One alcove in Chinatown is about to earn its keep again. The Chicago crew handles demo, plumbing, walls and glass.
Written quote at no cost, one callback, no chasing afterwards.
Ready to ditch that clunky bathtub? You might be surprised at how a simple switch to a walk-in shower can totally transform your daily routine and your home's appeal right here in our vibrant Chinatown neighborhood.
Let's be honest, sometimes that old tub just isn't cutting it anymore. Maybe it's a pain to get in and out of, or perhaps it's just plain outdated and not as functional as you'd like.
You know that feeling of wanting something fresh and new for your bathroom? That's exactly where this kind of renovation shines. Think about how much time you spend in your bathroom each day. Making that space work better for you can make a huge difference in your overall mood and how you start your mornings.
This project is more than just a cosmetic update. It's about upgrading your lifestyle and making your home more accessible and enjoyable. You're not just replacing fixtures; you're investing in your home's future and your own daily well-being.
For many folks, especially as we get a little older, stepping over a high tub wall can become a real challenge. A conversion to a shower, particularly a curbless or low-threshold model, dramatically reduces this risk. This means you can maintain your independence and feel much more secure when bathing.
Furthermore, adding grab bars and non-slip flooring makes the shower area even safer. It's about creating a space where you can relax and clean up without any worry. This peace of mind is invaluable, letting you focus on enjoying your day instead of navigating potential hazards.
Bathtubs, especially older ones, can really eat up a lot of visual space in a bathroom. Swapping one out for a sleek shower enclosure can instantly make your bathroom feel much larger and more open. You'll be amazed at the difference it makes in the room's overall ambiance.
Imagine stepping into a bright, airy shower with beautiful tilework and modern fixtures. It's like a mini-spa experience right in your own home! This upgrade not only improves your daily life but also significantly enhances your home's resale value. Potential buyers often see a modern, accessible shower as a major selling point.
Did you know that showers typically use less water than baths? This means you'll be saving money on your utility bills while also doing a little something good for the environment. It's a win-win situation!
On top of that, showers are generally quicker than baths. If you're often rushing in the morning, a quick and efficient shower can be a game-changer. You'll have more time for that extra cup of coffee or just to enjoy a less frantic start to your day.
So, you're thinking about making the switch. That's great! Understanding the process can help ease any concerns and get you excited about the possibilities.
First off, we'll come out to your place in the Chinatown area for a thorough assessment. This is where we listen to what you want and need. We'll check out your current bathroom setup, take measurements, and discuss all the options available to you.
Then comes the fun part: choosing your new shower! We'll guide you through selecting everything from the enclosure style and materials to the showerhead and any other accessories you might want. This is your chance to create a bathroom that perfectly reflects your taste and lifestyle.
Once you've picked out your dream shower, we get to work. The first step typically involves carefully removing your old bathtub and any surrounding tile or drywall. We're meticulous about protecting your home during this process, so you won't have to worry about a huge mess.
After the old fixture is out, we'll prepare the space for the new shower. This might involve adjusting plumbing, reinforcing the subfloor, and ensuring everything is perfectly prepped for the installation. Getting this foundation right is crucial for a long-lasting, beautiful result.
This is where the magic happens! Our skilled craftspeople will install your new shower base, walls, and fixtures. We pay close attention to every detail, ensuring everything is installed correctly and looks absolutely stunning.
We use high-quality materials and proven techniques to make sure your new shower is not only beautiful but also durable and water-tight. From the initial framing to the final sealant, every step is handled with professional care. We want you to be thrilled with the finished product.
After the main installation, we handle all the finishing touches. This can include installing new drywall, tiling, and any final fixtures like your shower door or curtain rod. Our goal is to leave your bathroom looking completely refreshed and updated.
And don't worry about the mess! We always clean up thoroughly after ourselves, leaving your space looking better than we found it. You can then step back and admire your newly transformed bathroom, ready to enjoy its benefits.
The beauty of a conversion is the incredible flexibility you have in designing your new shower space. You're not just getting a shower, you're getting a personalized bathing experience.
Think about the aesthetic you're going for. Do you prefer a minimalist, modern look, or something a bit more traditional? We have a wide range of materials and finishes to match any style.
We can discuss different types of shower bases, like acrylic or solid-surface, and how they suit your needs. Then there are the wall surrounds, from stunning ceramic or porcelain tiles to more contemporary solid panels. The possibilities are truly endless.
