Low-curb walk-in shower
A curb of a few inches instead of a tub wall. The most common and most affordable conversion.
Bathroom safety · Walk-in showers
Tub-to-shower conversions: walk-in showers that are safer to use
Quick answer
A tub-to-shower conversion removes a bathtub and builds a walk-in shower in the same space, so there is no tub wall to climb over. HandyMangum does tub-to-shower conversions for Central Florida homes, from a low-curb shower with a seat, grab bars and a handheld shower to a fully curbless, wheelchair-friendly shower. Remodel estimates are free, and you get a written scope and price before any demolition.
What a conversion involves
Stepping over a 14- to 15-inch tub wall on a wet surface is one of the riskiest moves in the house. A conversion replaces that wall with a low curb or no curb at all. Because the space, the drain and the water lines are already there, it is usually much less work than a full bathroom remodel.
Most Central Florida homes sit on a concrete slab, which shapes the job: the drain may need to move a few inches, and a curbless shower means recessing the slab. We look at all of that during the visit, before we quote.
Who it is for
- Anyone who struggles to lift a leg over the tub
- Older adults planning to stay in their home
- People who use a walker or shower chair
- Homes where the tub is rarely used for baths
- Rentals and guest baths that need a safer shower
- Owners getting a home ready to sell to a wider range of buyers
How the job runs
Visit and design
We measure, check the drain and valve, and agree on the curb, seat, glass and finishes.
Written scope and quote
Free and itemized, including any permit or licensed plumbing the job needs.
Demolition and build
Tub out, walls opened, waterproofing, pan, tile or panels, valve and fixtures.
Safety details and handover
Seat, grab bars and handheld installed, glass or curtain set, final walkthrough.
Options
Curbless (roll-in) shower
No curb at all, for wheelchairs and shower chairs. Needs a sloped floor and a recessed slab.
Curbless showersTile or panels
Custom tile looks the most finished; solid wall panels have fewer grout lines to clean.
Seat or bench
A built-in tiled bench or a fold-down wall seat.
Shower seatsGlass door, open entry or curtain
An open entry or a curtain on a tension rod is easier for a caregiver than a swinging glass door.
Grab bars and handheld
Planned into the wall before tile so the blocking is exactly where the bars go.
Grab barsGood to know
- Plumbing changes usually need a permit. If any part of the job needs a permit or a state-licensed trade, such as new plumbing lines or new wiring, we tell you during the quote and that part is handled by properly licensed professionals.
- We add wood blocking behind the walls while they are open, so grab bars can go anywhere later.
- Keep at least one tub in the home if young children or resale buyers will want one; we can talk through which bathroom to convert.
- Estimates are free on every job, including remodels. You get a written quote before demolition starts.
Tub-to-Shower Conversion FAQs
How long does a tub-to-shower conversion take?
It depends on the shower, the finishes and whether a permit inspection is needed. Most of the time goes to demolition, waterproofing, tile and inspections, and moving a drain adds time. You get a schedule with the written quote.
How much does a tub-to-shower conversion cost?
It depends on the size, the curb, tile or panels, glass and whether the drain moves. We give a free, itemized written quote after seeing the bathroom.
Is a walk-in shower safer than a tub?
For most older adults, yes. It removes the tub wall, which is the hardest step in the bathroom, and leaves room for a seat and grab bars.
Does a conversion need a permit?
Work that changes plumbing usually does. We tell you during the quote, and that part is handled by properly licensed professionals.
Can I keep my tub and add safety features instead?
Yes. Grab bars, a tub transfer bench and a handheld shower make a tub much safer for less. A conversion makes sense when stepping over the wall is the problem.
Does removing a tub hurt resale value?
Usually not if the home still has a tub in another bathroom. Many buyers prefer a large walk-in shower in the main bathroom.
Does Medicare or insurance pay for this?
We cannot promise that any plan will pay, so please check before the work starts. Original Medicare generally does not pay for grab bars, bath seats, raised toilet seats or home changes like these; CMS treats them as convenience items rather than durable medical equipment. Some Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid waiver programs and veterans' programs do help with home modifications, so ask your plan directly. We give you a written, itemized quote and invoice you can share with them.
Ready to trade the tub for a walk-in shower?
Call or text (407) 699-1123, or send the online request with a few photos. Estimates are free on every job.