If you’re an Edmonton homeowner thinking about ditching your old bathtub and upgrading to a modern shower, you’re in the right place. A tub to shower conversion can transform your bathroom into a more accessible, stylish, and low-maintenance space. In this guide, we’ll walk you through why it’s worth considering, what to check before you begin, how to comply with local regulations, and how a trusted contractor like Steadfast Constructions Ltd. can help make the process smooth and stress-free.
Why Consider a Tub to Shower Conversion
Safety, Accessibility, and Everyday Convenience
For many homeowners, the biggest reason to consider a tub to shower conversion is accessibility. Stepping over a tub wall can be tricky, especially for seniors, people with mobility issues, or anyone seeking ease of use. A well-designed walk-in shower reduces fall risk, simplifies entry and exit, and offers a safer bathing option overall. reecebuilders.com
Showers can also be more convenient than tubs easier to clean, quicker to use, and less cluttered. For busy Edmonton households, that adds up to time saved and less maintenance hassle. Granite Transformations
Space Efficiency & Bathroom Layout Improvement
Tubs often occupy a lot of space in a bathroom. By converting your old tub to a shower, you may free up valuable space potentially allowing for a larger vanity, more storage, or simply a less cramped layout. As modern design trends favour showers over tubs, this conversion can help make your bathroom feel larger and more open. reecebuilders.com
Modern Style & Increased Home Value
Bathrooms with contemporary walk-in showers tend to appeal to many buyers; showers are seen as modern, clean, and efficient. A tub to shower conversion can update the look of your bathroom and may make your home more attractive on the market, if you ever decide to sell. bathsolutions.ca
Even if you’re not selling, you benefit from a fresh, updated bathroom that fits modern lifestyles.
What to Know Before Starting a Tub to Shower Conversion in Edmonton
Permits & Local Building Code Compliance
In Edmonton, converting a tub to a shower typically involves plumbing changes, and when plumbing or structural elements are altered, you usually need a permit. According to local permit guidelines, moving or replacing bathtubs, showers, or drains requires a building or plumbing permit. steadfastconstructionsltd.com
Also, your work must comply with the current plumbing regulations under Alberta’s Safety Codes Act, which references the updated National Plumbing Code of Canada. Alberta.ca
Because of this, many Edmonton homeowners find it easier and safer to work with a reputable renovation company like Steadfast Constructions Ltd. They can handle the paperwork, ensure code compliance, coordinate licensed trades (plumbing, electrical, etc.), and manage inspections. steadfastconstructionsltd.com
Bathroom Layout, Plumbing, and Structural Considerations
Converting a tub to a shower isn’t always a plug-and-play swap. Depending on your bathroom layout, you may need to adjust:
- Drain location and slope: The shower drain may need proper alignment.
- Waterproofing and backer board for shower walls instead of tub surround.
- Floor drainage slope and shower pan installation to prevent leaks.
- Wall finishes, glass doors or barriers, and ventilation to manage humidity.
If you’re converting a freestanding tub or have a complicated layout, extra planning may be necessary. A reliable contractor will help you navigate these challenges.
Materials, Design Preferences & Future Needs
When you switch from tub to shower, you get a chance to choose materials, finishes, and shower styles that match your lifestyle. Options include:
- Walk-in showers with low thresholds (easier entry/exit).
- Slip-resistant floors, built-in benches or seats, and grab bars are useful for aging-in-place or accessibility.
- Modern finishes: tile, acrylic, glass, stone, whatever fits your taste and maintenance preferences.
- Efficient showerheads, thermostatic valves, and proper ventilation to prevent moisture damage.
Planning ensures your new shower meets your needs for years to come.
