Updated October 2026. For homeowners deciding whether to convert a tub to a shower, or a shower back to a tub, and whether to do it themselves.
For most homes, the best approach to a tub-to-shower conversion is to hire a licensed pro for the plumbing and waterproofing, and DIY only the demo and finish work if you’re skilled. A prefab conversion can take as little as one day with some installers. A barrier-free roll-in shower needs at least 30 by 60 inches inside, per the 2010 ADA Standards.
Jump to: 🛠️ DIY · 🤝 Hiring a pro · 📐 Sizes · 🏠 Resale · ❓ FAQ
Key takeaways
- A standard tub alcove is often about 60 inches long, which fits a 30-by-60-inch shower, the ADA minimum for a roll-in shower.
- Waterproofing is where DIY jobs fail. A slow leak behind tile can mean mold and subfloor repairs.
- A WaterSense showerhead uses no more than 2.0 gallons per minute, vs 2.5 for a standard one, per the EPA.
- If it’s your only tub, think about resale before you remove it. Many buyers with young kids want at least one.
Below, we compare doing it yourself with hiring out, cover the sizes that matter, and look at how the choice plays out when you sell.
Should you do a tub-to-shower conversion yourself?
You can, if you have real plumbing and tile experience. Here’s what you take on.
What DIY saves
The main saving is labor. You also set your own schedule and pick every material. For a confident DIYer with a simple layout, where the drain stays in the same place, that can be worth it.
What DIY asks of you
A conversion is several trades in one: demolition, plumbing, framing, waterproofing and tile or panel work. The drain often needs to move or change size. The valve may need to be raised for a shower head. Most cities require a permit for plumbing changes, so check before you start.
Waterproofing is the step people rush, and it’s the one that costs most to fix. A failed membrane leaks slowly into the wall and floor. By the time you see a stain, there may be mold. If you’ve had leaks before, read our tips on how to deal with water damage.
How long DIY takes
Plan on several weekends, and longer if you find old or faulty pipes once the tub comes out. Meanwhile, that bathroom is out of use, which matters in a one-bath home.
Is hiring a tub-to-shower conversion contractor worth it?
For most homeowners, yes, at least for the plumbing and the wet zone.
Speed
Pros work faster, and prefab systems are faster still. Some installers say a tub to shower conversion can be done in as little as one day. Statewide Remodeling, which serves Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New Mexico and Utah, says that of most of its Kohler conversions. A fully tiled custom shower takes longer, since mortar and grout need time to cure.
If you’re searching for the shortest lead time, ask two things: how soon they can start, and how many days the bathroom will be out of use. Those are different numbers.
Warranty and insurance
A licensed contractor carries liability insurance and usually backs the work with a warranty on labor, sometimes on parts too. Get it in writing: what’s covered, for how long, and who you call.
Design help
A good installer will tell you what fits: a low-threshold pan, a curbless entry, a bench, grab bars, glass or a curtain. For more ideas, see simple tricks for a new bathroom design.
How do DIY and professional conversions compare?
| Factor | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Labor cost | Your time | Quoted by the contractor |
| Time out of use | Several weekends or more | As little as one day for some prefab systems |
| Permits | You pull them | Usually the contractor |
| Waterproofing risk | On you | Covered by the labor warranty, if offered |
| Best for | Skilled owners, simple layouts | Moved drains, accessible designs, tight timelines |
A middle path works well. Let a licensed plumber move the drain and set the valve, then do the tile or panels yourself.
What size should a converted shower be?
The 2010 ADA Standards are a useful guide even in a private home, because they’re built around safe access.
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Buy a home →- A standard roll-in shower is at least 30 inches wide and 60 inches deep inside, with a 60-inch-wide entry (ADA 608.2.2).
- A transfer shower is 36 by 36 inches inside, with a 36-inch entry (ADA 608.2.1).
- Grab bars and a seat follow set heights and positions in section 608.3 and 610.
