Converting a tub to a shower is usually worth it if you want easier access, a more modern look, and better use of space. The project is successful when it is approached as a full waterproofing and plumbing upgrade, not a quick cosmetic swap.
A tub to shower conversion is a bathroom remodel that removes an existing bathtub and installs a full walk in shower in the same area. In Central New Jersey homes, that often means reworking older plumbing, correcting past tile work, and tightening up storage and lighting so the room feels calm instead of cramped.
As a showroom designer at Savona Kitchen & Bath in Green Brook, I see this decision almost every week. Below are the same points I walk through at the design table, so you can start the conversation informed instead of guessing.
Modern walk in shower in remodeled bathroom1. How to decide if a tub to shower conversion is right for your home
A tub to shower conversion makes the most sense when at least one bathroom in the house still has a standard tub, and someone in the home needs easier access. If you only have one tub in the house, I usually suggest keeping a tub in at least one full bath for resale.
In many Central New Jersey colonials, bi levels, and ranches, the hall bath keeps the tub for kids and guests, and the primary bath gets the walk in shower. That way you gain comfort every day without limiting your buyer pool later.
If you are planning to age in place, a low threshold or curbless shower, a handheld shower on a slide bar, and blocking in the walls for future grab bars are practical decisions, not luxury upgrades. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) publishes clear guidance on safe shower sizing and clearances, which we follow when laying out these spaces. You can see their general bathroom planning recommendations on the NKBA website.
2. Layout, size and code basics for a tub to shower conversion
Most 5 foot alcove tubs convert cleanly to a 60 inch wide shower, but the depth and clearances matter just as much as the width. For comfortable use, I usually aim for at least 32 to 34 inches of interior shower depth, more if the room allows.
Building and plumbing codes vary by town, but there are some common baselines. You need enough clear floor space in front of the shower door, proper venting, and a correctly sized drain. Glass doors require enough swing so they do not hit a toilet or vanity. These are all checked in design, not in the middle of demolition.
Older New Jersey homes often have 1 1/2 inch tub drains and mixed copper and galvanized piping. A modern shower should have a 2 inch drain line. Upgrading that while the walls and floor are open is usually the right move, even if it adds some plumbing work. It gives you better drainage and positions you for a future rainfall or multi head system if you choose.
3. Choosing materials that work in real New Jersey bathrooms
Bathroom remodel highlighting new vanity and tileThe best tub to shower conversion materials are ones that balance maintenance, look, and budget in a humid, busy bathroom. In our area, that usually means a tiled or solid surface shower base, tiled walls, and good quality fixtures.
I regularly steer homeowners toward porcelain tile for shower walls and bathroom floors. It is dense, non porous and handles New Jersey’s seasonal humidity swings well. Large format tile with minimal grout is especially popular for people who do not want to scrub joints constantly. If you want to explore options, Savona’s Tile Flooring section is a good starting point, even though we also use those materials on walls.
For shower doors, clear tempered glass with quality hardware reads cleaner and more open than framed or textured panels. In tight rooms with toilets close by, a partial glass panel with a walk in opening can avoid a door bumping into fixtures. Fixtures themselves can range from simple chrome sets to more architectural black or brushed finishes, depending on the rest of the bathroom.
Storage is another material decision. Recessed niches, corner shelves, and a properly scaled vanity do more for real life function than an oversized rain head. Our bathroom packages, starting at $4,999 for a Bronze Vanity Refresh and going up to Custom tiers from $20,000, can be paired with a separate shower conversion scope so the whole room feels designed, not pieced together. These starting prices depend on layout, material selections, cabinet line, countertop choice and installation scope, and they exclude demolition, electrical work, plumbing rough ins, flooring, tile and any shower or tub replacement.
4. Cost factors in a tub to shower conversion in Central New Jersey
Tub to shower conversion cost in Central New Jersey depends mainly on plumbing changes, waterproofing method, tile selection, glass, and how much of the bathroom you touch at the same time. Converting the tub alone is different from a full gut remodel.
There is no single price that fits every project, but the pattern is consistent. Simple swaps that keep the same drain location and use standard sized materials run lower. Projects that move drains, convert to curbless, or involve structural leveling of an old floor run higher. Tile choices, especially mosaics and specialty shapes, add both material and labor cost.
At Savona, our Gold Full Bathroom Package starts from $12,999 for a coordinated design that includes an upgraded vanity with sink, premium countertop, fixture and faucet selections, delivery and professional installation by our in house team. That starting point is before demolition, electrical, plumbing rough ins, flooring, tile, and shower or tub replacement, and final pricing depends on your layout and materials. For some homeowners, we combine that with a custom shower build so the entire room is addressed at once instead of in phases.
5. Comparing a basic insert vs a fully tiled walk in shower
Many homeowners begin by asking whether they should choose an acrylic or fiberglass shower insert instead of a custom tiled shower. Each has a place, and seeing the tradeoffs side by side helps.