How Steadfast Constructions Ltd. Approaches Tub to Shower Conversions in Edmonton
Complete End-to-End Service
Steadfast Constructions Ltd. offers full-service tub to shower conversions: from design and permit preparation to plumbing, installation, waterproofing, and final inspection. Since residential renovations in Edmonton often require permits and code compliance, having a knowledgeable contractor on your side simplifies the process. steadfastconstructionsltd.com
Their process typically includes:
- Initial consultation and layout evaluation
- Permit-ready drawings and scope documents
- Coordination with licensed plumbers, electricians, and finishers
- Waterproofing and installation of shower pan, fixtures, and finishes
- Final inspection and sign-off, providing a documented permit trail (valuable for resale)
This approach minimizes surprises, ensures compliance, and delivers a finished product that meets local building standards.
Practical Solutions for Edmonton Homes
Steadfast understands common challenges in Edmonton homes — small bathroom footprints, older plumbing systems, and code requirements. Their team adapts the tub to shower conversion to each home’s unique constraints while optimizing for durability, safety, and aesthetics.
Whether you need a simple alcove shower or a full re-layout with modern finishes, Steadfast tailors the conversion to your home and needs.
Added Value Through Experience & Customer Care
Working with a reputable, experienced contractor adds trust and reliability. As their bathroom renovation resources note, permitting, scheduling, and proper inspections are a core strength of Steadfast Constructions Ltd, reducing stress for the homeowner while ensuring long-term safety and compliance. steadfastconstructionsltd.com
The Tub to Shower Conversion Process
Planning & Design Phase
- Evaluate existing bathroom layout and plumbing configuration.
- Choose shower type (walk-in, tiled, acrylic, glass enclosure, etc.)
- Decide on additional features: non-slip floor, bench, grab bars, shelving, glass door or curtain, lighting, and ventilation.
- Review permit requirements with your contractor
- Finalize materials and finishes.
Demo & Preparation
- Remove the existing tub and surrounding fixtures carefully.
- Inspect subfloor and existing plumbing/drain layout for suitability.
- Install waterproofing (membrane or backer board) and ensure correct slope for drainage.
Plumbing & Structural Work (if any)
- Adjust drain location or plumbing as needed (requires plumbing work, per Alberta regulations) Alberta.ca
- Install necessary plumbing lines, valves, and ensure proper ventilation if required.
Shower Installation & Finishing
- Install shower pan or base, walls, tiles or panels, and door or curtain hardware.
- Add fixtures: showerhead, handheld shower, grab bars, shelving, bench (if planned)
- Apply seals, caulking, and waterproofing, and check water tightness.
Inspection & Final Touches
- If permits were needed, inspections would occur after plumbing rough-in and final installation.
- Verify that all work meets codes for plumbing, waterproofing, ventilation, and safety.
- Final clean-up and homeowner walk-through
Enjoy Your New Shower!
Once everything is done with permits signed off and quality checked, you get a bathroom that’s safer, modern, and aligned with your lifestyle.
Pros and Things to Consider Before You Commit
Pros of Tub to Shower Conversion
- Improved safety and easier access
- More usable bathroom space and better layout flexibility
- Modern, updated look that improves home appeal
- Easier maintenance and cleaning
- Potential increase in home usability and resale value reecebuilders.com
Things to Consider and When a Tub Might Still Make Sense
Switching to a shower means you lose a bathtub, and tubs still have value:
- If you have small children, bathtubs are often more practical for bathing them. Showers may not be as convenient for that.
- If you enjoy long Soaks and baths, showers don’t deliver the same experience. Many people find bathing relaxing and therapeutic, which tubs provide. bathsolutions.ca
- If you want to maintain resale appeal to families, having at least one tub in a multi-bathroom house can still be an advantage. Some real estate experts suggest not removing all tubs. Granite Transformations
It’s worth weighing your household’s current and future needs before deciding.
Why Edmonton Homeowners Should Choose Local Professionals
Compliance with Permits and Safety Codes
Local contractors know Edmonton’s building code requirements. Plumbing conversions, drainage adjustments, and bathroom layout changes typically require permits under the Alberta Safety Codes Act. steadfastconstructionsltd.com
A professional contractor like Steadfast Constructions Ltd ensures all trades are licensed, permits are pulled, work is inspected, and the final result is code-compliant and safe.