A big decision in designing your new shower is choosing between a shower door or a shower curtain. Shower doors, especially frameless glass ones, offer a very sophisticated and open look, making your bathroom appear larger. They also do a fantastic job of keeping water contained.
On the other hand, shower curtains offer a more budget-friendly option and can be easily changed to update the look of your bathroom. They also provide a bit more flexibility in terms of access. We can help you weigh the pros and cons of each to find the best fit for your lifestyle and your budget.
Beyond the basic structure, it's the fixtures that really elevate your shower experience. We offer a variety of showerheads, from high-pressure rainfall heads that mimic a spa experience to efficient, multi-function models. You can also opt for body jets for a truly immersive cleanse.
Consider adding built-in shelves or niches for storing your shampoos and soaps. This keeps your shower clutter-free and organized. And don't forget about temperature control; modern thermostatic valves ensure your water stays at the perfect temperature, preventing any unpleasant surprises.
When you're looking to make a significant change like this, you want a team you can trust. We're local to the Chinatown community, and we understand the unique needs and styles of homes in this area. Our priority is providing exceptional service and a finished product you'll love for years to come.
We pride ourselves on our transparent process and clear communication. From the initial free quote to the final walkthrough, you'll always know what to expect. Our goal is to make this renovation as stress-free and enjoyable as possible for you.
Our team is made up of experienced professionals who are passionate about their work. We use only high-quality materials and follow best practices to ensure your new shower is built to last. We stand behind our work and are committed to delivering outstanding results every time.
We believe that a job worth doing is worth doing right. That means meticulous attention to detail, precise installations, and a focus on creating a beautiful, functional space that enhances your home. You're not just hiring a contractor, you're partnering with a team dedicated to your satisfaction.
Ready to explore the possibilities? We offer free, no-obligation quotes for all our bathtub to shower conversion projects right here in Chinatown and the surrounding areas. This is your chance to get a clear understanding of the costs involved without any pressure.
During your free estimate, we'll walk through your bathroom, discuss your vision, and answer all your questions. We'll provide a detailed breakdown of the project so you know exactly what you're getting. It's the perfect first step towards your bathroom transformation.
Don't let that old tub hold you back any longer. Imagine stepping into a beautiful, modern, and safe shower every day. It's a fantastic upgrade that benefits your home and your lifestyle.
So, take that step! Reach out to us today to schedule your free quote and start planning your dream shower conversion. We're excited to help you make your bathroom dreams a reality in our wonderful Chinatown neighborhood.
Count the baths your household actually ran last year. In most homes we visit, the honest number is somewhere between zero and three, and yet every single morning somebody swings a leg over fifteen inches of porcelain rim to stand up and shower inside a fixture built for lying down. The tub charges rent daily and works a few evenings a year.
Nothing dramatic follows from that. Nobody is in danger because a bathtub exists, and if long soaks are part of your week, keep the tub and enjoy it with our blessing. The case for the conversion is plainer: when the tub has become a shower tray with high sides, you are paying, in caution and in cleaning, for a feature you retired years ago.
The swap itself is smaller than most people picture. The supply lines, the drain and the alcove walls are already exactly where a shower wants them, which is why this is a job measured in days. We are not building a new bathroom; we are letting the one you have stop pretending it still gives baths.
The same alcove, photographed the way the week actually unfolds. Weather never delays this one; it all happens indoors.
Floors along the hallway get covered, the water goes off for a few hours, and the bathtub is cut free and carried out, tile flange and all. With the alcove stripped, the plumber moves the drain to where the new pan wants it and sets the new valve at shower height. By supper the room is bare, clean and ready.
The base arrives first: an acrylic pan set dead level on a mortar bed, or a sloped, waterproofed floor when the plan says curbless. Then the walls close in, either grout-free panels bonded in a single afternoon or backer board ready for tile. Everything from here on is watertight before it is pretty.
The glass panel or door is drilled, hung and plumbed straight, the trim goes on, and the silicone lines are drawn last. Silicone wants a day to cure, so the first shower usually happens the following morning, which is exactly how we schedule the walkthrough.
