BATHROOM REMODEL TIPS
TUB TO SHOWER REMODEL:
COMMON MISTAKES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM
COMMON MISTAKES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM
Upgrading from a bathtub to a shower is one of the most popular remodeling projects for homeowners in the Bay Area. A tub to shower remodel not only makes the bathroom spacious, but also can improve accessibility and boost home value. Whether you’re planning a walk-in shower remodel or a simple bathtub conversion to shower, there are important details that homeowners often overlook.
In this article, we’ll cover the most common mistakes people make during a tub conversion to shower, explain the hidden costs and code requirements, and share how to avoid problems that could derail your remodel. If you’re searching for bathroom remodel contractors in your area, this guide will help you ask the right questions and plan your project with confidence!
In this article, we’ll cover the most common mistakes people make during a tub conversion to shower, explain the hidden costs and code requirements, and share how to avoid problems that could derail your remodel. If you’re searching for bathroom remodel contractors in your area, this guide will help you ask the right questions and plan your project with confidence!
Mistake #1: Assuming it’s a simple swap
Many homeowners think a shower to bathtub conversion or vice versa is just about changing fixtures. In reality, a bathroom tub remodel involves plumbing, waterproofing, tiling, and sometimes structural changes. Treating it as a “simple swap” can result in leaks, poor drainage, or failed inspections.
TIP FROM RISE: Always plan the project as a full remodel, not just a cosmetic upgrade
Mistake #2: Overlooking drain pipe upgrades
BY CALIFORNIA CODE
Showers must have a minimum 2-inch drain line, while tubs usually use only a 1.5-inch pipe. During a tub to shower remodel, the old tub drain is not sufficient.
This technical but critical detail means that the contractor must usually run a new 2-inch drain line from the closest plumbing point, typically the toilet. This requires exposing the flooring between the toilet and the new shower. If your bathroom is on a concrete slab, the process becomes more invasive and costly since concrete has to be cut and patched.
If you want a quick walk-in shower conversion without disturbing the rest of the bathroom, this can be problematic. Even if the plan is to only replace the tub, flooring will need to be opened to install the proper drain. Skipping this step not only violates code but also creates major drainage issues.
In many cases, clients were surprised to learn about the required 2-inch drain line upgrade. On a recent remodel in Milpitas, the bathroom was built on a slab, which required concrete cutting to reroute the drain.
If you want a quick walk-in shower conversion without disturbing the rest of the bathroom, this can be problematic. Even if the plan is to only replace the tub, flooring will need to be opened to install the proper drain. Skipping this step not only violates code but also creates major drainage issues.
In many cases, clients were surprised to learn about the required 2-inch drain line upgrade. On a recent remodel in Milpitas, the bathroom was built on a slab, which required concrete cutting to reroute the drain.
Bath remodel in Milpitas: Rerouting the drain
TIP FROM RISE: Ask your contractor about the drain upgrade before work begins. They will tell you how they plan to handle it and how it will affect the cost of your project.
Mistake#3: Ignoring waterproofing details
One of the top issues we see in failed bathroom remodel Bay Area projects is improper waterproofing. Unfortunately, many quick conversions use drywall instead of cement board with waterproofing, or overlook some details required by California Plumbing Code, which will make you bathroom fail within a short time.
Cutting corners with shower pans, membranes, or wall prep often leads to leaks and hidden water damage.
Fixing improperly waterproofed showers is quite costly and often requires a full bathroom remodel.
Cutting corners with shower pans, membranes, or wall prep often leads to leaks and hidden water damage.
Fixing improperly waterproofed showers is quite costly and often requires a full bathroom remodel.
BY CALIFORNIA CODE
Shower floors must be lined with a waterproof membrane that extends at least 2 inches above the finished dam/threshold. Walls around the shower or tub must have waterproof material installed to a minimum height of 6 feet above the floor. This ensures all areas exposed to water spray are fully protected.
