Tub to Shower Conversion in Richmond, VA
A tub that nobody uses wastes floor space. We handle tub to shower conversion across Richmond, VA, from the first measurement to the final inspection. The work can take a few days or a few weeks, depending on the shower style. Most conversions cost about $6,000 to $12,000, and custom tile or a curbless shower costs more. Call for a free estimate.
What Is a Tub to Shower Conversion?
A bathroom tub to shower conversion replaces your bathtub with a step-in or walk-in shower in the same space. We remove the tub, set a new base or tiled floor, move the drain and valve if needed, and waterproof the walls. The room stays the same size. A walk-in style gives you an easier entry and more usable floor.
Who It Suits
- Seniors and anyone with knee or balance trouble who struggle to step over a tub wall
- Families whose kids have grown up and nobody uses the tub anymore
- Small bathrooms where the tub takes most of the floor
- Busy homes that want quick showers and easy cleaning
Not sure if converting is right for your house? We tell you honestly during the free estimate.
BeforeAfter↔Our Tub to Shower Conversion Services in Richmond
As tub to shower conversion contractors in Richmond, we handle five kinds of work. Pick one, or combine them.
Step-In Shower Conversion (Panels)
This is the fastest tub to shower conversion. We remove the tub and set a new base and wall panels in its place. The panels have few seams, so there is little grout to scrub.
What you get:
- New base that fits the tub opening
- Solid wall panels with few seams
- New valve, shower head and drain
- Optional niche or shelf
- Glass door or curtain rod
- Old tub removed and hauled away
Tiled Shower Conversion
Tile lets you choose the pattern, the size and the finish. We build a waterproofed base, set the tile and seal the grout. It takes longer, but you get a shower made for your room.
What you get:
- Waterproofing on the floor and walls
- Tile and grout you choose
- Large tiles for fewer grout lines
- Built-in niche
- Optional bench
- Sealed grout and a final water test
Curbless and Walk-In Shower Conversion
A walk-in shower removes the ledge. We slope the floor to the drain, so you can step in with ease. This style suits seniors and anyone with balance trouble.
What you get:
- Flush or very low entry
- Sloped floor with the drain set right
- Slip-resistant floor tile
- Handheld shower head on a slide bar
- Glass panel or door, based on the room
- Floor check before work starts
Safety Add-Ons
Any conversion can include safety features. We add them while the walls are open, so the support sits behind the tile and holds weight. For a full wheelchair-ready room, see our accessible bathroom remodeling page.
What you get:
- Grab bars set at the right height for you
- Fold-down or fixed shower bench
- Handheld shower head
- Non-slip floor
- Anti-scald valve
- Better light and a quiet fan
Plumbing Changes (Drain, Valve and Vent)
A tub and a shower use the same water lines, but they drain differently. Good plumbing keeps the new shower from leaking, gurgling or draining slowly.
What we change:
- Drain: a 2-inch drain and trap, with the floor sloped to it
- Valve and shower head set at a comfortable height
- Vent checked so the drain does not gurgle
- Subfloor checked before the new base goes in
- Plumbing inspected before the walls close
Why Richmond Homeowners Choose BathRichmond
Here is what you can expect when you call us.
Our Tub to Shower Conversion Process
From the first visit to the final walkthrough, you know what is happening at every step.
Free Estimate
We visit your home, measure the bathroom and check the tub, walls and floor.
Plan and Select
You choose the shower style, size, finishes, glass and safety features. You get a clear scope and price.
Permit
We pull the plumbing permit and schedule the inspections.
Demo and Plumbing
We remove the tub, fix hidden damage, and set the new drain, valve and vent.
Build
We waterproof, then set the base, walls, tile or panels and glass.
Final Walkthrough
We test the shower with you, check for leaks and clean up before we leave.
How Much Does a Tub to Shower Conversion Cost in Richmond?
Most Richmond conversions land between $6,000 and $12,000. A simple panel swap can start lower, and curbless showers can run higher. These are 2026 planning ranges, not quotes.
| Option | Planning range | What drives the price |
|---|---|---|
| Panels (step-in shower) | $4,500 to $8,000 | Base size, glass door, new valve and drain |
| Tiled shower | $7,000 to $12,000 | Tile choice, waterproofing, niche, bench, glass |
| Curbless or low-curb walk-in | $10,000 to $16,000 | Floor and drain work, waterproofing, glass |
What Makes the Cost Go Up or Down
- Moving the drain or valve. Surveys put a drain move near $1,000, and more if walls open up.
