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Shower-to-Tub Conversion in Houston, TX
Want a bathtub where your shower is now? Brito Remodel & Construction converts shower stalls into full bathtubs for Houston homeowners. That includes standard alcove tubs, tub-shower combos, deep soaking tubs, and accessible walk-in tubs. We handle every part of the job: shower removal, plumbing and drain changes (including cutting the concrete slab when needed), the new tub, a waterproofed tile surround, fixtures, and permits.
Brito started in 2014 as a bathroom remodeling company, and bathroom remodeling in Houston is still the core of what we do. Owner Nelson Lopez supervises every project personally. You’ll get an itemized written estimate before any work begins, so you know exactly what’s included and what it costs.
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Why Houston Homeowners Convert a Shower Back to a Tub
Many Houston homes were remodeled during the walk-in shower trend, and some ended up with no bathtub at all. For the families living in them now, that can be a real problem. These are the reasons we hear most often:
Bath time for young kids: Bathing a toddler in a shower stall is hard. One tub in the house solves it.
Resale value: Most buyers, especially families, want at least one bathtub in the home. A house with only showers can lose buyers before they visit. The usual approach is a tub-shower combo in the hall or guest bath and a walk-in shower in the primary bath.
A place to soak: A deep soaking tub offers relief for sore muscles and a real way to unwind, and a shower can’t do that.
Safer bathing as you age: Walk-in tubs have a low step-in door, a built-in seat, and grab bars. They let older homeowners bathe safely and stay in their homes longer.
If your house has no bathtub, or the only one is in a bathroom you rarely use, a shower-to-tub conversion adds that option back.
Bathtub Options for Your Shower-to-Tub Conversion
The right tub depends on your space, how you’ll use it, and your budget. We’ll bring measurements and options to your in-home visit. Here’s how the main types compare:
Alcove Tub / Tub-Shower Combo
The most popular choice for hall and guest baths. A 60-inch tub sits between three walls, with a showerhead and a diverter valve above it, so you can both bathe and shower in the same space. It’s also the most budget-friendly option. Already have a tub that just needs updating? See our tub remodeling services.
Deep Soaking Tub
Deeper than a standard tub, so water covers your shoulders. Soaking tubs come in alcove, drop-in, and freestanding styles, including compact Japanese-style models for smaller footprints.
Freestanding Tub
A statement piece for primary bathrooms with enough floor space. Freestanding tub installation needs a floor-mounted drain and often a floor-mounted tub filler, so plumbing placement matters.
Walk-In Tub
An accessible bathtub with a watertight door, a low threshold, a built-in seat, and grab bars. Many models include a handheld shower. It’s a good fit for aging in place or for anyone with limited mobility.
Tub materials: Acrylic is lightweight, warm to the touch, and easy to repair, and it’s our most common recommendation. Fiberglass is the lowest-cost option but less durable. Cast iron with porcelain enamel lasts for decades and holds heat well, but it’s very heavy. Enameled steel falls between them in price.
What's Involved in a Shower-to-Tub Conversion
A shower-to-tub conversion is more than setting a tub in place. Here’s what’s included:
Plumbing & Drain Check
We confirm whether your current drain location and water supply lines work for a tub, or need to be moved. The tub drain, waste and overflow, and the valve height are all different from a shower's.
Shower Removal & Demolition
We remove the shower enclosure, glass doors, shower pan or base, and wall tile down to the studs, then haul everything away.
Framing & Floor Prep
A filled tub can weigh several hundred pounds, especially cast iron. We check the subfloor or concrete slab, level the floor, and frame the alcove so the tub flange sits securely. If your floor needs updating too, we can install matching bathroom tile flooring at the same time.
Tub Installation
We set the new tub level, connect the drain trap and the waste and overflow, and test for leaks before the walls are closed.
Waterproofing & Tub Surround
We install cement board with a waterproof membrane behind the tub surround. Then we finish the walls in ceramic tile, porcelain tile, natural stone, or an acrylic or solid-surface surround panel.
