Start with how the room is used
- Small children generally make a tub worth keeping somewhere in the house
- Adults who genuinely bathe — not aspirationally — are a reason to keep one
- A tub used only to hold cleaning supplies is not being used
- Difficulty stepping over the wall is a functional argument for conversion, well before it becomes an accessibility one
The resale question, honestly
The commonly repeated advice is that removing a tub hurts resale. The more accurate version is that removing every tub from a home can narrow the buyer pool in family-oriented neighbourhoods — which describes much of Meridian, Kuna and Star. If a hall bath keeps its tub, converting the primary suite is rarely raised as a concern.
What you gain, and what it costs to get it
Removing a corner garden tub typically returns enough width for a shower with a bench and a second tiled wall. Removing a standard 60-inch alcove tub gives a 60-inch shower. But the wall opens either way: the tub drain and overflow are removed, the drain is converted or relocated, and the valve usually moves up. That is why a conversion is priced as a wet-area rebuild rather than as a fixture replacement.
| Existing | Typical result | Main variable |
|---|---|---|
| Corner garden tub | Large shower with bench and niche | Drain relocation distance |
| 60-inch alcove tub | 60-inch shower with fixed glass panel | Valve height and wall repair |
| Tub deck in a large primary suite | Curbless shower or freestanding tub with surround | Floor structure and drain position |
This guide reflects general construction practice and is educational. It is not a substitute for manufacturer instructions, adopted building codes, or the requirements of your local building authority. Verify anything affecting permits, code compliance or product warranties before relying on it.
Frequently asked questions
Sources and verification
- Manufacturer specifications for tub, pan and valve rough-in dimensions.
- Tile Council of North America (TCNA) Handbook — shower receptor methods relevant to conversions.
- Local building department plumbing permit requirements, confirmed per project.
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