- Glass. A frameless door costs more than a framed door or a curtain.
- Hidden damage. Older Richmond homes can hide soft subfloors and old pipes behind the tub wall.
- Size and shape. A custom size costs more than a standard one.
- Safety add-ons. Grab bars, a bench and a non-slip floor add to the total.
- Permits and inspection. Plumbing changes need a permit in Richmond.
One-Day Conversions: What’s Real
Some companies promise a one-day tub to shower conversion. That can be true for panel systems when the plumbing stays put. Tile and curbless showers take longer, because waterproofing and tile need time to set. Before you sign, ask two things. When does the clock start, after the products arrive and the permit is in, or before? And what does the one-day price include? A one-day price is often the panel price, not the cost of a custom tiled shower.
Tub to Shower Conversion Kit vs. Professional Install
A tub to shower conversion kit costs far less than a full job. It also leaves you with more to do and more to get wrong. Here is how the two compare.
| A Kit Can Work When | Professional Help Is Safer When |
|---|---|
| Plumbing: Your plumbing stays where it is, and you set the drain, valve and vent yourself. | Plumbing: You need a new drain, valve or vent. We handle it. |
| Cost: You want a lower step into the tub, not a new shower. A basic kit costs about $400 to $2,000, and a full stall kit costs more. | Cost: You want tile, a bench or a curbless entry. See our planning ranges above. |
| Time: You have the tools and the time. Expect a weekend to a week or longer. | Time: You want a firm schedule. Panels take a few days, and tile takes one to three weeks. |
| Waterproofing: You do it yourself, and a leak can reach the subfloor. | Waterproofing: We build it in and check it. |
| Permit: You need one when plumbing changes, and an inspector still reviews the work. | Permit: We handle the permit and the inspection. |
| Bathroom: You have a second bathroom to use while you work. | Bathroom: It is your only bathroom. |
| Risk: You accept it. A plumbing mistake can cause water damage and insurance trouble. | Risk: Your home is older and you do not know what is behind the wall. You get one crew to call if something goes wrong. |
Not sure which fits? We tell you honestly if a kit makes sense for your bathroom.
What We Find Behind the Tub Wall in Older Richmond Homes
Richmond has many older homes, from Fan rowhouses to mid-century ranches. Older pipes and floors often hide behind the tub wall. We find out before the shower goes in.
| What we may find | What it looks like | What we do |
|---|---|---|
| Galvanized supply pipes | Low pressure, rusty water, leaks at threaded joints | We replace the pipe we open with new pipe and tell you where old galvanized runs continue |
| Cast-iron drains | Rough inside, slow drains, cracks along the seam | We replace the damaged drain section and test the new joints for leaks |
| Soft subfloor | Spongy floor or stains under the tub | We cut out the bad section, add new framing and subfloor, and let it dry before the base goes in |
| Old paint and materials | Homes built before 1978 may have lead paint, and some old floors and pipe wrap contain asbestos | Tell us your home’s age before work starts. EPA lead-safe rules cover paid work that disturbs pre-1978 paint |
Quick test: Run the shower and a washing machine together. If the pressure drops a lot, ask us to check your pipes.
Testimonials
FAQs
How long does a tub to shower conversion take?
Panel showers often take a few days. Tile showers take one to three weeks. Curbless showers take longest because of the floor and drain work.
How much does a tub to shower conversion cost?
Most Richmond conversions cost $6,000 to $12,000. Panels can start near $4,500, and curbless showers can reach $16,000. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
Do I need a permit?
Yes, when plumbing changes. We pull the plumbing permit and schedule the inspections.
Can I use a tub to shower conversion kit?
A kit can work if your plumbing stays put and you have the time and tools. For a new drain, tile or a curbless entry, hire a pro.
Is a one-day tub to shower conversion real?
It can be for panel systems when the plumbing stays put. Tile and curbless showers take longer. Ask when the clock starts and what the price includes.
Start Your Bathroom Project
Call us and describe your bathroom and what you want to change. You get a free estimate and clear next steps, with no pressure.