Add Value to Your Home with a Tub-to-Shower Conversion

Are you looking for ways to add value to your home? Consider your bathtub. You know, the one that hasn’t been used for years and takes up a significant portion of your second bathroom? Imagine how convenient a tub-to-shower conversion could make the space!

They say having multiple bathrooms is the secret to getting along in a family, but most people realize that includes having multiple places to shower. So, if you’re hoping to add some value to your home for an upcoming sale or your own comfort, you can’t go wrong with a tub-to-shower conversion.

When Did Bathtubs Become Common?

Bathing, especially showering, is a daily luxury that most of us take largely for granted, but bathing spaces weren’t always so common. In fact, indoor plumbing bathtubs only became the norm in the early 1900s.

Many big cities had bathhouses—places where people without a bathtub or shower could come to get clean (for a small fee). Settlers who came into Wisconsin bathed rarely, and when they did, it was in a large tin tub that often doubled for laundry and household cleaning. Many households bathed oldest to youngest using the same water, heated on the stove or over a fire.

In the 1900s, most houses in urban areas had indoor toilets, but an indoor bathtub was still a luxury in many places. By 1940 about 44% of households didn’t have a bathtub with running water. This quickly changed, however, with advances in plumbing and uniform regulations on municipal water. Pretty soon, most Milwaukee-area households had at least one bathtub.

As in-house bathtubs became the norm, bathtub manufacturers offered tubs in an array of candy colors to complement the décor and styles of the time. Throughout stylish homes in Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Racine, it wasn’t uncommon to see bathtubs in pink, blue, mint green, gold, and other mid-century colors.

By the 1970s, showers had become popular, but the trendy colors were still a hit. The bathtubs were brown, pea green, gold, and shades of tan. While these colorful bathing spaces were fun at the time, today, they look quite dated. You might even be able to tell how old a Wisconsin home is by the color of the bathtub.

As folks updated their bathtubs and showers throughout the 80s, 90s, and early aughts, “drop-in” conversions and updates became popular too. Cheaply made covers were installed over the top of existing tubs, offering a new look. But unfortunately, homeowners learned that, like any home upgrade, it’s best not to simply cover up or disguise a problem.

First of all, these inexpensive drop-ins were often made of mildew-friendly plastics. The new shower or bath was hard to clean, easily stained, and quickly showed signs of wear and tear. The materials had a cheap, hollow feel and very quickly looked shoddy.

For a proper bathtub update, shower update, or bath-to-shower conversion, installers should remove the existing tub/shower completely and install a new bathing space. By removing the old shower or tub, installers can identify any issues (like leaks, mildew, or poor insulation) and ensure the new bathtub or shower lasts for many years.

Converting the Tub to Get More

Now, some people genuinely enjoy having a bathtub in their homes. There’s nothing quite as relaxing as kicking back in a nice warm bubble bath—perhaps with a good book, a few candles, and your favorite beverage. A bath is the perfect way to unwind after a long hard day.

But as a bathtub ages, sitting in a stained tub and looking at mildewed grout can start to feel less and less appealing. It’s far from relaxing when you feel like your bathtub isn’t really a clean space with years of grime, hard water staining, and soap scum, no matter how much you scrub.

Young families also prefer a tub, as it’s an easier way to bathe small children (and what kid doesn’t love playing with “tubby” toys and bubbles?). But who wants to put a baby or small child in a tub that doesn’t truly feel clean? Besides, often, as kids get a little older and schedules get busier, the tub gets used less and less frequently.

If there’s no shower in your bathtub, the space eventually becomes just that—useless space. Balancing shower use between 2, 3, or more people on a busy morning causes frustration, bickering, and more. If this sounds familiar, then it’s time to take steps toward restoring household harmony. It’s time for a bath-to-shower conversion.

Many homeowners are amazed at how much they love their bathing space after a bath-to-shower conversion. Having multiple places to shower makes mornings go smoother. It makes the house more comfortable and eliminates that “useless space” in your second bathroom.

Even better, you don’t have to give up those bubble baths! We offer options that allow you to convert a bathtub into a bathtub and shower combo. So, you’ll get the best of both worlds in a beautiful, modern, easy-to-clean, fresh space.

Tub-to-shower conversions are great for older folks too. If you’re thinking of ways to make your home age-in-place friendly, then a tub-to-shower conversion is a must! We can include convenient, attractive safety features like bench seating, lower thresholds, stability bars, and more.

Your bathing space should be relaxing, safe, and one of the most useful places in your home. If it doesn’t meet those criteria, then it’s time for a change.

Add Value to Your Home with a Tub-to-Shower Conversion

If you plan to put your home on the market any time in the next few years, now is a great time to think about a tub-to-shower conversion in your bathroom—especially if your bathing space is tub-only or the “retro” color has started to look less charming and more dated.

At Weather Tight, we offer bathtub and shower replacements and tub-to-shower conversions with timeless, classic finishes. Choose sleek, modern cultured marble for a luxurious and easy-to-maintain look.

Many homeowners like our subway tile look for all the beauty of tile without the maintenance. Our subway tile style finish is made of ultra-durable fiberglass with 4-layer construction and a gel coat. Unlike traditional tile, there’s no grout to attract mildew, no staining, and no maintenance. It’s so easy to clean. There are custom color options available in the Sherwin-Williams color wheel.

No matter which finish you choose, you’ll get a 30-year transferable warranty against defects. We completely remove the existing bathtub, ensuring that your new bathing space is installed perfectly. We work with plumbers and ensure that everything is up-to-code (we take care of all permits so that you can relax).

Imagine the difference that a new, fresh bathing space will make for your home. It refreshes the look of your interior and helps you (and future homeowners) get more out of that corner of your bathroom. If you’ve been thinking about a tub-to-shower conversion, now is the time. Reach out to Weather Tight today to discover how you can start enjoying your bathing space again!