Cost, Process, and What to Expect
If you’ve got a bathtub you never use, you’re not alone. Converting it to a walk-in shower is one of the most requested upgrades we see in Mandeville — for accessibility, for resale value, and honestly, just because most homeowners shower far more than they bathe. Here’s what the process actually involves.
Why Homeowners Make the Switch
The most common reasons we hear: the tub is purely decorative at this point, someone in the household has mobility concerns, or the current tub/shower combo just feels outdated. A well-built walk-in shower can also be a selling point — buyers increasingly prefer a low-threshold or curbless shower over a tub, especially in primary bathrooms.
What’s Actually Involved
A tub-to-shower conversion sounds simple, but a proper one includes:
- Demo — removing the tub, surround, and any surrounding tile down to the studs
- Plumbing adjustments — shower valves sit at a different height and location than tub valves, so rough-in plumbing usually needs to move
- Waterproofing — this is where corners get cut on cheap conversions. A proper shower pan and wall waterproofing system is essential in Louisiana’s humidity, not just a layer of tile and grout
- Pan and slope — the shower floor needs to slope correctly to the drain; this is a common failure point in DIY or budget conversions
- Framing for a bench, niche, or curbless entry, if you’re adding one
- Tile, fixtures, and glass — the visible finish work most people picture when they think “renovation”
Cost Ranges Homeowners in Mandeville Can Expect
Pricing depends heavily on whether plumbing needs to move, whether you’re going curbless, and material selections, but general ranges look like:
- Basic conversion (same footprint, standard tile, no plumbing relocation): lower end of the range
- Mid-range conversion (some plumbing adjustment, upgraded tile, glass enclosure): middle of the range
- Curbless or accessibility-focused conversion (structural floor modification, zero-threshold entry, grab bars, bench): higher end of the range
We always give a detailed, thorough estimate before starting, so you know where your project falls before any demo begins — not after.
Why Waterproofing Matters More Here Than Almost Anywhere Else
Louisiana’s humidity doesn’t forgive shortcuts. A conversion that isn’t properly waterproofed behind the tile will eventually let moisture into the wall cavity, leading to mold, rot, or failed tile down the line — often not visible until it’s a much bigger repair. This is one of the most common issues we find when we’re called in to fix someone else’s bathroom.
Is a Curbless Shower Right for You?
If accessibility is a factor now or down the road, a curbless (zero-threshold) entry is worth considering during a conversion — it’s far more cost-effective to build it in now than to redo the shower later. This is also a common request as part of our aging-in-place work, since a step-free shower entry significantly reduces fall risk.
How Long Does It Take?
Most tub-to-shower conversions in Mandeville take 1–2 weeks, depending on whether plumbing needs to move and material lead times for tile or glass.
Thinking About a Conversion?
If your tub is collecting dust and you’re ready for a shower that actually fits how you live, we’re happy to walk through your space and talk through options. Every conversion is different, and the best way to get accurate pricing is with an in-person look at your bathroom.