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 feel modern and spacious, but it also improves accessibility and boosts 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 near me, this guide will help you ask the right questions and plan your project with confidence.

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.

Here’s a technical but critical detail: in California, 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.

That means 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.

One of the top issues we see in failed bathroom remodel Bay Area projects is improper waterproofing. Cutting corners with shower pans, membranes, or wall prep often leads to leaks and costly hidden water damage.

According to the California Plumbing 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 (or higher if the showerhead is mounted above that). This ensures all areas exposed to water spray are fully protected.

Unfortunately, many quick conversions skip these steps or use drywall instead of cement board with waterproofing, which will fail within a few years.

Many homeowners convert tubs into showers for accessibility, but then forget to include features like grab bars, benches, or low-threshold entries. A walk-in shower remodel should balance style with safety.

That means 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.

Tip: Consider future needs—install blocking behind walls now so grab bars can be added later without opening walls again. And before starting your bathroom remodel Bay Area project, have licensed bathroom remodel contractor check clearances and layout to avoid costly surprises.

Cheap tile, low-quality grout, or the wrong type of glass can make your bathroom tub remodel look outdated within a year. Showers experience more water exposure than tubs, so materials must be durable and easy to clean. But it’s not just finishes—shower fixtures also need to meet California code requirements.

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.
Tip: Add a new exhaust fan with the right CFM rating and consider recessed lighting or LED mirrors for balanced light.

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!

And as always- you're warmly welcome reach out in social media, or call or text, with any questions you might have, and book a free on-site estimate and consultation with our team!