Avoiding Common DIY Mistakes
Renovating a bathroom is not just about aesthetics water-proofing, drainage, ventilation, moisture control, and structural integrity matter. Mistakes can lead to leaks, mould, or code violations. According to renovation experts, poor planning or ignoring pipe conditions can lead to costly reworks. bathroomcaretips.com
Hiring a skilled team reduces these risks and ensures your new shower lasts decades.
Efficient Project Management & Peace of Mind
Coordinating demolition, plumbing, waterproofing, tiling, inspections, and finishing takes time and experience. Local professionals streamline scheduling, manage all trades, and take responsibility for final inspection and permit sign-off, making the renovation process far smoother for the homeowner.
Real Example: A Tub to Shower Conversion in Edmonton
Consider a recent project by Steadfast Constructions Ltd. A homeowner in an older Edmonton bungalow wanted to convert their small, outdated tub/shower combo into a modern walk-in glass-door shower.
- The team removed the existing tub, inspected the subfloor and plumbing, and reconfigured the drain to match the shower pan.
- They installed waterproof backer board, a low-threshold shower base, slip-resistant tile, and a frameless glass door.
- All plumbing alterations were done under permit, followed by inspection under the local safety code.
- The homeowner now enjoys a modern, accessible shower suited to daily life, and a bathroom that feels larger and more up-to-date.
This is a typical illustration of how a tub to shower conversion can transform an older Edmonton bathroom into a stylish, functional space while complying with local rules and delivering lasting quality.
How to Decide if Tub to Shower Conversion Is Right for Your Home
Ask yourself:
- Do I want easier access and a lower step-in for showers?
- Is my bathroom small, or could it benefit from more open space?
- Do we mostly use showers rather than baths in daily life?
- Is a tub essential (for children, relaxing baths, resale)?
- Am I ready to follow permit requirements and hire licensed professionals?
- Do I prefer low-maintenance, easy-clean bathroom surfaces?
If you answered yes to many of these, a tub to shower conversion might be a great choice.
Conclusion
A tub to shower conversion is more than just removing a bathtub; it’s an opportunity to improve safety, modernize your space, boost functionality, and give your bathroom a fresh, updated look. For Edmonton homeowners, such a renovation can add real value both in daily convenience and long-term home appeal.
Working with a reputable local contractor like Steadfast Constructions Ltd ensures that the project meets all codes, inspections are handled properly, and your new shower delivers decades of reliable service.
If you’re thinking about a tub to shower conversion in Edmonton, reach out to Steadfast Constructions Ltd. Let them guide you from planning and permits to installation and finishing for a bathroom upgrade that’s safe, modern, and built to last.
Ready to turn your bathtub into a beautiful, accessible shower? Contact Steadfast Constructions Ltd today for a consultation and discover how easily your Edmonton bathroom can be transformed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Do I need a permit for a tub to shower conversion in Edmonton?
A1. Yes, because converting a tub to a shower typically involves plumbing changes, you will likely need a building or plumbing permit under Edmonton’s permitting guidelines.
Q2. Is a tub to shower conversion safer than a bathtub?
A2. Generally yes. Walk-in showers reduce the need to step over a tub wall, lowering the risk of slips and falls. Features like grab bars, non-slip flooring, and seats can further enhance safety.
Q3. Will a tub to shower conversion make my bathroom feel bigger?
A3. Often, yes. Replacing a tub with a shower can free up floor space or allow for a more open layout, which is especially beneficial in smaller bathrooms.
Q4. What should I do if my current plumbing or drain doesn’t align with a new shower location?
A4. If existing plumbing doesn’t match the ideal shower drain location, you’ll need plumbing adjustments. This is best handled by a licensed contractor who can ensure the work meets Alberta’s plumbing code standards.
Q5. Are there any downsides to replacing a tub with a shower?
A5. Yes. Without a tub, you lose the option for deep soaking baths, which some people appreciate. Also, for families with young children, tubs can be more suitable for bathing kids. Before converting, consider your household’s needs now and in the future.
