Is a Tub to Shower Conversion Worth It? Pros, Cons, and What to Expect

Are you thinking about remodeling your bathroom? There are a lot of things you can do to make your bathroom more functional. One of the most common bathtub remodeling jobs is a tub to shower conversion.

Maybe your kids are long past the bathtub stage and you think a walk-in shower would be nice to upgrade your bathroom.

Perhaps you’re tired of that shower head that hangs a little too low, or your porcelain tub is chipped and dull looking. It might be that you’re just tired of the same old look and maybe you want to modernize the space and create a more luxurious look and spa-like feel. As with any bath remodel, there is a lot to consider. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of tub to shower conversions to help you make the right decision for your bathroom.

The Pros of a Tub to Shower Conversion

1. You Boost the Value of Your Home

Renovating your bathroom is one of the smartest ways to add equity to your home. According to the 2025 Houzz Bathroom Trends Study, bathroom remodels remain the top home improvement project, with a major focus on increasing shower size and improving functionality.

A modern walk-in shower is an upgrade many buyers specifically look for, making it one of the most popular and "worth it" bathroom renovations. In most cases, this project not only improves your daily life but also makes your home much more competitive and attractive when it’s time to sell.

2. A Shower Takes up Less Room (But Feels Bigger)

If you have a lot of room, you can install a luxurious shower. Sometimes you need to maximize the real estate in your bathroom, converting it to a shower makes a lot of sense.

A square shower unit can be installed in a space as small as 30 inches by 30 inches, whereas your current tub might be 6 feet or more in length. Clear glass doors can also create the perception of more space, making the room look larger even if the footprint remains the same. This project gives you more room to move around, and you can use that extra space to make your bathroom more functional

3. You’ll Save Money on Your Water Bill

It takes a lot of water to fill up a bathtub. You can’t really bathe effectively unless the tub is full. This is obviously not a requirement of a shower. Showering can save you hundreds of dollars a year over the cost of bathing. Some people don’t think about this aspect of a tub to shower conversion, but it’s always nice to save some money.

4. Improved Safety and Accessibility

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in the United States think you are making a smart decision. The bathroom is often the most dangerous room in a home. The CDC says more than 20 million people over the age of 18 sustain a bathroom injury every year, and that’s just in the US.

It is easier to slip in a bathtub than in a shower. You have to step up and over the side of the tub, and that can prove a problem as well. A tub to shower conversion can make your home, and especially your bathroom, a safer place.

5. You Can Still Sit Back and Relax

Think you’ll miss the relaxation of a tub? Your shower can be a retreat, too. Modern conversions can include built-in benches, allowing you to sit and enjoy the steam. From steam showers to surround sound and Bluetooth features, the options for luxury are endless.

The Cons of a Tub to Shower Conversion

1. Kids (and Resale to Young Families)

This isn’t a big deal if you have a bathtub elsewhere in your home. However, if you are remodeling your only bathroom, this could be a problem. Families with young children often require at least one bathtub for bath time, so removing the only one could make your home less appealing to certain buyers.

2. No Tub for Soaking

Do you enjoy a long soak in a hot tub after a hard day? This is obviously not going to happen if you replace your tub with a dedicated shower. Consider your lifestyle, if you haven't used the tub for a soak in over a year, you likely won't miss it.