Removing A Tub to Create a Large Shower

One of the most common requests we get when remodeling master bathrooms is to remove a large garden tub and replace it with a larger shower. That was the main change in this design and what a difference it made!

Removing the tub allowed us to install a large, walk-in shower with two showerheads. A new window added plenty of light while still offering privacy as well. The homeowners (with some help from our designer, Kristi) got creative with the tile and it came out beautiful.

We also replaced their vanity, adding storage and a seating area for applying makeup. We also added some toe kick lights for accents and some new vanity lights to brighten the room up.

Removing the Tub – Before and After

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Cost Increases

Removing a tub is pretty simple and the budget for this bathroom was pretty accurate. The original Good Better Best budget was just under $69,000. After all the design work was done the fixed-price proposal came out just a little bit less than the original budget.

During the project, the homeowner did request a change. They decided to replace the large window in the shower area. This added about $1300 to the cost of the project.

Cost Breakdown

Scope Of Work

This project is what we call a gut renovation with some layout changes. The main change being removing a tub to create a large, barrier-free shower.

We also replaced all the flooring, removed a popcorn ceiling, updated the electric, and installed a new vanity and countertop.

Selections

Cabinets

The homeowner chose Bellmont Cabinetry from our “better” cabinet line. Bellmont is the premier maker of frameless cabinets in the US.

They chose the Tivoli Door style with a painted finish in a color called pepper. Teh cabinet pulls are from Richelieu.

We also added a docking drawer to their vanity. This a great way to add a plug to a drawer to make storing things like hair dryers more convenient.

Counters

Countertops are from Cambria (our favorite quartz manufacturer). The color is called Smithfield. The tops are 3CM thick with a square edge profile on the top and bottom. There were installed by Tim Peachey from Southern Tops.

Lighting

We installed simple bar lights over the vanity. One 45″ over the sink and another 15″ over the seated area. We also added sconce lights in the seated area for extra light.

There are two bath fans in this project. A Fan/Light/Heater combo over the shower bench and a simpler fan/light in the toilet room.

We also added a toe kick light for an accent. Toe kick lights also make great night lights. Finally, we added a lighted makeup mirror.

Plumbing

Rather than install two sinks, which reduces storage space, we installed a single large sink with two faucets. The sink is a 33-inch wide porcelain sink from Chemcore.

The faucets are from Miseno and the toilet is the American Standard Cadet 3. It’s a skited toilet, which we love because it makes cleaning so much easier.

The shower has two shower heads and two valves so they can adjust their own temperature and pressure settings.

Flooring and Tile

Easily our favorite part of the bath is the shower tile.  The main wall tile is a 3D tile from Bedrosians called Donna Wave Deco. The accent tile on the wet wall is from Emser tile and is called Azul Gloss.

The bath floor tile is also from Bedrosian. It’s a large, 24″x24″ tile called Metro Long Island. Because the shower is barrier-free and has a linear drain we were able to use the same tile on the shower floor as on the bath floor.

Paint

The wall color is Benjamin Moore Snowbound. The doors and trim are done in High Reflective White from Sherman Williams.

Trade Partners

We’ve been developing relationships with quality trade partners for years. We tend to use the same subcontractors because we trust their work and have developed a great working relationship with them. This helps projects run smoother.

Carpentry: Murrane Improvements

Shower and Flooring: Tien Le Tile

Painting: Mayfield Painting