Bathtub-to-shower conversions for your home

Does your family prefer showers over baths? Do you have an older or disabled family member who finds a tub an insurmountable obstacle? No matter the reason, Able & Ready Construction, your bathroom remodeling expert in Prescott, would like you to know that converting a bathtub to a shower is a project for your home that can really pay off in comfort, enjoyment, and definitely ease of use.

Considerations:

• Space - The first step before any conversion is to know for certain that you have the actual space for the shower you're envisioning. Most bathtubs are 60 inches long but you'll want at least 32 to 34 inches deep for your shower from your finished shower wall to the shower curtain/door.
• Location - Is the bathroom on the lower or upper level? Moving pipes on upper levels can be more difficult. If the bathroom is on a slab foundation you may require special know-how and specialized talent to cut into concrete to make any adjustments to the pipes.
• Other fixtures – If the toilet has to be moved you must rework its connection to the sewer pipe as well as the vent stack. Also consider code requirements regarding the mandated space between other fixtures. It's not unusual to move the toilet but it can (depending on location) increase the complexity of your renovation.

Shower Styles:

• All in one units can be added to your existing tub-sized area to make the job a little easier. They are usually more affordable and even come with options like built-in shelving or ledges and some offer seating areas. These units typically allow the homeowner to option to install whatever type of door they prefer or even sticking with a traditional shower curtain.
• Custom tiled showers mean that between your resources, your imagination and the ability of the contractor you can create anything from the simple to the sublime. A curbed shower needs to be tall enough to 'curb' the water but low enough to be stepped over easily or you could opt for a curb-less or roll-in style.

Any bathroom remodel that involves substantially changing or relocating fixtures requires attention to detail and careful planning. The first step is calling Able & Ready Construction, your Prescott remodeling contractor, to discuss your home's bathtub to shower conversion plans. Call us today at 928-775-6178.

Posted to: Helpful Remodeling Articles