How much does a Bath Fitter tub to shower conversion cost?
How Much Does a Bath Fitter Tub to Shower Conversion Cost in 2024? The Ultimate Guide
Hey there! I‘m Lillie, a home improvement expert here to provide you with a comprehensive guide on Bath Fitter tub to shower conversions. Converting your tub can be a confusing process, but I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know, from costs to comparisons, so you can make the best decision for your home renovation project. Let‘s dive in!
What is Bath Fitter?
Just to get us on the same page, Bath Fitter is one of the largest bathroom remodeling companies in North America. Instead of completely tearing out your old tub and shower surround for a full remodel, Bath Fitter installs a seamless, one-piece acrylic tub and wall surround right over your existing fixtures. This allows them to convert your bathroom in as little as one day!
Bath Fitter offers these quick tub-to-shower conversions as an alternative to lengthier and more invasive remodeling projects. Their custom-fit surrounds are available in a variety of colors and styles to match your bathroom aesthetic.
Cost Factors for a Bath Fitter Tub-to-Shower Conversion
The total cost of your Bath Fitter conversion will depend on a few key factors:
Size of Your Existing Bathtub
Larger tubs will require more materials and labor to install the surround. Bath Fitter offers sizes based on standard tub dimensions:
- 60” tub surrounds: $2,700 – $4,200
- 66” tub surrounds: $3,100 – $4,700
- 72” tub surrounds: $3,400 – $5,200
Type of Surround
Bath Fitter has different surround options including:
- Smooth acrylic surrounds in white or bisque
- Textured “Subway Tile” look surrounds
- Surrounds with shelving, seats, grab bars, etc.
Upgraded styles and accessories will increase costs. For example, their “Quartz” textured surrounds start around $3,500, while an acrylic surround with a built-in seat may cost $4,800+.
Shower Fixtures
Items like showerheads, faucets, and drains will add to your total project cost. Bath Fitter offers standard and premium hardware options. Upgrading to higher end shower fixtures can add $500-$1,000.
Labor Costs
Local labor costs influence pricing. Installations in areas with higher wages for contractors will be more expensive.
Special Installation Needs
If your existing tub or walls need reinforcement, re-plumbing, or other modifications before installation, this can add complexity and costs. Simple, straightforward installs will be most affordable.
Here is an overview of average tub-to-shower conversion costs with Bath Fitter:
| Item | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Basic 60” Acrylic Surround | $2,700 – $3,500 |
| Basic 66” Acrylic Surround | $3,100 – $4,000 |
| Basic 72” Acrylic Surround | $3,400 – $4,500 |
| Upgraded Surround + Premium Fixtures | $4,500 – $6,500 |
| Complex Installation with Modifications | $8,000 – $10,000 |
As you can see, a basic conversion with standard tub surround and fixtures generally ranges from $2,700 – $4,500. Complex projects or high-end upgrades can cost $6,500+
How Much Does Bath Fitter Cost Compared to Traditional Remodeling?
Converting your existing tub with Bath Fitter offers a few advantages over a full tear-out remodeling project:
- Faster – Can be completed in 1 day instead of several weeks
- Less invasive – Avoids demolition mess and household disruption
- More affordable – Average of $3,000 – $5,000 vs. $5,000 – $12,000
- Easier maintenance with no grout or caulk
However, a full tub-to-shower remodel allows you to fully customize the layout and design. Bath Fitter’s surround sizes and styles are more limited.
Here is a cost comparison of a basic tub-to-shower conversion:
| Project | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Bath Fitter Conversion | $2,700 – $4,500 |
| Full Remodel | $5,000 – $12,000 |
As you can see, converting with Bath Fitter can potentially save you thousands compared to a complete tear-out renovation.
What Does the Bath Fitter Process Look Like?
Okay, now that we’ve got the costs covered, let’s quickly walk through what the Bath Fitter installation process entails:
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Consultation – A Bath Fitter representative will visit your home to assess your existing tub and bathroom space. They will recommend options and provide a price quote.
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Custom Manufacturing – Once you select a surround, they will custom-build an acrylic liner and walls to your tub’s dimensions.
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Installation – On installation day, the old tub is prepped and the new surround fitted into place over top of the existing tub. The entire process generally takes one day.
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Use – After curing time for sealants, the converted shower is ready to use! Bath Fitter provides a limited lifetime warranty on the installation.
Bath Fitter requires no demolition or remodeling of plumbing, walls, or flooring – just directly installing a surround over your old tub. Minimal mess and disruption!
What Do Customers Say About Bath Fitter?
Bath Fitter has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and overall positive customer feedback online. Here are a few benefits that get highlighted:
- Durable and easy to clean acrylic surrounds
- Affordable compared to remodeling
- Quick, one day installation
- Improved accessibility with walk-in showers
However, some downsides mentioned by customers include:
- Surrounds only come in set sizes – may not fit your tub perfectly
- Lack of full customization compared to remodeling
- Some variability in local installer quality
What About Competitors Like Re-Bath and Bath Planet?
Bath Fitter is one of the largest and most recognized brands, but isn’t your only option. Re-Bath and Bath Planet offer similar quick tub-to-shower conversion services.
Re-Bath uses a patented acrylic “DuraBath” system and provides complementary in-home design consultations. Bath Planet uses a molded polymer surround and offers guaranteed lifetime warranties.
Both Re-Bath and Bath Planet cost approximately $3,000 to $6,000 for a basic tub-to-shower conversion. Re-Bath leans slightly more affordable for standard installs, while Bath Planet promotes premium materials and guarantees. Overall, both offer cost structures similar to Bath Fitter.
My Take – Bath Fitter Offers a Convenient, Affordable Tub Conversion Option
At the end of the day, Bath Fitter provides a great option for upgrading your tub without the mess and extended timeline of a full remodel. Their tub-to-shower conversions can be done in a day for $2,500 to $5,000, saving you time and money.
If full customization or layout changes are important, a remodeling contractor may be better. But for a fast and easy upgrade, Bath Fitter is worth considering. Their positive reputation and limited lifetime warranty also add peace of mind.
I hope this overview gives you a clear sense of what to budget and expect for a Bath Fitter conversion. Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to help.