How Much Does a Tub to Shower Conversion Cost in Vancouver?
Short answer: In Vancouver, most tub to shower conversions cost around $5,000 to $14,000 for the shower area alone. A basic conversion with a shower base and simple tile runs about $5,000 to $8,000. A mid range tiled walk in shower with frameless glass is usually $8,000 to $14,000, and a curbless walk in shower often costs $12,000 to $20,000+ because the floor has to be recessed. If you’re redoing the whole bathroom at the same time, budgets typically land between $15,000 and $45,000. Most conversions take about 1 to 2 weeks of work, and longer for curbless showers or condos that need strata approval.
Below you’ll find what’s included, where the money goes, and whether giving up your tub is a smart move.
Cost by Project Type: Basic, Mid Range and Curbless Walk In Shower
| Project Type | Typical Cost (Shower Only) | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Basic conversion | $5,000 to $8,000 | Acrylic or prefab base, simple wall tile or panels, framed or basic glass door |
| Mid range walk in shower | $8,000 to $14,000 | Fully tiled shower, quality waterproofing, niche, frameless glass, upgraded fixtures |
| Curbless walk in shower | $12,000 to $20,000+ | Zero threshold entry, recessed floor, linear drain, large format tile, frameless glass |
| Full bathroom renovation with conversion | $15,000 to $45,000 | New shower plus vanity, flooring, toilet, lighting and finishes |
What’s Included in a Tub to Shower Conversion
A standard conversion usually includes:
- Removing and disposing of the old tub and surround
- Adjusting the drain and updating the shower valve
- Building a new shower base (prefab or tiled mortar bed)
- Full waterproofing of walls and floor
- New wall tile or panels, plus a niche if you want one
- New showerhead and controls
- Glass door or panel
- Patching and finishing the surrounding drywall and floor
Cost Breakdown: Demolition, Plumbing, Waterproofing, Tile and Glass
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Tub removal and disposal | $300 to $800 |
| Drain relocation or adjustment | $500 to $1,200 |
| Shower valve and plumbing updates | $400 to $900 |
| Waterproofing system | $800 to $1,500 |
| Tile and installation (walls and floor) | $2,000 to $8,000 |
| Glass door or panel (frameless) | $1,200 to $3,500 |
| Fixtures and showerhead | $200 to $1,200 |
| Linear drain (curbless or modern look) | $600 to $1,200 |
| Plumbing permit (if needed) | $150 to $500 |
Tile and glass are usually the two biggest costs, and also the two places where your choices change the price the most.
Factors That Raise or Lower the Price
Raises the price
- Curbless entry that needs the floor recessed
- Large format or natural stone tile
- Frameless glass and custom sizes
- Moving the drain or valve to a new spot
- Built in bench, extra niches or rainfall showerheads
- Rot, mould or water damage found behind the old tub
- Condo work rules like elevator bookings and limited hours
Lowers the price
- Keeping the drain in the same location
- Prefab shower base and wall panels
- Standard size glass or a simple framed door
- Mid range porcelain tile in standard sizes
The Conversion Process Step by Step
- Consultation and design: choose the layout, tile, glass and fixtures.
- Permits and approvals: plumbing permit and strata approval if needed.
- Demolition: remove the tub, surround and damaged drywall.
- Plumbing: adjust the drain and valve, and fix any hidden issues.
- Shower base and waterproofing: build the slope and install the membrane.
- Tile work: walls, floor, niche and trim.
- Fixtures and glass: install trims, showerhead and glass, often a week after tile to allow measuring.
- Final clean and walkthrough.
How Long Does a Tub to Shower Conversion Take?
| Project | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| Basic conversion with prefab base | About 3 to 5 working days |
| Tiled walk in shower | About 1 to 2 weeks |
| Curbless shower | About 2 to 4 weeks |
| Condo or townhouse | Add 2 to 6 weeks for strata approval |
Custom glass is usually measured after tile is done and can take 1 to 2 weeks to arrive, so you may use the shower with a temporary curtain for a few days.
Do You Need a Permit or Strata Approval?
Permits: If you’re keeping the drain in about the same spot, you usually don’t need a building permit. Moving the drain, relocating plumbing or changing walls usually needs a plumbing permit and sometimes a building permit. Rules vary a bit between Vancouver, Burnaby and the North Shore.
Strata approval: In condos and townhouses, almost any bathroom renovation that touches plumbing or waterproofing needs written strata approval, and often an alteration and indemnity agreement. Curbless showers in concrete buildings may be limited, since the slab usually can’t be cut.
Is Removing Your Only Bathtub Bad for Resale Value?
It depends on your home.
- If you have another tub in the house, converting one bathroom to a walk in shower is usually a plus for resale.
- If it’s your only tub, families with young kids may see it as a downside, especially in houses. In condos and townhouses, many buyers actually prefer a nice walk in shower.
- For your own use, a safer, easier to use shower often matters more than a tub you rarely use.
A good middle ground: keep at least one tub in family homes, and go for the walk in shower in the primary ensuite.
Accessibility Upgrades: Low Thresholds, Grab Bars and Benches
A tub to shower conversion is the perfect time to make your bathroom safer for now and later:
- Curbless or low threshold entry so there’s nothing to step over
- Grab bars with solid blocking in the walls, even if you install them later
- Built in or fold down bench
- Handheld shower on a slide bar
- Slip resistant floor tile
- Controls placed near the entry so you can turn on the water without getting wet
Accessibility renovations may qualify for the BC Home Renovation Tax Credit for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities and the federal Home Accessibility Tax Credit. Check the current rules to see if you’re eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a tub to shower conversion worth it?
Yes, especially if you rarely use your tub or want a safer, more modern shower.
What’s the cheapest way to convert a tub to a shower?
Keep the drain in place and use a prefab base with wall panels and a standard glass door.
Can a tub to shower conversion be done in one day?
Some quick install acrylic systems exist, but a properly waterproofed tiled shower takes at least several days.
What’s the minimum shower size?
BC’s building code generally calls for at least a 36 by 36 inch interior, but most tub spaces (about 60 by 30 inches) make a comfortable shower.
Do I need a glass door or can I use a curtain?
A curtain works, but frameless glass looks cleaner and keeps water in better. A fixed glass panel is a cheaper option.
Does a curbless shower cost a lot more?
Usually yes, often $4,000 or more extra, because the floor has to be recessed and the drainage planned carefully.
Can I convert a tub to a shower in a condo?
Yes, with strata approval. Curbless options can be limited in concrete buildings.
Will I lose resale value without a tub?
Only if it’s the only tub in a family home. Otherwise, a walk in shower is often a selling point.
Get a Free Tub to Shower Conversion Quote
A tub to shower conversion is one of the best upgrades you can make to a bathroom, as long as the waterproofing, slope and drainage are done right. That’s what keeps it looking great and leak free for decades.
At Reimagine Construction and Renovation, bathroom renovations are one of our core services. For over 15 years we’ve built walk in and curbless showers across Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver and Burnaby. We’re fully licensed, insured with $5M liability coverage, and we’ll handle everything from design and permits to tile and glass.
Get your free tub to shower conversion quote today. Call 604 339 9491 or contact us through our website.
Planning a bathroom renovation? See our bathroom renovation service for installed prices, waterproofing details and a free quote.