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic or fiberglass shower insert | Lower cost, faster install, fewer grout lines, easy to clean | Limited size and style options, can feel more “builder basic”, repair of damage is more visible | Rentals, secondary baths, tight budgets |
| Custom tiled shower with pan | Flexible sizes and layouts, higher end look, can match rest of bathroom tile, better resale impression | Higher material and labor cost, grout requires maintenance, install quality is critical | Primary baths, long term homes, specific design goals |
In our Green Brook showroom, most primary bathroom tub conversions lean toward a tiled shower, especially in Basking Ridge, Martinsville, and similar markets where buyers expect a certain finish level. For a basement or secondary bath in a rental, an insert can be practical.
The installation quality of either system matters more than the material on its own. Proper waterproofing behind the walls, sloped pans, and correctly flashed niches prevent the kind of hidden moisture issues that the Environmental Protection Agency warns about in its guidance on moisture control. That is one place where working with a team that does both design and installation in house can reduce risk.
Side by side comparison of tub and new shower6. Design details that make a walk in shower easier to live with
The right design details in a tub to shower conversion make daily use safer, cleaner and more comfortable. I usually start with three: entry height, lighting, and storage.
A lower curb or curbless entry reduces tripping and makes it easier for anyone with mobility issues to step in. If you are not ready for full curbless, a modest 3 to 4 inch curb is a good compromise. Inside the shower, a built in bench or a solid, properly anchored folding seat is more secure than a plastic chair brought in later.
Lighting is often overlooked. A dedicated, wet rated recessed light in the shower makes a bigger difference than many people expect, especially in older New Jersey baths with small windows or none at all. Pair it with a quiet, properly vented exhaust fan to keep humidity in check and protect finishes.
For storage, I prefer a tall recessed niche or a pair of smaller ones, located away from the main shower spray so shampoo bottles are not constantly wet. If you are upgrading the vanity at the same time, our bathroom packages can integrate a vanity cabinet line that matches the overall style and budget. Materials like quartz from brands in our Countertops program are a strong choice for vanity tops in busy baths because they are non porous and easy to clean.
7. How the process works with a designer and installation team
Designer reviewing bathroom plans with homeownersThe smoothest tub to shower conversions follow a clear design, selection, and build sequence rather than picking pieces as you go. At Savona, we encourage homeowners to start with measurements, photos, and a simple wish list.
From there, a design consultation in our Green Brook Township showroom or remotely by phone lets us review layout, clearances, and code implications. We then help you select tile, fixtures, glass, vanity, and storage so the entire bathroom feels cohesive. Our bathroom packages, from Bronze to Custom, include design consultation, material coordination and delivery, with professional installation included for the bathroom tiers.
Because installation is handled by Savona’s own in house team across Central New Jersey counties like Middlesex, Somerset, Union, and Monmouth, there is a direct line between what we design and what gets built. That reduces the finger pointing many homeowners experience between separate designers, suppliers, and subcontractors.
If you are also considering future kitchen work, reviewing our broader Services and Kitchen Remodeling pages can help you plan phasing and budget for the whole house.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a tub to shower conversion usually take?
A tub to shower conversion timeline depends on how much plumbing, electrical, and tile work is involved. Simple projects that keep the drain in place and use straightforward materials are faster than curbless or fully custom layouts. At Savona, we quote timeframes individually once design and scope are set, so the schedule matches your specific bathroom instead of a generic estimate.
Do I need a permit to convert a tub to a shower?
Most New Jersey towns require permits for bathroom work that touches plumbing, electrical, or structural elements. A tub to shower conversion usually involves at least plumbing changes, so you should plan for a permit. Our team helps homeowners navigate local requirements in Central New Jersey municipalities so inspections align with the work and nothing is missed.
Will removing my only tub hurt resale value?
Removing the only tub in a house can concern some buyers, especially families with young children. If possible, I recommend keeping at least one tub in a hall or secondary bath and converting the primary tub to a shower instead. In many cases, buyers in our area see a well done primary walk in shower as a plus, as long as there is still a tub somewhere in the home.
Can I reuse my existing plumbing lines for the new shower?
You can often reuse the general location of existing plumbing lines, but many older tub drains are undersized for modern showers. Upgrading to a 2 inch drain is usually smart while the floor is open. The supply lines may also be adjusted to support thermostatic valves, handhelds, or additional heads if you choose those features.
Is a curbless shower worth the extra cost?
A curbless shower costs more because the floor structure and waterproofing are more involved, but it can be worth it for accessibility and a cleaner, more open look. Curbless designs are especially helpful for aging in place or wheelchair access. The decision usually comes down to how long you plan to stay in the home and how important that ease of entry is to you.
How do I clean and maintain a tiled walk in shower?
A tiled walk in shower stays in better condition with regular light maintenance rather than occasional heavy scrubbing. Squeegeeing glass and walls after use, using a bathroom fan to exhaust moisture, and choosing a good quality grout and sealer simplify care. Consumer Reports has helpful guidance on bathroom cleaning and grout care that aligns with what we recommend for our clients.
Planning your tub to shower conversion in New Jersey
A tub to shower conversion done properly is less about chasing a trend and more about building a safer, more practical bathroom for the way you live. In older Central New Jersey homes, that usually means combining smart layout, honest material choices, and solid installation.
If you are starting to sketch ideas or want a grounded cost conversation, schedule a Free Consultation or reach out through our Contact page. You can visit our Green Brook showroom to see finishes in person or work with us remotely if that is easier; either way, we will walk through your options step by step so you can make a confident decision.
