Elk Grove Village, IL
A Tub-to-Shower Conversion is a targeted upgrade that replaces a rarely used tub with a shower built for everyday comfort, cleaning, and access. Elk Grove Village Bathroom Remodel Contractors Pro plans conversions around real jobsite conditions—plumbing rough-ins, waterproofing, and code clearance—using methods aligned with IRC requirements and manufacturer specifications.
Elk Grove Village Bathroom Remodel Contractors Pro is a licensed bathroom remodel contractor offering tub-to-shower conversion to homeowners in Elk Grove Village, IL. Our in-house team handles every trade — plumbing, electrical, tile, and finish — so your project stays on schedule and on budget. Free in-home design consultation.
A Tub-to-Shower Conversion typically involves removing the existing alcove tub, adjusting the drain and valve locations, and rebuilding the wet area with modern waterproofing and a shower base or mortar bed. We commonly use an oscillating multi-tool (for controlled drywall and backer-board cuts), a rotary hammer (for stubborn tile or mortar removal), and a laser level to keep the shower pan pitch and wall layout consistent. For watertight assemblies, we install Schluter-KERDI or a liquid-applied membrane such as RedGard, depending on the substrate and system compatibility.
This service solves problems that are specific to tubs—not general “bathroom remodel” issues. Many Elk Grove Village homes have a tub/shower combination with a short 12–14 inch tub apron that makes stepping in risky, especially when the enamel is worn or the tub floor is slick. Older set-ups often include galvanized steel or cast-iron drain assemblies, a mixed-metal transition at the P-trap, and a valve that’s not pressure-balanced; we address these by replacing the trap arm where accessible and installing a pressure-balancing valve that meets ASSE 1016. If hidden moisture is present behind tile, we verify framing condition and rebuild with cement backer board or a compatible waterproof backer, reducing the chance of future mold growth.
Our tub-to-shower remodel approach is methodical and inspection-ready. First we protect floors, isolate the work area, and complete demolition to expose the plumbing and studs; then we verify drain position and venting, and confirm the shower footprint meets clearance and curb/threshold needs. Next we rough-in plumbing with copper, PEX (where allowed and appropriate), and new shutoffs, followed by a flood test for the shower receptor when the system calls for it. After that we install the shower base (acrylic, solid-surface, or mortar bed), build the waterproofing system (Schluter-KERDI or RedGard with proper mil thickness), and complete tile setting with a polymer-modified thinset such as MAPEI or Custom Building Products; finally we grout, seal where required, set trim, and apply 100% silicone at all change-of-plane joints per Tile Council of North America (TCNA) guidance.
Materials and standards matter more in a conversion because you’re turning a tub alcove into a continuously wet environment. We build assemblies that follow TCNA methods (such as B421/B422-type waterproof wall systems) and select ANSI-rated setting materials (e.g., ANSI A118.4/A118.10 mortars and membranes). For grout, we often recommend an epoxy grout like LATICRETE for reduced staining in daily-use showers, along with a properly sloped receptor (industry target is 1/4 inch per foot) to move water to the drain. Where glass is included, we specify tempered safety glass meeting ANSI Z97.1 and use stainless fasteners to resist corrosion.
Elk Grove Village homes—especially mid-century ranches and split-level properties near Busse Woods and the Elk Grove Technology Park corridor—often have original tub/shower alcoves with older plumbing and dated wall surrounds. Our Tub-to-Shower Conversion work accounts for local inspection expectations and the realities of Chicagoland seasonal humidity, which can aggravate grout and caulk failures if waterproofing is skipped. We plan conversions to suit common Elk Grove Village bathroom footprints, coordinate permit/inspection steps when plumbing is altered, and build shower assemblies that manage water reliably for daily use in Illinois homes.
When you hire Elk Grove Village Bathroom Remodel Contractors Pro for tub-to-shower conversion in Elk Grove Village, you get a dedicated project manager, licensed in-house trades, a fixed-price quote upfront, and a lifetime workmanship warranty. We've completed hundreds of bathroom remodels across Elk Grove Village and know exactly how to navigate local building codes, permits, and HOA requirements.
Tub-to-Shower Conversion pricing in Elk Grove Village commonly ranges from about $6,500 to $18,000+, depending on the scope and the existing conditions behind the tub. Cost drivers include: (1) waterproofing system type (sheet membrane like Schluter-KERDI vs. liquid membrane like RedGard), (2) shower base choice (acrylic pan vs. custom mortar bed), (3) tile coverage and tile material (porcelain, natural stone, mosaic), (4) plumbing changes (moving the drain, replacing the valve to ASSE 1016, updating old galvanized lines), (5) framing or subfloor repairs from hidden moisture, and (6) additions such as a niche, bench, or glass enclosure. A site visit is the only way to confirm whether the conversion is mostly “swap and waterproof” or requires structural/plumbing remediation.
Most Tub-to-Shower Conversion projects take about 5 to 10 working days from demolition to final caulk, assuming materials are on hand and there are no hidden repairs. Timelines extend when the job includes subfloor replacement, framing repairs, custom tile layouts, or inspections that require scheduling. Cure times also matter: thinset, grout, and 100% silicone need proper drying/curing before the shower is put into regular use.
In many cases, a permit is required when the conversion includes plumbing modifications (valve replacement, drain relocation, supply-line changes) or electrical work (new fan, lighting, or GFCI updates). Elk Grove Village follows Illinois-based plumbing and building requirements, and permit needs can vary by the exact scope and what is being altered. If your project involves changing the plumbing rough-in or adding/relocating fixtures, plan on permitting and inspection so the work aligns with current code and safety standards.
Common signs that a tub-to-shower conversion is the right fit include: (1) the tub is rarely used and mainly serves as a shower, (2) you’re stepping over a high tub apron and want a lower entry point, (3) persistent caulk failure or loose tile at the tub line suggests water intrusion behind the wall, (4) the tub surface is worn, cracked, or difficult to keep clean, (5) the existing valve lacks pressure-balancing control (temperature swings), and (6) there’s evidence of moisture damage—soft drywall, swelling trim, or mildew odor—around the tub/shower surround. A site evaluation can confirm whether the issue is surface-level or requires a full waterproofing rebuild.
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.
