Bathtub Replacements vs. Tub to Shower Conversions: Key Differences

You know your bathroom needs an upgrade, but you can’t decide between a bathtub replacement or tub-to-shower conversion. Which one will cost more? Which one is better suited to your household? Which one will have the better resale value? We’ve got you covered.

At ZINTEX Remodeling Group, tub-to-shower conversions are by far our most popular service, but bathtub replacements are a core part of our business, too. Our design consultants are here to make sure you get the best upgrade for your family and your budget, and today we’re going to share some of their top advice to homeowners deciding between a bathtub replacement vs. a tub-to-shower conversion.

Key Takeaways

What’s Included in Bathtub Replacement Services?

If you hire a company like ZINTEX for a bathtub replacement, what does that actually include? At ZINTEX, our bathtub replacement services include:

• Custom bathtub or tub-shower design
• Demolition of all existing bathtub materials (and haul away of all resulting waste)
• As-needed upgrades to structural elements like plumbing, support beams, and subfloors
• Full installation of all materials, including the tub itself, all wall surrounds, tub shelves, and grab bars
• Post-installation cleanup
• Lifetime warranties on labor and materials

Different companies may provide different models. For example, Bath Fitter installs tub liners over your existing tub, whereas ZINTEX actually replaces the entire tub. Make sure you understand what a company is actually offering before hiring them to complete the job.

What’s Included in Tub-to-Shower Conversion Services?

What if you decide to hire a company like ZINTEX to do your tub-to-shower conversion? At ZINTEX, tub-to-shower conversions include:

• Custom shower design
• Demolition of all existing bathtub materials (and haul away of all resulting waste)
• As-needed upgrades to structural elements like plumbing, support beams, and subfloors
• Full installation of all materials, including the shower base, shower wall surrounds, shelves and/or seating, and grab bars
• Post-installation cleanup
• Lifetime warranties on labor and materials

The ZINTEX tub-to-shower conversion service is very different from a shower insert installation service or DIY kit. All of our walk-in showers are custom designed, all of our wall surrounds are custom cut, and every element is installed to meet your exact needs.

How Much Do Bathtub Replacements Cost?

On average, our bathtub replacements tend to cost around $17,000. This includes everything we’ve listed above, with no hidden fees.

Our bathtub replacement price range is $11,000-$20,000. On the low end, you’re looking at a straightforward design that includes a standard skirted tub, standard wall surrounds in a plain color like Alabaster White, and a shower rod. On the high end, you’re looking at oversized bathtubs, premium wall surrounds, premium fixtures, and a glass enclosure.

Most homeowners fall in the upper-middle price range by choosing things like a standard skirted tub with premium wall colors, 2-3 grab shelves or other built-in accessories, premium fixtures, and a shower rod.

How Much Do Tub-to-Shower Conversions Cost?

On average, our tub-to-shower conversions cost about $18,000. Once again, this includes everything listed above with no hidden fees.

Our walk-in shower price range is $11,000-$24,000+. Walk-in showers can end up costing a little more than tub-shower combo replacements because of features like custom, low-threshold shower bases and built-in seating. However, you can keep costs lower by opting for standard, single color wall surrounds, a shower rod, and 1-2 shower accessories like 2 grab shelves.

Most homeowners fall in the upper-middle price range by choosing premium wall colors, upgraded fixtures, foldable seating, and 3 or more accessories. Plus, we see more variations of walk-in shower designs that can have a significant impact on cost. For example, you might choose a shower rod but require a custom shower base. Alternatively, you might use a standard base with no shower seat but get a glass shower door.

Benefits of a Bathtub Replacement

How can you decide between these two services? It’s useful to start thinking about how you actually use your bathroom, or how you would use it if it was better optimized to your needs.

For example, you may want to replace your bathtub if you:

• Don’t feel comfortable soaking in your current tub due to noticeable cracks, mold growth, or other signs of aging and wear
• Need to frequently use the bathtub feature, either for pain relief, relaxation, or kids in your household
• Don’t have another bathtub elsewhere in the house

Benefits of a Walk-In Shower

How do you know if you’d be better served by a walk-in shower, rather than a new bathtub? Consider a tub-to-shower conversion if:

• You’re looking to maximize space in a small bathroom design
• You plan to age in place and want something safer and more accessible than a traditional bathtub
• No one in your home uses the existing bathtub and you want something sleeker, more modern, and easier to clean

Do Bathtubs or Walk-In Showers Have a Better ROI?

Maybe you’re not just thinking about your own needs when remodeling your bathroom. If you plan on putting your home on the market in the next few years, you may also want to consider return on investment. Is a bathtub replacement better for resale value, or does a walk-in shower have the better ROI?

The answer isn’t black and white, and the good news is that either way, you’re looking at an ROI of up to 80%. That means that if you get an $18,000 tub replacement or tub-to-shower conversion, you could add up to $14,400 to your property value.

Some homeowners worry that getting rid of a bathtub could have a negative impact on resale value. To assess the impact of getting rid of your bathtub, consider both the other full bathrooms in your home and the typical buyer in your region. If you have another bathtub in the home and/or your target buyer is someone older with no young kids, you can probably still maximize ROI with a walk-in shower. If there is no other tub and you know your neighborhood tends to attract young families, you may want to opt for a bathtub replacement.

Bonus tip: Find out if your warranties are transferable. At ZINTEX, all bathroom remodeling warranties will transfer to the next homeowner if you sell your home within two years of your remodel. This is a pretty unique offer, and one that absolutely adds property value!

Talk to a ZINTEX Design Consultant About Next Steps

Whether you're looking for a bathtub replacement or a tub-to-shower conversion, ZINTEX has you covered. What's next?

Schedule a consultation so you can chat with one of our knowledgeable design consultants about your design options and pricing with ZINTEX.