The common 60-inch tub alcove maps well onto that 30-by-60 footprint, which is one reason conversions are popular for aging in place.
Think about water use too. The EPA says showering is nearly 17% of indoor water use in a home. A showerhead with the WaterSense label uses no more than 2.0 gallons per minute, compared with 2.5 for a standard one. Pair it with other upgrades, like those in how using solar energy can lower your electricity bills, and the savings add up.
What about converting a shower to a tub?
It’s the same job in reverse, and it’s often harder. A tub needs about the same 60-inch length, plus the floor must carry the weight of a full tub. The drain usually sits at one end, not in the middle. If your shower is smaller than a tub, you’ll need to borrow space from a closet or wall.
Is a DIY shower-to-tub conversion realistic? Only if the space and drain already line up. If walls move, bring in a contractor. Turning a home into a work or rental space instead? See how to convert a property into a commercial space. Thinking bigger at home? Our guide to what to consider before a bathroom renovation helps you scope it.
How does a tub-to-shower conversion affect resale?
A well-built shower is an upgrade in many homes, especially in a primary bath. The risk is removing the only tub in the house. Families with small kids often look for one, so keep a tub in at least one bathroom if you can.
A poor DIY job can cost you at sale time. Inspectors look for soft floors, loose tile and stains under the bathroom. Many states require sellers to disclose known water damage. NAR’s 2025 Profile found that 53% of sellers did minor renovations or fixed broken items before selling, and 35% sold as-is.
Planning to sell after the remodel? A flat fee MLS listing with Beycome puts your home on the MLS for $99, with $0 at closing and the maximum photos the MLS allows, so your new bathroom gets seen. For a broader look at projects that matter to buyers, read renovations sellers make before listing and how house extensions can raise property value.
How do you decide: DIY or professional?
Ask yourself four questions. What’s your budget, including your time? Can you lose the bathroom for weeks? Do you have plumbing and waterproofing skills, honestly? And will this home be on the market in the next few years?
If you answered “no” to the skills question, hire out at least the wet work. If you plan to sell soon, favor a clean, simple design over a custom one. Moving after the job? Our tips on hiring the right moving company can help with the next step.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a tub-to-shower conversion take?
Some installers finish prefab conversions in as little as one day. A tiled custom shower can take a week or more, and DIY often takes several weekends.
Can I convert a tub to a shower myself?
Yes, if you have plumbing, waterproofing and tile skills and pull the right permits. Many owners hire a plumber for the drain and valve and DIY the rest.
Can I convert a shower to a tub?
Yes, if you have about 60 inches of length, a floor that can carry the weight, and a drain you can move to the end. Otherwise, it’s a larger remodel.
What size is an accessible walk-in shower?
Under the 2010 ADA Standards, a roll-in shower is at least 30 by 60 inches inside, and a transfer shower is 36 by 36 inches.
Does removing a tub hurt resale value?
It can if it’s the only tub in the house, since many families want one. Converting a secondary or primary bath while keeping one tub is safer.
Do I need a permit for a tub-to-shower conversion?
Often, yes, when plumbing changes. Rules vary by city, so call your local building department before you start.
Sizes: 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, sections 608.2.1 and 608.2.2. Water use: EPA WaterSense. Seller data: NAR 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. Installer timing is the installer’s own claim. All read October 27, 2026. Beycome prices as of October 2026; “$0 at closing” means no Beycome fee at closing, and taxes and title fees still apply. General information, not construction or legal advice; follow local codes.
Sources
- U.S. Access Board, 2010 ADA Standards (section 608), read October 27, 2026.
- EPA WaterSense, showerheads, read October 27, 2026.
- NAR, 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers (PDF, hosted by Rhode Island REALTORS), read October 27, 2026.
- Statewide Remodeling, tub-to-shower conversions, read October 27, 2026.
- Beycome, listing package features, October 2026.
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