Tub to walk in shower conversion Farmington MI homeowners invest in most often transforms an unused bathtub into a beautiful accessible shower space. Most Michigan homeowners use their shower daily and their bathtub rarely. Converting that tub to a walk in shower creates immediate daily value and long term accessibility. Marathon Bath Systems is a bathroom remodeling specialist serving Farmington MI and the greater Detroit area with expert tub conversions and full bathroom remodels. This article explains what a professional tub to walk in shower conversion involves and how to plan yours.
What Our Tub to Walk In Shower Conversion Farmington MI Services Include
Our tub to walk in shower conversion services cover complete tub removal, shower pan installation, tile or acrylic surround installation, plumbing conversion, glass enclosure, and all finish work. Every conversion starts with a detailed in-home consultation and written scope before any work begins. Our team plans every element upfront so your project runs smoothly from day one.
We handle tub removal, waterproofing, shower base installation, wall surrounds, fixtures, and glass doors or enclosures. Furthermore, our experienced crews manage all required plumbing adjustments within your existing bathroom footprint. Every conversion receives a thorough quality inspection before we consider any project complete.
Marathon Bath Systems serves Farmington MI with tub to walk in shower conversions, bathroom remodeling, and tub to shower upgrades throughout the greater Detroit and Oakland County area. Additionally, our team delivers fast and clean installations with minimal disruption to your daily household routine. As a result, Farmington homeowners enjoy their beautiful new walk in shower within days rather than weeks.
Complete Tub Removal and Shower Pan Installation
Tub removal requires careful disconnection of plumbing and careful extraction to avoid damaging surrounding walls and flooring. Moreover, the existing tub space typically accommodates a generous walk in shower with room for a seat or niche. Our team assesses your specific space and recommends the best shower pan size and configuration for your footprint.
We install shower pans in fibreglass, acrylic, and custom tile options depending on your design preference and budget. Additionally, every shower pan installation includes proper sloping for efficient water drainage toward the drain. Consequently, standing water never pools in your new walk in shower after installation completes.
Walk In Shower Surround and Enclosure Options
Walk in shower surrounds come in low-maintenance acrylic panels and custom tile options. Therefore, our team presents both options with honest comparisons of maintenance requirements, appearance, and cost. Acrylic surrounds install faster and require less ongoing maintenance than tile surrounds in Michigan’s hard water conditions.
Furthermore, glass door and enclosure options range from frameless glass to semi-frameless and framed configurations. In contrast, a fully open walk in design without a door suits larger shower footprints and creates a spa-like appearance. Our team helps you select the enclosure style that suits your specific bathroom dimensions and your personal aesthetic preferences.
Common Problems Homeowners Face With Tub to Walk In Shower Conversions
Tub to walk in shower conversions create specific challenges that differ from standard bathroom remodeling projects. However, experienced conversion specialists anticipate these challenges and address them before they affect your project. The most common problems involve improper waterproofing and drain relocation requirements.
According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, waterproofing failures account for a significant percentage of shower installation problems reported in residential bathroom projects. Consequently, proper waterproofing behind all shower surfaces is the most important quality investment in any tub to walk in shower conversion project.
Waterproofing Failures Behind Shower Walls
Inadequate waterproofing behind shower surrounds allows moisture to reach framing and cause mold and structural damage. Furthermore, waterproofing failures may not become visible until months or years after installation completes. Our team offering tub to walk in shower conversion services in Farmington MI applies professional waterproofing membranes behind every shower surround before any wall material goes in.
Moreover, we inspect every waterproofing layer before proceeding to wall surround installation. This inspection step catches any coverage gaps before they become permanent problems inside your walls. Therefore, your new walk in shower stays leak free and mold free for years after your conversion completes.
Drain Relocation and Plumbing Adjustments
Tub drains and shower drains are not always in the same location within the bathroom footprint. As a result, some conversions require drain relocation that adds cost and complexity to the project scope. Our team assesses drain locations during the initial consultation and includes all required plumbing adjustments in your written estimate upfront.
Additionally, plumbing work in Michigan requires specific licensed plumber involvement depending on the scope of drain relocation. We coordinate all required licensed plumbing work as part of our standard conversion service. In contrast, contractors who skip proper licensed plumbing involvement create code violations that affect your home’s resale value and your homeowner’s insurance.
How Much Does a Tub to Walk In Shower Conversion Cost in Farmington MI
Tub to walk in shower conversions in Farmington MI typically cost between $3,000 and $8,000 for standard acrylic surround installations. However, custom tile surrounds, frameless glass enclosures, and accessibility features push costs toward the higher end. The size of your existing tub space and your selected materials drive the final cost most significantly.
Drain relocation, structural repairs, and accessibility features like grab bars and built in seats add to the base conversion cost. Furthermore, permits may apply to conversions involving plumbing drain relocation in Oakland County. Always request a fully itemised written estimate before agreeing to any tub to walk in shower conversion project.
Labour accounts for a significant portion of every tub to walk in shower conversion budget. As a result, choosing an experienced conversion specialist who focuses specifically on bathroom projects delivers better outcomes than a general contractor for this specific work. Marathon Bath Systems provides fully itemised written estimates with no hidden costs on every project.
How to Choose the Right Contractor in Waterford
Choosing a tub to walk in shower conversion contractor in Waterford MI requires attention to bathroom-specific experience rather than general construction experience. However, a few direct questions help you identify the most qualified specialists quickly. Always verify a current Michigan residential builder’s license before signing any conversion contract.
Ask specifically about the contractor’s waterproofing process and which waterproofing system they install behind every shower surround. Furthermore, a contractor who cannot describe their specific waterproofing approach in detail is likely skipping this critical step. Waterproofing knowledge is the most reliable indicator of conversion installation quality.
When comparing tub to walk in shower conversion contractors in Waterford MI, look for bathroom specialists rather than general remodeling companies. Additionally, bathroom-focused companies install more conversions per year and develop deeper expertise in every aspect of shower installation. Consequently, your conversion gets done right the first time by a team with extensive relevant experience.
Always insist on a written contract specifying materials, waterproofing approach, plumbing scope, timeline, and warranty terms before any work begins. In contrast, verbal agreements leave every quality commitment legally unenforceable if problems arise. The right conversion contractor documents every commitment in writing and stands behind their work with a clear written warranty.
Marathon Bath Systems delivers expert tub to walk in shower conversions across Farmington MI and the greater Detroit area. Our experienced team handles every step from tub removal through final fixture installation with quality and care. Contact us today through our contact page for your free tub to walk in shower conversion consultation.
FAQs
How long does a tub to walk in shower conversion take in Farmington MI?
Most conversions take one to three days depending on scope and materials.
Does Marathon Bath Systems handle plumbing during conversions?
Yes. We coordinate all required licensed plumbing work as part of every conversion.
Do tub to shower conversions require permits in Farmington MI?
Permits apply when drain relocation is required. We advise on requirements upfront.
What surround material lasts longest in Michigan’s hard water?
Acrylic surrounds resist hard water staining better than tile grout in Michigan conditions.
Does Marathon Bath Systems offer accessibility features in conversions?
Yes. We install grab bars, built-in seats, and barrier-free shower designs on every project.