Fixtures & Finishing
We install the tub spout, tub faucet, shower valve with anti-scald protection, showerhead or handheld shower, and a shower curtain rod or glass door. Then we finish the grout, silicone sealant, and caulking.
How Much Does a Shower-to-Tub Conversion Cost in Houston?
Across the U.S., most shower-to-bathtub conversions cost about $3,000 to $10,000. Simple projects land near the low end, while jobs that move plumbing through a concrete slab or use premium tubs and tile cost more. Here’s what drives the price:
| Cost factor | Typical range |
|---|---|
| The bathtub itself (acrylic to cast iron; walk-in tubs cost more) | $500 – $3,500+ |
| Shower valve & water supply line changes | $700 – $1,200 |
| Drain relocation through a concrete slab | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Permits (when plumbing is moved) | $100 – $500 |
| Tub surround: acrylic panels vs. tile vs. natural stone | Varies widely by material and wall area |
Ranges reflect typical market pricing, not a quote. We give you exact numbers after inspecting your plumbing.
Why Houston conversions can cost more: Most Houston homes are built on a concrete slab foundation. A shower drain sits in a different spot than a tub drain, so moving it usually means cutting into the slab, rerouting the drain line, and patching the concrete. That single step is the biggest swing in both cost and timeline. We check it during your free in-home estimate.
Is it cheaper to install a tub or a shower? A standard tub is usually cheaper than a custom tiled shower. The tub itself costs less than building a shower pan and a large glass enclosure. What makes a shower-to-tub conversion more expensive is the plumbing work, not the tub.
Don’t forget your water heater: A standard tub holds 40 to 50 gallons, but a deep soaking tub can need 60 to 80 gallons or more. Older 40-gallon water heaters in many Houston homes may not fill a large soaker with hot water. We’ll check yours before you choose a tub.
Built for Houston Homes: Slabs, Humidity & Permits
Concrete slab foundations: Most Houston homes sit on a slab, so drain relocation takes careful concrete cutting and patching. Pier-and-beam homes, like many older homes in the Heights and Timbergrove, let us reroute drains from underneath instead, which is often simpler.
Houston humidity: Gulf Coast humidity makes waterproofing critical. Every tub surround we build gets cement backer board, a waterproof membrane, and properly sealed seams to prevent leaks, mold, mildew, and hidden water damage. We also check that your bathroom ventilation fan actually vents moisture out of the home.
Permits and inspections: Moving plumbing usually requires a permit. Inside Houston city limits, permits go through the Houston Permitting Center. Cities like Bellaire, West University Place, and the Memorial Villages have their own building departments. We pull the right permit and schedule inspections as part of the project.
Our Process
Our Shower-to-Tub Conversion Process
You Reach Out
Tell us what you’re hoping to add and why, whether it’s bath time for the kids, a soaking tub, a walk-in tub, or preparing the home for resale.
Phone Screening
We’ll ask about your current shower’s size and layout, and whether you want a tub-shower combo or a tub only.
Budget Check
We’ll ask for a ballpark budget so we can tell you honestly whether it fits the scope before we schedule a visit.
In-Home Visit
We measure the space, check the plumbing rough-in and drain location, look at your floor and slab, and show you which tubs will actually fit.
Written Estimate
You’ll get a detailed, itemized estimate by email the next day. It covers demolition, plumbing changes, the tub, the tub surround, fixtures, and permits.
Contract & Scheduling
Once you approve, we draft a contract with a clear payment schedule and lock in a start date. A down payment is due on day one, and the remaining payments are tied to project milestones.
Construction & Final Walkthrough
We remove the shower, complete any plumbing and framing work, pass required inspections, and install the tub, surround, and fixtures. Then we fill and drain the tub with you and check every finish detail before calling the job done.
