Is a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Worth the Investment?

I’m Drowning in Regret,” I’ve weighed the pros, cons, and questionable life choices of ditching the tub for a shower. Let’s break it down—no contractor jargon, just real talk and a side of sarcasm related to Bathroom Conversion from Tub to Shower.

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Is a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Worth the Investment?

It’s 2025. You’re staring at your avocado-green relic of a bathtub, wondering if it’s a vintage masterpiece or just a mold farm. Last week, you tried to take a “relaxing” bath, but between wrestling the shower curtain (why is it always sticky?) and nearly dislocating your hip climbing out, it felt more like a Cirque du Soleil audition.  

As someone who once slipped in a tub and accidentally invented a interpretive dance routine titled “Help, I’m Drowning in Regret,” I’ve weighed the pros, cons, and questionable life choices of ditching the tub for a shower. Let’s break it down—no contractor jargon, just real talk and a side of sarcasm related to Bathroom Conversion from Tub to Shower.  

1. The “Why Are We Even Debating This?” Argument

Spoiler: If you’re over 30, have bad knees, or own a pet that thinks bath time is a war crime, a walk-in shower isn’t a luxury—it’s survival.  

- Accessibility Wins:  

  - No more Everest-ing over the tub ledge.  

  - Slip-resistant floors (unless you’re into Jackass-style stunts).  

  - Space for a teak bench to sit and contemplate your life choices.  

- Aesthetic Clout:  

  Swap your Golden Girls tub for sleek glass doors, hexagon tiles, and a rainfall showerhead that makes you feel like you’re in a Beyoncé video.  

- Time Saver:  

  Showers take 10 minutes. Baths take 30+ minutes, plus 15 to scrub the ring of shame afterward. Do the math while singing “I’m a Grown Adult” in your head.  

But Wait! If you have toddlers or a dog who loves mud, keep the tub. Otherwise, you’ll be hosing them down in the yard like a feral raccoon.  

2. The Cold Hard Cash Reality

In 2025, converting your tub to a shower costs $5k–$20k, depending on how extra you get. Let’s translate that into “Things You’ll Have to Sell on Facebook Marketplace”:  

- Budget-Friendly ($5k–$8k):  

  - Prefab shower pan.  

  - Basic subway tile (aka “Landlord Special”).  

  - A curtain instead of glass doors. Feeling: “Ikea on a good day.” 

- Mid-Tier ($9k–$15k):  

  - Custom tile (herringbone, because you’re fancy now).  

  - Frameless glass door that’ll fingerprint like a CSI scene.  

  - Niche shelves for your 12-step Korean skincare routine.  

- Luxury ($16k–$20k+):  

  - Smart shower with Alexa (“Play ‘WAP’ and steam my back pores”).  

  - Heated floors so your toes don’t freeze like a Disney villain.  

  - Zero-entry design so you can roll into the shower like “Ta-da, I’m evolved!”  

Hidden Costs:  

- ”Oops, Your Walls Are Mush” tax: +$2k if they find mold.  

- Permit Drama: $300–$1k to convince your city you’re not building a meth lab.  

- Therapy: $200/hour to cope with contractor small talk.  

3. Resale Value: Myth or Magic?  

Realtors swear showers boost home value, but let’s be real:  

- Pros:  

  - Gen Z and millennials think tubs are “where people die in horror movies.”  

  - Aging buyers want walk-ins, not a hip replacement hazard.  

- Cons: 

  - Families with kids side-eye a tub-less house like it’s a haunted orphanage.  

  - Your “spa vibes” might clash with the buyer’s ”I heart clawfoot tubs” Pinterest board.  

Verdict: You’ll maybe recoup 60% of the cost… if you don’t add that neon “Live, Laugh, Loofah” sign.  

4. Alternatives for the Commitment-Phobic

Not ready to drop $$$? Try these half-measures (because adulting is hard):  

- Reglaze the Tub ($300–$600):  

  Makes it look new-ish… until it peels like your ex’s fake personality.  

- Slap on a Transfer ($50):  

  Faux-tile stickers from Amazon. They’re the home reno version of a Snapchat filter—fun until someone touches it.  

- Shower Conversion Kit ($1k–$3k): 

  DIY-friendly, but warning: The instructions are written in Klingon.  

5. The “I Regret Everything” Horror Stories

- DIY Disasters: My cousin Dave tried to DIY his shower. Now his bathroom doubles as an indoor pool.  

- Contractor Ghosting: Hired a guy named Steve. He vanished like my will to live during tax season.  

- Trend Regrets: Splurged on a “vintage copper” showerhead. It turned green. Now my shower looks like the Statue of Liberty’s armpit.  

Conclusion 

A tub-to-shower conversion is worth it if:  

- You’re over climbing into a tub like it’s American Ninja Warrior.  

- You’ve accepted that “adult money” means spending $10k to avoid back pain.  

- You’re okay with your savings account giving you the silent treatment.  

If not? Buy a non-slip mat, light a candle, and pretend your tub is “retro charm.”  



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