Tub-to-Shower Conversion in Charlotte: Is It Worth It? | Remodel CLT

Many Charlotte homes built in the 1980s, '90s and 2000s came with a big corner garden tub in the primary bathroom. It probably looked great on the floor plan. But we hear the same thing from homeowners again and again: "We've used it maybe twice."

Replacing that tub with a spacious walk-in shower is one of the most requested projects we do. Here's how to decide whether it's right for you, what it costs, and what to expect.

Signs a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Makes Sense

• You rarely or never use the tub. It's taking up space and collecting dust.
• Your current shower is cramped, like the narrow stall with a sliding door that so many '90s bathrooms have.
• Getting in and out of the tub is getting harder, for you or someone in your home.
• You want a more modern, open look, with frameless glass, large tile and a built-in bench.
• You plan to stay in your home and want it to work for the long term.

Will Removing the Tub Hurt Resale Value?

This is the most common question we get. The general rule is to keep at least one bathtub in the house, usually in a hall or kids' bathroom. Families with young children often look for one.

If your home already has a tub in another bathroom, converting the primary bath tub into a large walk-in shower is usually seen as an upgrade, not a loss. Many buyers today prefer a spacious primary shower over a jetted tub they'll never use.

How Much Does a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost in Charlotte?

Most tub-to-shower conversions cost $10,000 to $20,000. The price depends on:

• Tub type: a standard alcove tub is simpler to remove than a corner jetted tub on a tiled platform.
• Shower size: a corner tub space often allows a much larger shower.
• Tile and floor choices: mosaic floors and patterns take more labor.
• Glass: frameless glass costs more than a framed door, but it looks far better and is easier to clean.
• Extras: benches, niches, rain heads and hand showers.
• Plumbing changes: moving the drain or valve adds cost.

If the conversion is part of a full primary bath remodel, with a new vanity, flooring and lighting, the total is usually in the $30,000 to $60,000+ range. See our full bathroom cost guide →

How Long Does It Take?

A stand-alone conversion typically takes about 2 weeks. When it's part of a full primary bath remodel, plan on 3 to 5 weeks. You'll get a written schedule before work begins.

What's Involved: Step by Step

1. Demolition: we remove the tub, surrounding tile and any platform or steps.
2. Plumbing: we adjust the drain and install a new shower valve.
3. Waterproofing: this is the most important step you never see. A properly waterproofed shower pan and walls prevent leaks and mold for years.
4. Tile: walls, niche, bench and floor, laid out so grout lines align cleanly.
5. Glass & fixtures: frameless glass, rain head, hand shower and trim.

Make It Safer: Accessible Shower Options

A conversion is the perfect time to plan for the future. Popular aging-in-place features include:

• Curbless or low-curb entry, with no step to trip over
• A built-in bench or fold-down seat
• Grab bars that blend with your fixtures
• A hand-held shower head on a slide bar
• Slip-resistant mosaic floor tile

We build these frequently, and they can look just as beautiful as any spa shower.

A Real Example: Corner Tub to Walk-In Shower in Matthews

Before/after slider: media/photos/projects/matthews-primary-bath/bathroom-before-matthews-nc-corner-jetted-tub.jpg ↔ media/photos/projects/matthews-primary-bath/bathroom-remodel-matthews-nc-walk-in-shower-after.jpg

Kathie's primary bathroom had exactly the setup described above: a corner jetted tub on a tiled platform that rarely got used, and a gold-framed shower stall beside it. We removed both and built one large walk-in shower with:

• frameless glass
• a ceiling-mounted rain head, a wall shower head and a hand shower
• a built-in quartz bench
• a marble-mosaic niche
• a circle-marble mosaic floor

Together with a new double vanity and large-format porcelain floors, the whole bathroom was finished in three weeks.

"Mary kept us on budget and finished the project in three weeks. We love our new bathroom!" — Kathie H., Matthews

Video: media/videos/bathroom-remodel-matthews-nc-walkthrough.mp4

Tub-to-Shower Conversion FAQs

Can any bathtub be converted into a shower?

Almost always. Standard alcove tubs, corner tubs and garden tubs can all be converted. We'll check the plumbing and space during a free estimate.

Do I need a permit?

If plumbing is moved or modified, a permit is generally required. We pull and manage permits when needed.

Can I make the new shower bigger than the tub?

Often, yes, especially when replacing a corner or garden tub, which usually frees up a lot of space.

Will I lose resale value?

Usually not, as long as there's another tub in the house. A large modern shower in the primary bath is a selling point for many buyers.

Can you make it accessible?

Yes. We frequently build curbless showers with benches, grab bars and hand showers.

Ready to Lose the Tub?

We'll come out, look at your bathroom and give you a free, detailed estimate, usually within a few days.

Related: Bathroom Remodeling · How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost in Charlotte?