Timeframe: Roughly a few days to a week.

Skill Needed: Not for the faint of heart.

Estimated Wallet Hit: Between $5,000 and $10,000.

Gone are the days when a bathtub reigned supreme. Showers, they're compact, efficient, modern. Walk-in showers, especially, are gaining traction in modern homes for their convenience and, notably, for their easy access for the elders.

A task of this magnitude will demand time - from a couple of days to perhaps a full week. It's a project, challenging, yes, but worth the dust and sweat at its conclusion.

When to Seek an Expert:

This task is not light work. It encompasses a myriad of skills: plumbing, carpentry, demolition, to name a few. If any of this feels beyond you, call someone with the know-how. And if this bathroom is your only one, consider professional help for a quicker turnaround. Remember, it's not just about the shower. It's about building a space that works for you.

<aside> 💡 Tip: Want to hire a tub to shower expert? Ensure they're licensed. Seek three estimates. Verify their skill through references

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Necessities:

Tools:

• Drill, cordless preferably

• Prybar

• Reciprocating saw

• Hammer

• Caulk gun

• Protection for eyes and ears

• Oscillating multi-tool

• Vacuum, the shop type

• Standard plumbing tools

Materials:

• Adhesive, construction-grade if necessary

• Shower kit, prefabricated

• Faucet set for your shower

• Piping, be it PEX or copper, with fittings

• Caulk, silicone for tub and tile

• Screws or nails, as the situation demands

<aside> 💡 Tip: Look into a prefabricated shower kit. It's your shower, simplified with everything you need in one neat package.

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Instructions

1. Define the Space
   • Measure your current tub's footprint (length and width). Record measurements.
   • Find a shower stall and pan matching the tub's size to simplify installation.
   • If you opt for a different size, draw up a new layout for the shower, noting any wall or floor changes.
   • Check local regulations about permits. Some regions require inspections when moving plumbing lines. Acquire the necessary paperwork.
2. Stop the Water Flow
   • Find the shut-off valves connected to your bathtub. These could be either branch shut-off valves or fixture shut-off valves.
   • Rotate the valves to the 'off' position. Test the tap to ensure water flow has ceased.
   • If no visible shut-off valves are present, locate your home's main water valve and turn it off.
3. Strip the Walls
   • Equip yourself with safety goggles and hearing protection.
   • Begin by examining the wall material. Use an oscillating multi-tool for acrylic or fiberglass surrounds. For ceramic tiles, use a hammer and pry bar.
   • Start from a corner, working your way around the tub.
   • Clear the entire wet wall (the wall with faucets and pipes) and any other wall sections where the new shower will fit.
4. Handle the Plumbing
   • Starting with the bathtub's drain, unscrew or unclip any fastenings.
   • Move onto the faucet: detach it from its inside wall mounting.
   • If the faucet has shut-off valves, remove the plumbing up to where it meets these valves.
   • Instead of adapting old plumbing, invest in new pipes for the shower. This ensures a more reliable setup.
5. Lift Out the Tub
   • Examine the tub's edges. Locate screws, nails, or brackets and remove them.
   • If your tub is lightweight (acrylic or fiberglass):
     • Consider cutting it into manageable sections with a reciprocating saw for easier removal.
   • For heavy cast-iron tubs:
     • Recruit a helper. Together, tilt the tub to one side.
     • If it's still cumbersome, stand the tub upright and place on a dolly to wheel it out.
   • Scan the floor beneath the removed tub. If there's mortar (often used for stability during installation), pry the tub away gently with a crowbar.
   • Clean the area meticulously. Remove any debris, nails, screws, and residual mortar. This preps the space for the next phase.