A tub to shower conversion is a common part of a typical bathroom remodel, especially among homeowners who hope to age in place. For some homeowners, it's tempting to handle their own tub to shower conversion. After all, with a little elbow grease and ingenuity, this kind of home improvement is an easy DIY...right?
Wrong. There are many reasons that you should NOT DIY your own tub to shower conversion. In this article, we'll talk about why professional installation is important and how it can help you avoid common DIY mistakes. Ultimately, the choice to hire an expert can help you avoid structural damage and expensive repairs.
1. Pipe Considerations
Plumbing can be complicated, and moving pipes on the second or third floor of your home can be more difficult than moving pipes on the first floor. Getting help from a professional can help you avoid problems that could mess up the plumbing in other parts of your house.
2. Space Issues
Looking at the footprint where your current alcove bathtub is located, you may decide that you want your curbless shower to occupy a larger space in your bathroom. Ultimately, this may require you to relocate some of the plumbing, which complicates the project. Depending on what you're planning to do, it could even require a permit. Consulting with a professional can help you avoid DIY mistakes, so hire an expert, like a general contractor with plumbers on staff.
3. Location of the Down Pipe
The downpipe is the pipe that carries waste water from the shower to either the septic tank or the sewer. Making a connection to the downpipe isn't as easy as it sounds, because not only do you have to find it, but you also have to ensure that the angle that you use to connect to the downpipe is correct. Poor angling can lead to easy clogging and ongoing problems at home.
Finding the downpipe can take a lot of work, and sometimes involves removing part of the wall or floor. Find a professional to get the work done correctly.
4. Types of Foundation
Is your home's foundation a slab or made of concrete? Repositioning pipes with this kind of foundation could require expertise and special tools. Most homeowners have what they need in order to make these kinds of changes. At worst, the homeowner might do the work incorrectly. At best, the homeowner will take a long time to get the work done. Getting professional installation will help ensure that the work is done efficiently and without DIY mistakes.
5. Potential Hiccups from Previous Builds
Has your bathroom been through DIY remodels in the past? If so, then that previous work could impede a DIY installation, unless the work was done completely correctly. A professional contractor will know what to do to correct any previously made problems. As a homeowner, you may not be able to identify any of these issues, and therefore may not know what (if anything) needs to be done to set up your bathroom for a successful remodel.
Contact Us for Professional Tub to Shower Conversion
For over 20 years, Comfort Shower and Bath have helped the residents of Chicagoland to remodel that most important room: the bathroom. As a professional remodeling contractor, we can help you with your tub to shower conversion. Call today to make an appointment for a consultation.