Replacing Shower Stall & Whirlpool Tub

6 years ago

I’m trying to decide how to update my tub/shower and need some guidance. Ideally I’d like a little more room in the shower and to replace the whirlpool with a non-jetted soaker tub without moving plumbing much. I’m not sure though if I should go to a freestanding tub, a new drop in using the current frame (newer tub will be narrower so it would sit father out from window) or make a new drop in frame so the new tub sits back toward the window. On the shower I’m not sure if is worth the cost to get a couple more inches on each side of the shower which would make it a non-standard size.

Featured Answer

Ann Pohlkamp
Original Author

5 years ago

Sorry to the person who asked what we ended up doing - I missed that message initially. I wanted to update even though it’s been a while in case others are looking for something similar.

I ended up making a new frame for the drop in tub, but kept same drain location. For the shower I used the Schluter Kerdi system for the waterproofing, shower pan, curb and drain. I bought a 48” presloped kerdi shower pan and cut it down to the size. I added a few inches of shower space on the front without having to move the drain/valve. I also gained a couple inches between the shower and tub due to shower glass placement. In all I only gained a couple inches each way but it made the shower feel much more spacious.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

gtcircus
6 years ago
I lost the tub in my bathroom remodel of the master for a two person shower. As long as you have a tub in the house you are fine.
User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
A 20K project like that needs professional design involvement. And that is if the only thing you touch is the tub and shower. Hire a Kitchen and Bath Designer.
Related Professionals
Westbury Interior Designers & Decorators · Spring Valley Architects & Building Designers · Taylors Architects & Building Designers · Clarksburg Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Pike Creek Valley Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Augusta Furniture & Accessories · Cedar Rapids Furniture & Accessories · Fort Wayne Furniture & Accessories · Miami Beach Furniture & Accessories · Ashburn General Contractors · Converse General Contractors · Conway General Contractors · DeKalb General Contractors · McPherson General Contractors · Medford General Contractors
Chris Carol
6 years ago
I'm wondering if Sophie thinks you could just update the tile in the area or would she advise doing a major remodel? I'm trying to decide the same type of issue in my master bath. I kind of like my whirlpool tub, but I know it dates our bathroom.
Yvonne Garbutt
6 years ago
We had a similar set up in the bathroom we recently remodelled, as in yours.

Replaced w a 60inch shower and a free standing tub.

If I were to do it again I would probably not go with a kit shower and do a tiled shower with glass walls instead, so as to have a wide shower. And we still could have gone with a larger soaker !
PRO
Flo Mangan
6 years ago
As soon as you touch the tub area you are into big remodel. Flooring will be impacted. Tiling changes. So, good you are asking now. Bathrooms are second only to kitchens in terms of cost to remodel. Proceed with professional assistance.
Ann Pohlkamp
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks for the feedback! All tile in this room will be ripped and replaced so I’m not worried about trying to remove just a portion. Most of the “bath designers” in my area seem to be design/build places and the quote I got at one was very high. My project will likely be a mix of DIY and skilled labor.
PRO
Flo Mangan
6 years ago
Just be realistic about what the overall project costs will be. Things you don’t see like plumbing, electricals and structural issues along with upgrading to current codes, are where many don’t realize place substantial costs into a project like this. You also need contingency dollars into your budget for unexpected problems when you open things up. Water damage to joists and long term build up of mold are common conditions. Be careful.
FutureDriven
5 years ago
My master bath looks almost exactly like this and we are trying to figure out how we want to make updates without doing a big Reno. We want to have all the tile replaced but plan to keep the layout. Is there anyway to update a bathroom and keep the tub? I would love to know what you guys decided to do!