Itasca, IL
If you live near the Itasca Metra station or just off Irving Park Road (IL-19), you’ve probably seen how quickly bathrooms in older Itasca homes can start feeling dated—or unsafe. A Tub-to-Shower Conversion in Itasca is one of the fastest ways to remove a high tub wall, reduce slip risk, and modernize your bathroom with a properly waterproofed, code-compliant shower that’s easier to clean and easier to use.
In Itasca, we frequently convert alcove tubs in 1970s–1990s homes and townhomes into walk-in showers because homeowners want safer entry, better drainage, and a more modern look without a full gut remodel. Around areas near Spring Brook Nature Center and the neighborhoods west of Route 53, we also see bathrooms where aging caulk lines and failing tub surrounds allow moisture to reach drywall—turning a “simple refresh” into a must-fix conversion. Elk Grove Village Bathroom Remodel Contractors Pro focuses on tub removal and shower rebuilds that address water control from day one, not just aesthetics.
Our tub-to-shower process starts with protection and demo: we isolate the work area, remove the tub and old surround, then inspect studs, subfloor, and plumbing. We commonly rework the valve and riser to a modern pressure-balancing valve (ASSE 1016) and set a shower rough-in to match your new layout and height preferences. For waterproofing, we build a sloped shower base to the drain using a pre-sloped foam pan or a mortar bed (as site conditions require), then install a continuous waterproofing system (e.g., Schluter®-KERDI or Wedi® building panels) with sealed seams, corners, and penetrations. Tile is set with ANSI A118.4/A118.15 polymer-modified thinset, and grout options include stain-resistant epoxy for low-maintenance results.
Materials matter in Itasca where daily use and seasonal humidity can punish shortcuts. We recommend a solid-surface or cultured marble shower wall system for fast, low-joint cleaning, or a porcelain tile surround with a waterproof membrane behind it—never “tile on greenboard.” Drainage components are selected for performance and serviceability, using reputable named entities like Oatey® drains, Sioux Chief® supply connections, and Delta®/Moen® trim kits. We also incorporate safety upgrades such as a properly anchored stainless-steel grab bar, a linear or center drain matched to the pan, and a slip-resistant floor tile (DCOF-rated) where appropriate.
Our Itasca conversions are built to meet recognized best practices and applicable code requirements (including IPC/UPC principles for trap/venting and shower receptor waterproofing). We document waterproofing steps, perform flood testing when the system requires it, and use manufacturer-approved methods so product warranties stay intact. The outcome for Itasca homeowners is a shower that drains correctly, stays dry behind the walls, and looks like it belongs—clean lines, tight reveals, and long-term durability, whether you choose a frameless glass door, a pivot door, or a curtain-ready configuration.
A homeowner in the Itasca Country Club area had a 60" alcove tub with a cracked fiberglass surround and persistent musty odor after showers. The family’s main concern was safety for an aging parent who struggled stepping over the tub apron, plus the bathroom shared a wall with the hallway closet—so any leak risk needed to be eliminated. Elk Grove Village Bathroom Remodel Contractors Pro scheduled an in-home assessment, confirmed soft drywall at the valve wall, and used a moisture meter to map the affected area. We shut off water, removed the tub and surround, and found minor stud damage near the mixing valve from years of seepage. After replacing compromised blocking and adding solid backing for future grab bars, we updated the shower valve to an ASSE 1016 pressure-balancing unit and adjusted the showerhead height for comfortable use. For the rebuild, we installed a pre-sloped shower pan sized for the existing alcove, set a new drain assembly, and applied a complete Schluter®-KERDI waterproofing system with banded seams at all transitions. The homeowner chose large-format porcelain wall tile to minimize grout lines, set with ANSI A118.15 thinset, and an epoxy grout to resist staining. We finished with a low-threshold entry, a slip-resistant mosaic floor, a properly sealed glass door, and a stainless grab bar anchored into framing. Outcome: the bathroom went from a high-step tub to a safe walk-in shower with improved water control and easier daily cleaning. The homeowner reported the odor was gone, the shower drained faster than the old tub, and the family gained confidence that the closet wall would stay dry due to the continuous membrane waterproofing and documented installation steps.
We offer same-day service for most tub-to-shower conversion needs in Itasca. Our local team can typically arrive within hours of your call.
Serving Itasca from our Elk Grove Village location — Elk Grove Village Bathroom Remodel Contractors Pro is just a short drive away.
Schedule your free in-home design consultation today. Our licensed bathroom remodel contractors in Elk Grove Village will walk your space, listen to your vision, and give you an honest fixed-price quote — with no pressure and no hidden fees.
