Tub vs. Walk-In Shower: The Conversion Decision
Tub-to-shower conversion is the most requested bathroom change we see — and the one with a real resale rule attached. Here's how to decide with both your daily life and your future buyer in mind.
Short version: convert freely in a second bathroom; think twice before eliminating the only tub in the house.
The resale rule
Real-estate consensus is consistent: a home should keep at least one tub for families with small children. If you have two-plus bathrooms, converting one tub to a beautiful walk-in shower is a value-add. If it's the only tub, a conversion narrows your future buyer pool — do it if it serves your life for years to come, but do it knowingly.
Cost comparison
| Project | Typical Chicagoland range |
|---|---|
| Tub-to-shower conversion (same footprint, tiled) | $7,000–$15,000 |
| Prefab shower base + wall system conversion | $5,000–$9,000 |
| New tub replacing old tub | $3,500–$8,000 |
| Tub added where none existed | $8,000–$15,000+ |
Tiled conversions cost more than prefab systems but transform the room; both live or die on waterproofing quality — see our tile guide.
Daily-life scorecard
- Choose the shower if: nobody has taken a bath in two years; step-over height is a concern; you want the room to feel dramatically bigger; cleaning ease matters
- Keep the tub if: small kids or grandkids bathe here; you actually soak; it's the home's only tub and you may sell within ~5 years
- Either way: a niche, a bench, and a handheld sprayer are the three upgrades everyone thanks themselves for
Frequently asked questions
Does a walk-in shower hurt resale?
Only when it eliminates the home's last tub. Otherwise a modern tiled walk-in typically shows and appraises better than a dated tub.
How long does a conversion take?
Prefab systems: 3–7 days. Tiled: 2–3 weeks including waterproofing cure and glass measurement/lead time.
Curbless — worth it?
Beautiful and accessibility-gold, but it requires recessing the floor or building up the room; easiest during full remodels. A low 2" curb is the practical middle ground in retrofits.
What about those one-day tub-cover systems?
Acrylic overlay systems are fast but trap whatever's underneath. We prefer removing the old unit so the wet wall's condition is known and fixed.