroom. While you’re converting your bathtub into a shower, it’s a good time to think about any other updates you might want to make to the space.
Some of these updates might be small, like replacing your vanity with one that has more storage space. Or, maybe you have bigger plans, like replacing the flooring. In that case, it might be better to combine your projects to do them at once.
Combining your projects can often help you save money. And, it ensures that your bathroom is only out of commission once, instead of multiple times.
6. Design the Shower of Your Dreams
In the midst of planning your Tub-to-Shower Conversion project, take the time to sit back and really think about what you want out of your new shower. We recommend jotting down the features that are most important to you so nothing gets overlooked during your remodel.
Here at CareFree Home Pros, we have a variety of different options to help you customize your shower so it fits your family’s needs. For starters, we have different shower bases, including a barrier-free option, which is perfect for those hoping to age in place.
We also have a number of color and pattern combinations available so you can design a Pinterest-worthy shower that will look great for years to come. Finish your customizations by adding special accessories like caddies to help reduce clutter, built-in seating, grab bars, and more.
7. Don’t Forget the Lighting
You might be surprised by how different your bathroom looks after a Tub-to-Shower Conversion. In most cases, adding a shower to your space will make your bathroom look and feel bigger. Now is also a good time to think about the lighting in your bathroom.
The visual changes in your space might look even better by installing new lighting fixtures to really complete the remodel. Depending on how much space you have in your bathroom, you might find that installing two or even four smaller lights will make your bathroom seem warmer and more inviting.
If you already love your existing light fixtures, but find there’s not enough light after your remodel, you can look for different bulbs that offer brighter options.
8. Choose the Right Contractor for the Job
Even if you consider yourself to be a pretty experienced DIYer, we recommend that you do not attempt to replace your tub with a shower on your own. In most cases, the project will be more complicated than you might anticipate. In that case, you’ll end up spending more time and money hiring someone to fix your attempt than you would by hiring a contractor in the first place.
Knowing this, the most important decision you’ll make when preparing for your tub-to-shower conversion is the contractor you hire for the job. Doing a quick Google search for “shower or bathtub installation near me” will show countless results for local contractors.
So, how can you make sure you hire the right one for your home? Following these tips can make all the difference in your project.
- Look through a contractor’s portfolio of work. To get a feel for the kind of work a contractor can do for you, spend some time browsing through their portfolio to see real examples of past projects.
- Read through customer reviews. Next, take some time to read reviews from previous customers. This helps to give you an unbiased view of what it’s like to work with a particular contractor.
- Ask for a written estimate. Before signing a contract, be sure to ask for a written estimate for your project. This will help to eliminate any surprise bills at the end of your remodel.
We hope you’ll agree that the CareFree Home Pros team is the right choice for your Tub-to-Shower Conversion!
Ready to Convert Your Tub to a Walk-In Shower?
After reading through our tips on how to plan to convert a tub into a walk-in shower, we hope you feel more prepared to get started with your project. When you’re ready to take the next step, our team is here for you.
We’d be happy to answer any questions you have and listen to your ideas for your bathroom remodel. From there, we can develop a plan to bring those ideas to life and get you one step closer to the Tub-to-Shower Conversion of your dreams. To get started, contact us to request a free quote.