TIP FROM RISE: Demand a clear explanation of the waterproofing system being installed. Professional licensed contractor will always use tested methods that comply with California codes.
Mistake#4: Overlooking space and accessibility
BY CALIFORNIA CODE
A shower must fit a 30-inch diameter circle on the shower floor. If your existing bathtub is narrower, it won’t meet this requirement once converted. Toilets also require at least 15 inches of clearance from the center of the toilet to each side wall or fixture.
This code requirement means that if your tub is right next to the toilet, a bathtub conversion to shower may require a toilet relocation to meet code and pass inspection.
Many homeowners convert tubs into showers for convenience, but then forget to include features like grab bars, benches, or low-threshold entries. A walk-in shower remodel should balance style with comfort and safety.
Many homeowners convert tubs into showers for convenience, but then forget to include features like grab bars, benches, or low-threshold entries. A walk-in shower remodel should balance style with comfort and safety.
To fix bathroom's old layout mistakes and meet code clearances we sometimes have to shift the toilet slightly using offset toilet flange (as in right photo).
This cases highlights why professional planning is critical before starting demolition.
TIP FROM RISE: Before starting your bathroom remodel Bay Area project, have licensed bathroom remodel contractor check your layout and clearances to avoid costly surprises. As for accessibility— good idea is to install blocking behind walls so grab bars can be added later without opening walls again.
Mistake #5: Bad Quality Materials and Fixtures
Showers experience more water exposure than tubs, so materials must be durable and easy to clean. Cheap tile, low-quality grout, or the wrong type of glass can make your bathroom tub remodel look outdated within a year.
But it’s not just finishes—shower fixtures also need to be of high quality and meet California code requirements.
But it’s not just finishes—shower fixtures also need to be of high quality and meet California code requirements.
BY CALIFORNIA CODE
Showerheads must have a maximum flow rate of 1.8 GPM (gallons per minute) at 80 psi. Older fixtures may run at 2.5 GPM or more, which is no longer compliant and can cause issues during inspection.
TIP FROM RISE: When planning a walk-in shower remodel or bathtub conversion to shower, choose low-flow, WaterSense-certified showerheads that meet the 1.8 GPM limit. Not only this supports California’s water conservation standards, and will pass the inspection, but it also will reduce your water bills.
Mistake #6: Forgetting Ventilation and Lighting
Converting a tub to a shower changes the way steam builds in the room.
Without proper ventilation and updated lighting, mold growth and poor visibility are common problems.
Without proper ventilation and updated lighting, mold growth and poor visibility are common problems.
TIP FROM RISE: Add a new exhaust fan with the right CFM rating and plan your lighting carefully, adding layers to it. You may consider recessed lighting and LED mirrors to find the perfect balance.
Final Thoughts: Plan Smart, Remodel Right
Without the right planning, common mistakes—from ignoring plumbing requirements to skipping waterproofing— do turn the project into a hard to resolve and costly mess.
Hiring a licensed bathroom remodel company for your tub to shower conversion project will take all the trouble out of your hands. You won't have to manage every step and make sure everything is up to code because they will be the ones to manage the process professionally, inform and guide you through a clear roadmap of your bathroom remodel process and will definitely be sure to comply with regulations and safety
Whether you choose us or another bathroom remodel contractors in your area, we hope this information was useful and gave you insights, so you know what to expect and can better prepare for your own tub to shower conversion or full bathroom remodel!
Hiring a licensed bathroom remodel company for your tub to shower conversion project will take all the trouble out of your hands. You won't have to manage every step and make sure everything is up to code because they will be the ones to manage the process professionally, inform and guide you through a clear roadmap of your bathroom remodel process and will definitely be sure to comply with regulations and safety
Whether you choose us or another bathroom remodel contractors in your area, we hope this information was useful and gave you insights, so you know what to expect and can better prepare for your own tub to shower conversion or full bathroom remodel!
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