How to Plan a Tub-to-Shower Conversion

Step one: decide who the shower is for

The people using the shower shape almost every later choice. A busy family bathroom has different needs from a guest bath or a primary suite.

Think about the next several years, not just today. If someone in the household finds stepping over a tub wall harder than it used to be, a lower entry may matter. If young children still need baths, that matters too.

Step two: think about the last bathtub in the home

Some homes have only one tub. Removing it is a personal decision, and it is worth pausing on before going further.

Ask yourself whether anyone in the home still takes baths, and how you feel about not having that option. Some homeowners keep a tub in a second bathroom and convert the other. A provider can talk through both layouts if you have the space.

Step three: look at the space you have

Most conversions reuse the existing tub footprint. That keeps the plumbing close to where it already sits, which often keeps the scope simpler.

Before anyone visits, take a few photos of the area from the doorway and from inside the tub. Note any window in the wet area, the position of the toilet and vanity, and how the bathroom door swings.

• Is the current tub in an alcove, a corner or open on one side?
• Is there a window on the wall where the shower will be?
• Does the bathroom door open into the space you plan to use?
• Is there a second bathroom for use during the work?

Step four: choose an entry style

The entry is one of the most visible choices. A shower can have a standard curb, a low curb, or in some cases a nearly flat entry.

What is possible depends on the floor structure, the drain location and the building. Condominiums with concrete slabs may limit how far a floor can be recessed. Treat a flat entry as something to ask about rather than assume. If a lower step is the main goal, the low-threshold shower conversion page explains that option in more depth.

Step five: plan storage, seating and glass

Once the layout is settled, think about how you actually shower. Where do bottles go now, and where would you like them to go?

• Recessed niches keep items off ledges and out of the way.
• A built-in or fold-down seat can make shaving legs or rinsing easier.
• A hand shower on a slide bar gives flexibility for different users.
• Glass panels or doors keep the room open; a curtain keeps it simple.

Each of these adds detail to the scope, so list your must-haves separately from your nice-to-haves.

Step six: note Miami building and climate factors

If you live in a condominium, read the association rules on renovations before you set dates. Many associations ask for notice, paperwork or specific work hours.

Humidity is the other local factor. Ask how the provider plans ventilation and waterproofing for a room that rarely dries out on its own.

Step seven: bring your notes to a consultation

With your answers written down, a consultation becomes far more useful. The provider can measure, check the plumbing access and tell you which ideas fit the space.

For more background on the conversion itself, see this tub-to-shower conversion overview or the tub-to-shower conversion service page. Then discuss a tub or shower project when you feel ready.