Bathtub to Shower Conversion
Convert your bathtub to a modern walk-in shower starting at $3,500. 2-3 day installation. Accessibility options available. Northern Virginia.
Get Free EstimateWhy Choose Galaxy for Bathtub to Shower Conversion?
- Class A Virginia Contractor #2705147735 — licensed, bonded & insured
- In-house granite & stone fabrication — no middleman markup
- Free in-home consultation and detailed written estimate
- Premium materials backed by manufacturer warranties
- A written timeline before we start, with weekly updates
- Trusted by Northern Virginia homeowners since 1999
Why Homeowners Convert a Tub to a Walk-In Shower
For many Northern Virginia households, the second bathtub goes years without a single bath — it has become an awkward step-over that is hard to clean and harder to use safely. Converting that underused tub into a sleek walk-in shower reclaims the space, modernizes the bathroom, and removes a genuine slip hazard, especially for older homeowners or anyone planning to age in place in their Vienna, Arlington, or Fairfax home.
A tub-to-shower conversion is one of the most popular and highest-impact bathroom projects we perform precisely because it changes how the room looks and functions without a full gut renovation. It is a focused upgrade with an outsized effect on daily comfort.
What the Conversion Actually Involves
Removing a tub and building a proper shower in its place is more than swapping fixtures. We demolish the old tub and surround, address the plumbing for the new shower valve and drain, and — critically — rebuild the base and walls with a correct waterproofing system. The new shower has to drain properly and stay sealed behind the tile, which is the part many quick conversions get wrong.
Our restoration background is an advantage here. We have repaired countless showers that failed because the waterproofing was an afterthought, so we build every conversion on a sloped, membrane-protected base with sealed penetrations. The finished shower performs for the long haul, not just for the first few years.
Accessibility and Aging in Place
Many conversions are driven by a desire to stay in the home safely for the long term. We can build a low-threshold or fully curbless entry, add grab bars anchored to proper blocking, and include a fold-down or built-in bench and a handheld sprayer. These features dramatically improve safety without giving the bathroom an institutional look.
Done thoughtfully, an accessible shower simply reads as a modern, high-end upgrade. We design these conversions so they serve you well today and adapt gracefully to changing needs — comfortable and beautiful at every stage of life.
Finishes That Match Your Home
A conversion is also a chance to refresh the look of the bathroom. We install custom tile, frameless or framed glass, updated fixtures, and built-in niches so the new shower coordinates with your home’s style rather than looking like a kit dropped into place. Subway tile suits traditional NoVA homes; large-format porcelain reads clean and contemporary.
Because we manage the project end to end as a licensed Virginia Class A Contractor, we handle any required plumbing permits and inspections, protect the rest of your home during the work, and give you a written timeline before we start. The result is a walk-in shower that looks intentional and lasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any bathtub be converted to a shower?
Most standard tubs can be converted, but the specifics depend on your plumbing, framing, and layout. We assess your existing bathroom and confirm what is feasible before any work begins, then design a shower that fits the space.
Will I lose value by removing a bathtub?
It depends on how many tubs your home has. Many homes do fine with one tub elsewhere for resale, and a modern walk-in shower in a secondary or master bath is often a desirable upgrade. We are happy to talk through your situation so you make the right call for your home.
Can the new shower be made accessible?
Yes. We can build a low-threshold or curbless entry and add grab bars, a bench, and a handheld sprayer for safety and aging in place — designed to look like a high-end upgrade rather than a medical fixture.
How is leaking prevented in a converted shower?
We rebuild the base and walls with a proper sloped, waterproofed membrane system and sealed penetrations rather than relying on tile and grout alone. Our restoration background means we know exactly how showers fail and how to prevent it.
Do you handle the plumbing and permits?
Yes. As a licensed Virginia Class A Contractor we handle the plumbing for the new valve and drain and take care of any required permits and inspections as part of the project.
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