Converting a Bathtub to a Shower Opens Up Small Bathrooms
Removing your bathtub creates space for wider shower bases, built-in benches, and easier movement. Many Baltimore rowhouses built in the early 1900s have narrow bathrooms where walk-in showers fit better than old cast-iron tubs. A tub-to-shower conversion gives you room to add storage niches, glass doors, and modern fixtures without expanding the footprint.
In older Baltimore homes with tight layouts, replacing a bulky 60-inch tub with a low-profile shower pan creates room for safer entry and exit. You can add built-in seating, multiple shower heads, or handheld sprayers without crowding the space. The result feels more open and works better for everyday use.
Shower conversions also solve common issues in aging Baltimore homes. If your tub has cracked enamel, rust stains, or peeling tile surrounds, replacing everything at once makes more sense than patching problems one by one. You get a fresh start with durable, modern materials built to last.
During your free consultation, we measure your bathroom and confirm the best layout for your space and budget. Our design team shows you options that account for door swing, fixture placement, and plumbing locations, all before demolition begins. Once you approve the plan, we handle every step of the conversion from start to finish. Learn more about our bathtub replacement services.
Baltimore Homeowners Need Permits for Tub-to-Shower Projects
Most tub-to-shower conversions in Baltimore require a permit because they involve plumbing and structural changes. We apply through the city’s permit office on your behalf before work begins. Permits ensure your project meets Baltimore building codes for plumbing, waterproofing, and structural safety, catching potential problems before they lead to leaks or costly damage.
We handle all permit applications and inspections as part of our service. For your tub-to-shower conversion, this includes:
Permit review typically takes 2–4 weeks depending on project scope. We include all permit costs in your estimate and coordinate every inspector visit. You’ll receive documentation proving code compliance, protecting your investment and preventing delays if you sell your home later.
Walk-In Showers Improve Safety and Accessibility
Low-threshold or curbless showers eliminate the need to step over tub walls, making daily bathing safer for older adults, homeowners with mobility challenges, and families planning to age in place. In Baltimore’s multi-story rowhouses, common in Bolton Hill and Mount Vernon, adding an accessible first-floor shower can make all the difference.
Standard tubs require lifting your leg 14–18 inches to enter. Walk-in showers reduce that height to 2–4 inches or remove the barrier completely. Adding a bench lets you sit while showering, reducing fall risk. Grab bars mounted into blocking behind the tile provide secure support.
Modern accessible showers prove that safety and style work together. Slip-resistant tile, handheld shower heads on decorative slide bars, and fold-down benches blend seamlessly into the design, nothing looks institutional or medical. You get the safety features you need without sacrificing the updated, polished look you want.
Professional Installation Handles Plumbing, Waterproofing, and Tile
As licensed bathroom remodelers, we handle every technical detail: rerouting drains, installing waterproof membranes, and setting tile to Baltimore building codes. If your older home has outdated galvanized pipes, common in pre-1960s Baltimore rowhomes, we upgrade your supply lines and drains to modern PEX and PVC during the conversion.
We start by protecting your floors and setting up dust barriers to contain debris. During demolition of your existing tub and surround, we assess the framing, subfloor, and plumbing. If we find outdated pipes or hidden water damage, we address it during the conversion, preventing future problems before they start.
After demolition, we repair any structural issues. If water damage exists, we reinforce or replace the subfloor. We add blocking in the wall framing for future grab bars, then install cement board, waterproof membranes, and a properly sloped shower pan. These steps prevent the leaks and mold that lead to expensive repairs down the road.
Once waterproofing is complete, our tile setters get to work. We use thin-set mortar and seal every joint where tile meets fixtures. Corner shelves, accent strips, and borders are measured and placed before installation begins, ensuring balanced patterns that fit your bathroom’s dimensions. All grout and caulk are color-matched and applied correctly to prevent water infiltration.
Before tile goes up, our licensed plumbers handle the rough-in work, relocating supply lines and drains to match your new layout. We install mixing valves, diverters, and drain assemblies that meet current Baltimore code requirements. Everything is tested and inspected before we close up the walls.
Modern Shower Conversions Add Value to Baltimore Homes
In Baltimore’s competitive housing market, walk-in showers appeal to more buyers than outdated tubs. Updated bathrooms improve your listing photos, strengthen inspection reports, and show that your home is move-in ready. Modern showers stand out during showings and often lead to stronger offers.
If you’re preparing to sell in Hampden, Charles Village, or Patterson Park, a bathroom update attracts more serious buyers. A modern shower conversion removes dated fixtures and proves your plumbing has been maintained, buyers appreciate move-in-ready homes where they won’t need to renovate right away.
We provide complete documentation for every project, including permit records and warranty information, that transfers to the new owner. This paperwork proves the quality of your renovation and gives buyers confidence that major systems have been professionally updated and maintained.
