A standard tub alcove is five feet long and about thirty inches deep, which happens to make a comfortable shower. The conversion removes the tub and surround, changes the drain, and builds a shower with a low curb or none. It is one of the most requested bathroom projects because it solves a practical problem — stepping over a tub wall — without enlarging the room.

  • Tub and surround removed
  • Drain upsized and repositioned for a shower
  • Low-threshold or curbless base installed
  • Walls finished in tile or panels, with a niche or shelf
  • Glass door or panel, plus blocking for grab bars

The drain is the part people overlook

A bathtub typically drains through a 1½-inch line, and a shower is normally given a 2-inch drain so it can clear water as fast as the shower head delivers it. The trap also sits in a different place. So a conversion nearly always means changing the drain, and in a slab home that means cutting and patching a section of concrete. It is a normal part of the job, not a sign of trouble — but a quote that does not mention the drain is incomplete.

What a conversion costs

HomeAdvisor puts the typical tub-to-shower conversion at around $3,000, with most projects between $1,500 and $8,000. A prefabricated base and panel system is at the lower end. A custom tiled shower with frameless glass, a bench and a curbless entry is at the upper end and can exceed it.

Permits and resale

Because the drain and valve are altered, a conversion is plumbing work that needs a permit in Lakeland. On resale: if the house will have no bathtub at all after the conversion, some buyers — families with small children in particular — will count that against it. If another bathroom keeps a tub, converting this one is rarely a concern.

Common tub-to-shower conversion situations in Lakeland

  • A tub wall that has become hard or unsafe to step over
  • A tub that is never used for bathing
  • A cramped tub-shower with a curtain and no storage
  • Mold and failed caulk around an old tub surround
  • Planning to stay in the home through retirement

Tub-to-Shower Conversion FAQs

Does Medicare pay for a tub-to-shower conversion?

Original Medicare generally does not cover home modifications such as converting a tub to a shower, because it does not treat them as medical equipment. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited home-safety benefits, and Florida Medicaid waiver programs, veterans' benefits and local aging-services agencies sometimes help with accessibility changes. Ask your plan or the agency directly what applies to you.

How long does a conversion take?

With a manufactured base and wall panels, often two to four working days. A tiled shower usually takes one to two weeks including curing time and glass. The bathroom is out of service throughout, so plan around a second bathroom if you have one.

This content is reviewed by the Lakeland Bathroom Remodeling editorial team and informed by licensed-contractor sourcing, manufacturer documentation, and established industry standards for Bathroom Remodeling. Read our editorial standards.