Services Areas
Proudly Serving Houston & Nearby Communities
Brito Remodel & Construction is proud to serve homeowners throughout Houston and the surrounding communities. Wherever you’re located, our team brings the same owner-supervised, detail-focused approach to every project.
Don’t see your neighborhood listed? Contact us – we likely still serve your area.
Shower-to-Tub Conversion FAQs
How much does it cost to convert a shower to a tub in Houston?
Most shower-to-tub conversions cost about $3,000 to $10,000. The biggest factors are whether the drain has to move through your concrete slab, the type of tub, and the surround material. We give you exact numbers after an in-home inspection.
Can I convert my shower into a tub?
Almost always, yes. The main questions are whether the space fits a tub (a standard tub needs a 60-inch opening) and where your drain sits. We check both during your free estimate.
Can you put a bathtub in an existing shower space?
Yes. If your shower is at least 60 inches long, a standard alcove tub usually fits directly. Smaller showers can take a compact soaking tub, or we can borrow space from an adjacent closet or wall.
Is it cheaper to install a shower or a tub?
A standard tub is usually cheaper than a custom tiled walk-in shower. In a conversion, most of the cost comes from the plumbing work, especially moving a drain in a slab foundation, not from the tub itself.
Why can shower-to-tub conversions be expensive?
Tubs and showers use different drain locations, valve heights, and waterproofing. In Houston’s slab homes, moving the drain means cutting and patching concrete. Add framing, a waterproofed surround, fixtures, and permits, and the total adds up.
Does removing my only bathtub hurt resale value?
It can. Many buyers, especially families, want at least one bathtub in the home. If yours is shower-only, converting one bathroom, usually the hall or guest bath, back to a tub-shower combo can make the home appeal to more buyers.
How Long Does a Shower-to-Tub Conversion Take?
A straightforward conversion, where the existing plumbing lines up with the new tub, usually takes about a week. If the drain has to move through a concrete slab or the alcove needs reframing, expect extra time for concrete work and inspections. Tile surrounds also take longer than acrylic panels. You’ll get a realistic timeline in your written estimate, based on your specific plumbing.
Will Medicare pay for a walk-in tub or shower-to-tub conversion?
Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover walk-in tubs or bathroom remodels. Some Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid waiver programs, and VA grants for eligible veterans may help with accessibility changes. Check with your plan or the VA directly.
What are the disadvantages of a walk-in tub?
You get in before the tub fills and wait for it to drain before you get out, so you sit in the tub for part of both. Walk-in tubs also cost more than standard tubs and often need more hot water. For some homeowners, a low-threshold shower with grab bars is the better choice. See our shower remodeling services.
What is the best material for a bathtub?
For most homes, acrylic offers the best balance of cost, comfort, and durability. Cast iron with porcelain enamel lasts longest and holds heat best, but it’s much heavier and costs more. Fiberglass is the budget option.
How does hiring a local contractor compare to Home Depot or Lowe's?
Big-box stores typically sell bath installation through third-party installers, and many focus on acrylic tub and wall systems. With Brito, the owner supervises your project from estimate to final walkthrough. We handle custom tile, slab plumbing, and permits under one contract, and you have one person to call with any question.
Can I still shower in the new tub?
Yes. Most homeowners choose a tub-shower combo with a diverter valve, showerhead or handheld shower, and a curtain or glass door. If a shower is what you’re moving away from, see our tub-to-shower conversion page.
Do I need a permit for a shower-to-tub conversion in Houston?
If plumbing is moved or modified, you’ll usually need a permit from the Houston Permitting Center or your city’s building department. We handle permits and inspections as part of the job.
Ready to Add a Bathtub Back to Your Home?
Whether you want bath time for the kids, a deep soak after work, a safer walk-in tub, or a stronger home for resale, a shower-to-tub conversion is a smart project when it’s planned right. Request your free in-home estimate and we’ll measure your space, check your plumbing, and show you which tubs fit.