Arlington Heights, IL
A Tub-to-Shower Conversion in Arlington Heights is a practical way to replace a dated tub with a cleaner, easier-to-step-into shower—without redesigning the entire bathroom. Arlington Heights Bathroom Remodel Contractors Pro follows Illinois Plumbing Code requirements and proven waterproofing methods so the new shower performs like a purpose-built installation. If you’re ready to improve safety, drainage, and upkeep, we can help you plan the right layout and materials.
Arlington Heights Bathroom Remodel Contractors Pro is a licensed bathroom remodel contractor offering tub-to-shower conversion to homeowners in Arlington Heights, IL. Our in-house team handles every trade — plumbing, electrical, tile, and finish — so your project stays on schedule and on budget. Free in-home design consultation.
A tub-to-shower conversion replaces a standard alcove bathtub with a shower base (or one-piece pan) and a properly waterproofed shower surround. We typically demo the tub, verify stud integrity, then set the new pan in mortar using a laser level for pitch and alignment. Tile work is installed over Schluter®-KERDI or a Wedi® building panel system, and plumbing connections are made with PEX (where appropriate) and new valves using a Ridgid® tubing cutter and calibrated torque tools for trim hardware.
This service solves issues that show up around older tubs: cracked tub-to-tile joints, soft subflooring from chronic splash-out, and hidden moisture at the tub apron. Many older Arlington Heights bathrooms also have undersized or poorly sloped drains; a conversion allows us to correct the trap arm alignment and improve flow while confirming venting meets code. If the existing mixing valve lacks scald protection, we can upgrade to an ASSE 1016 / ASME A112.18.1 compliant pressure-balancing valve so water temperature stays stable when other fixtures run.
Our tub-to-shower conversion process is methodical: (1) protect floors and isolate dust with poly sheeting and a HEPA air scrubber, (2) remove the tub and inspect the framing, (3) adjust supply lines and set the shower valve at the proper depth, (4) prep the drain and set the shower pan with verified slope, (5) build a waterproof assembly with ANSI A118.10 membranes and flood-test the receptor for 24 hours, then (6) install tile or wall panels, grout, and seal transitions with 100% silicone. When replacing the tub with a walk-in shower conversion, we also confirm safe entry height and plan the curtain/door line to keep water inside the wet area.
Materials matter in a conversion because the old tub flange and surround are removed, exposing the wall and floor edges. We use cement backer board that meets ASTM C1325 when tile is specified, polymer-modified thinset mortar conforming to ANSI A118.4, and cementitious grout that meets ANSI A118.7. Where a one-piece fiberglass/acrylic pan is selected, we follow manufacturer bedding requirements and verify the drain assembly is gasketed and accessible per plumbing standards.
Quality control focuses on water management and durability: we tie waterproofing into the drain flange, seal all penetrations, and use corrosion-resistant fasteners where required. Tile layouts are planned to reduce slivers and maintain consistent joint spacing, and we verify the shower head and valve locations for comfortable reach. For many homeowners, a bathtub-to-shower replacement also reduces ongoing maintenance—industry data commonly cited by remodeling publications shows bathroom renovations can recoup around 60%–70% of costs at resale, depending on finish level and local market conditions.
Arlington Heights homes range from mid-century ranches to updated two-story colonials, and many have original alcove tubs set into exterior-wall plumbing bays. With Chicagoland’s winter temperature swings, we pay close attention to pipe insulation and valve placement when working near exterior walls, especially in neighborhoods near Downtown Arlington Heights and along the Arlington Park area. Our tub-to-shower conversion work is planned around local inspection expectations and practical realities like older cast-iron drains, tight framing, and common moisture patterns found in homes throughout Arlington Heights, IL.
When you hire Arlington Heights Bathroom Remodel Contractors Pro for tub-to-shower conversion in Arlington Heights, you get a dedicated project manager, licensed in-house trades, a fixed-price quote upfront, and a lifetime workmanship warranty. We've completed hundreds of bathroom remodels across Arlington Heights and know exactly how to navigate local building codes, permits, and HOA requirements.
Tub-to-Shower Conversion cost in Arlington Heights commonly depends on the shower pan type, wall finish, plumbing changes, and waterproofing scope. Many projects fall roughly in the $7,500–$18,000 range, with higher costs when moving the drain, replacing the valve, repairing subfloor damage, or using premium tile and glass. Your final price is mainly affected by: (1) tile vs. solid-surface panels, (2) whether the drain location must be relocated, (3) valve and plumbing upgrades to meet current code, (4) extent of demolition and moisture repair, and (5) add-ons like niches, benches, or upgraded fixtures. Request an estimate after an on-site measurement so we can confirm what’s behind the existing tub and walls.
Most tub-to-shower conversions take about 3–7 working days from demolition to final sealing, assuming materials are available and no major repairs are discovered. The timeline can extend to 1–2 weeks if we need to replace damaged subfloor/framing, relocate plumbing, complete a 24-hour flood test, or coordinate custom tile layouts and grout curing. One-piece wall systems can reduce labor time, while tile-heavy designs typically require more steps and drying time.
In many cases, a permit is required when a tub-to-shower conversion involves plumbing modifications (valve replacement, drain relocation, supply line changes) or electrical work. Arlington Heights projects are typically governed by local adoption/enforcement of the Illinois Plumbing Code, and permit requirements can vary by the exact scope of work and property type. We can review your plan, confirm whether a plumbing permit is needed, and coordinate inspection steps when the scope triggers permitting.
You may be a good candidate for a tub-to-shower conversion if you notice: (1) difficulty stepping over a high tub apron or frequent slipping concerns, (2) cracked tile, failing caulk, or recurring mildew at the tub-to-wall joint, (3) spongy flooring near the tub indicating possible moisture intrusion, (4) slow draining or gurgling that suggests drain/vent issues, (5) outdated or inconsistent temperature control from an older non-pressure-balancing valve, or (6) a tub you rarely use that takes extra time to clean. An on-site inspection can confirm whether moisture repair, valve upgrades, or drain corrections should be included.
Schedule your free in-home design consultation today. Our licensed bathroom remodel contractors in Arlington Heights will walk your space, listen to your vision, and give you an honest fixed-price quote — with no pressure and no hidden fees.