Both are real showers in the same alcove. The difference is the entry, and what has to happen under it.
| What you weigh | Low curb | Curbless |
|---|---|---|
| What stands at the entry | A tidy threshold about 3 to 4 inches tall | Nothing. The bathroom floor rolls straight into the shower |
| Cost, installed | The friendlier bracket, most jobs land here | Roughly a third to a half more, the floor is rebuilt |
| What the crew rebuilds | The alcove only; the bathroom floor stays shut | Part of the bathroom floor, sloped and waterproofed |
| Water containment | The curb and glass do the holding | The slope and a linear drain do the holding |
| Suits best | Straight swaps on a budget and upstairs bathrooms | Wheels, walkers, and anyone planning to stay put for decades |
Undecided is a fine answer on the form. The site visit settles it with a tape measure, not a sales pitch.
Removal
Cut free, hauled out and off to recycling, with floors and doorways shielded on the way. The loudest hour of the conversion, and it wraps before most jobs have begun.
Plumbing
Tub drains sit at one end; showers drain where the pan says. We move what needs moving and swap the old valve for a pressure-balanced one.
The base
A level acrylic pan for most swaps, a mortar-built sloped floor for curbless plans. Either way it is tested with water before anything covers it.
The walls
Grout-free panels go up in an afternoon and wipe clean forever. Tile takes longer, costs more, and looks like whatever you can imagine.
The glass
A fixed panel keeps things open and easy to clean; a hinged door closes the warmth in. Both are tempered, both are set dead straight.
The finish
Shelving, the hand shower, clean caulk lines and a walkthrough. We leave the cure time in writing so the first shower is not a gamble.
| The job | Usual range | Inside the number |
|---|---|---|
| Standard tub-to-shower conversion | $3,100 - $5,600 | Tub out, low curb pan, wall panels, new valve, glass panel. |
| Curbless conversion | $4,900 - $8,800 | The floor is rebuilt flush and sloped to a linear drain. |
| Glass: fixed panel or hinged door | $450 - $1,400 | A single panel sits at the low end, a framed door at the top. |
| Walls: PVC panels or tile | $1,100 - $3,900 | Panels finish in a day; tile adds days and takes any look you want. |
| Tear-out only | $450 - $950 | The tub gone and the alcove left clean for another trade. |
| Small job minimum | around $2,400 | Even the simplest swap books a licensed plumber and a full crew. |
Wall condition, drain position and the glass you choose move every line. The visit pins the figure down, and the figure then holds.
A bathtub drains at one end through its own trap; most showers want the drain nearer the middle, or along one edge when the plan is curbless. Sometimes the existing trap is close enough to reuse and sometimes it has to travel a foot or two, which means opening a strip of floor. We can usually tell which from the basement or the crawl space during the visit, and the paperwork you sign already names which one you are getting.
Houses older than the seventies like to add a surprise: galvanized supply lines rusted nearly shut, a cast iron trap that crumbles at a touch, or framing that got damp decades ago and kept it quiet. None of it is rare and none of it is ruinous, but it is your call, not ours. When something like that turns up, work pauses, you get photographs and a price for the fix, and nothing is billed until you have said yes to it. A conversion should never be the job where the invoice writes itself.
QIs losing the only bathtub a resale mistake?
AAgents around Chinatown repeat one rule: a family house shows better with a tub somewhere in it. If this is your only tub and small children are in your plans, we put that on the table during the visit and you decide with open eyes. If another bathroom keeps its tub, or the buyers you expect are shower people, the argument evaporates.
QHow long do we go without washing?
AThe toilet and sink stay usable every evening, and the water is only off for stretches on day one. The shower itself is ready once the silicone cures, so figure on missing roughly three days of showers at home. Plenty of clients time the job before a weekend away.
QDoes all the old tile come off the walls?
AOn the alcove walls, yes, because the new waterproofing needs to start from the studs, not from forty-year-old grout. Tile outside the alcove stays put, and we cut a clean line where the two meet.
QCan the new shower use the tub drain?
AThe pipe itself is nearly always reusable; the position is the question. A low curb pan can often sit its drain within reach of the old trap. Curbless floors want a relocated or linear drain, and that difference is priced before demo, never discovered after.
QDo we need a permit for the swap?
AA like-for-like fixture swap usually rides on a simple plumbing permit, and moving the drain can add an inspection. We file whatever your jurisdiction wants and fold the cost into the written price.
QWhat if there is rot behind the tub?
AIt happens, mostly around the old tile flange. You get photographs the hour we find it, a firm price for the repair, and the choice to proceed or pause. The framing fix is usually a morning, not a remodel.
The map carries the geography; the link lists underneath spell out every town our crews can reach from this one.
One three-day job stands between this bathroom and its best fixture.
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