A tub-to-shower conversion removes the tub and builds a low-entry shower in the same spot. It is a popular safe bathing conversion for homeowners who are tired of stepping over a tall wall every day. The new shower can include a seat, grab bars and a handheld spray.
Normallyfeed Walk-In Tubs is a referral service. We connect you with independent providers in the Grafton area who do the work and set their own prices. You can compare written estimates, ask questions, and say no. Older houses get extra patience here, because old walls hide surprises and honest quotes matter most.
Say the tub edge has become the hard part
Say you step over the tub wall every morning. Lately your knee complains. That wall now feels like a tall fence at the start of your day. A tub-to-shower conversion takes the fence away.
This page covers that one project: taking out the tub and building a low-entry shower in its place. Read on, compare a few estimates, and take your time.
What a conversion really is
The old tub comes out. A shower goes into the same space. Walls, floor, drain, valve and a door or curtain are planned together. Independent providers in our network do the work. Normallyfeed Walk-In Tubs helps you meet them and does not do the work itself.
Signs it may be time
- You grip the towel bar to climb in.
- Someone hovers nearby at bath time.
- The tub has turned into a laundry shelf.
- One small slip has shaken your confidence.
Any one of these is a fair reason to start asking questions.
Is a conversion right for you?
Say you stand to wash and never soak. A shower fits that habit well. Now say you love a long soak, or you need a seat to lower yourself. A walk-in tub may suit you better, and it has its own page.
If your home has only one bathtub, think it through before the tub is gone. Some homeowners ask a provider to explain both paths before deciding.
Tub replacement or shower conversion?
People say tub replacement and mean two different things. One is swapping an old tub for a new tub. The other is removing the tub for a shower. Say which one you mean in your first conversation. It keeps estimates easy to compare.
Request a callback to check provider availability in your area.
Conversion options
A low-threshold base
This has a shallow step of a few inches. It is often the simplest and most budget-friendly route.
A step-less, curbless entry
There is no step at all. The floor slopes gently to the drain. This suits walkers and wheelchairs, but it needs more floor work, so it usually costs more.
Seat, bars and handheld spray
Handicap accessible showers often add a built-in or fold-down seat, grab bars fixed to solid backing, and a handheld spray. These details turn a plain shower into a lasting safe bathing conversion.
Glass door, fixed panel or curtain?
A curtain is simple and slides fully aside, which helps if someone needs to stand close and assist. A fixed panel looks clean and leaves one side open. A glass door holds in warmth on cold winter mornings, but it needs room to swing or slide. Ask to see each style in person if you can.
Older homes: old walls, honest quotes
Say a provider opens the wall behind the tub in a frame house built many decades ago. Behind the tile, there might be soft wood, a patched pipe or a thin old subfloor. These surprises are common. Bungalows and ranch homes often add tight bathrooms to the mix.
Ask how the provider handles a hidden problem. Ask how a price change gets written down before work goes on.
Climate matters too. Cold winters with deep frost chill outside walls, so ask about insulation and moisture barriers. Hot, humid summers make a good bath fan worth having.
What the job involves
A typical job runs in order: protect the floors, remove the tub, check the drain and pipes, prepare the walls and floor, add waterproofing, install the new base and walls, seal the seams, and clean up. Waterproofing is the layer you will never see, yet it matters most.
How long does it take?
Many conversions take a few days to about a week. Tile takes longer because materials need time to set. Older houses can add days if repairs turn up. Ask for a written schedule, and ask what happens if the plan shifts.
Want numbers side by side? Request an estimate and see what providers say.
Compare, then decide
Say you gather three written estimates. Lay them on the kitchen table. Do they name the same base, wall material and door style? Do they say who handles permits and cleanup? A lower number may simply leave things out.
The pace is yours. Asking for estimates carries no obligation, and you may say no to all of them.
Questions to ask the installer
- What is included, and what would count as an extra?
- How will you check for rot or old pipe damage?
- Which wall and floor materials do you suggest for my bathroom?
- Can you add backing in the walls for grab bars?
- How long is the work, and how will you keep the home usable?
- What warranty does your company offer, in writing?
Make it easier for years ahead
Plan for the person you may be in ten years. A wider doorway, a seat, a non-slip floor and bars placed at the right height all help. Blocking inside the walls costs little now and saves a mess later. If you are weighing senior walk-in tubs against a shower, ask providers to explain both.
Ready when you are
Request a callback to talk through your bathroom and check provider availability.
What's Included
Tub Removal
The old tub, surround and damaged finishes are taken out so the space is ready.
Low-Entry Shower Base
A shallow or curbless base is set and sloped to the drain, so stepping in feels easier.
Waterproof Walls and Seams
Panels or tile go up over proper waterproofing, with seams sealed to keep moisture out.
Door, Bars and Seat
Providers can add a door or curtain, grab bars, and a seat to fit your needs.
Typical Conversion Costs in the U.S.
Prices vary by bathroom size, materials and the condition of the walls and pipes. These are typical U.S. ranges only. Ask each provider for a written quote that lists what is and is not included.
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic insert conversion | $2,500 – $6,000 | Pre-made base and wall panels |
| Tiled shower conversion | $6,000 – $15,000 | More labor and curing time |
| Curbless, step-less entry | $8,000 – $20,000 | Floor work often needed |
| Glass door or fixed panel | $500 – $2,500 | Depends on size and glass |
| Grab bars, seat and handheld spray | $150 – $1,200 | Backing in walls may add cost |
| Hidden repairs (rot, pipes, subfloor) | $500 – $5,000 | Common in older homes |
How It Works
Tell Us Your Plan
Share what bothers you about the tub and what you want from a shower.
Meet Local Providers
We connect you with independent providers who can look at your bathroom and talk options.
Compare Written Quotes
Set the estimates side by side and check what each one includes and leaves out.
Decide at Your Pace
Pick a provider when it feels right, or pass on all of them. There is no obligation to move forward.
Why Call Normallyfeed Walk-In Tubs
Compare Before You Choose
See several written estimates side by side and ask questions without pressure.
Independent Providers
Providers in our network do the work and set their own prices, so you can judge each one.
Older Home Patience
Aging walls and past repairs can hide problems, so extra care and clear quotes matter.
Your Pace
Asking for estimates carries no obligation, and you can say no at any point.
Other Services
Need tub-to-shower conversions in Grafton?
Have a bathroom question, or ready to compare options? Request a callback to check provider availability, or send an estimate request and read the replies when you are ready.
No obligationTub-to-Shower Conversions FAQ
How long does a tub-to-shower conversion take?
Many projects take a few days to about a week. Tiled showers take longer because materials need time to set. Older homes can add days if rot or pipe repairs turn up. Ask for a written schedule.
Can any tub be replaced with a shower?
Most standard tub spaces can hold a shower, but the drain, pipes and floor must be checked first. A provider can look at your bathroom and explain what is possible.
Will insurance pay for a tub-to-shower conversion?
Planned conversions are often not covered, though some policies may cover sudden damage. Check your policy. Providers can often help document damage for a claim, so ask before work starts.
Reach a local provider
Have a bathroom question, or ready to compare options? Request a callback to check provider availability, or send an estimate request and read the replies when you are ready.
No obligation