Arvada Local

Bathtub or Shower Conversion in Arvada

Veteran-owned remodeling with upfront pricing, zero hidden fees, and 17 years of Colorado experience.

Call Tim (720) 819-5919 4.8 from 20 Google reviews

Request an estimate

Tell us what you need

drain and plumbing work work, illustration in Arvada, CO

Arvada Tub-to-Shower Conversions That Actually Fit Your Life

Remodel Pro Colorado handles bathtub or shower conversions in Arvada for homeowners who want a bathroom that works better every day, not just one that looks updated. If you've got a tub you haven't used in two years, a shower that's cramped, or a bathroom that makes aging in place harder than it should be, that's exactly the kind of problem we solve. Tim Overhultz has 17 years of remodeling experience in Jefferson County, 4.8 stars across 20 Google reviews, and a veteran-owned operation built on honest upfront pricing with zero hidden fees. Call (720) 819-5919 to get a free, no-pressure estimate.

What drives the cost of a conversion isn't the tub or shower itself. It's what's behind the walls. Moving a drain is straightforward in some homes and genuinely complicated in others, depending on joist direction, existing plumbing lines, and whether there's access from below. Reusing the current footprint keeps costs down. Relocating drains, repairing water-damaged subflooring, moving walls, or choosing custom glass all push the investment higher. Colorado homes built between the 1950s and 1980s, which are common in and around Arvada, often have plumbing and framing configurations that differ from newer construction, so a proper assessment before demo matters. We won't start demolition without a clear scope. Every job is different, so contact Remodel Pro Colorado for an accurate estimate.

Modern walk-in shower with black-framed glass enclosure and marble tile flooring installed by Remodel Pro Colorado in Arvada

Start With How the Bathroom Is Actually Used

The right conversion decision comes from daily habits, not showroom trends.

A bathtub or shower conversion can change how your bathroom remodeling project plays out for years. The right choice isn't simply about following a trend. It's about who uses the room, how long you plan to stay in the home, the condition of the existing plumbing, and whether the new layout solves a real frustration. For many Arvada homeowners, an unused tub becomes floor space that a walk-in shower would use far better. A larger shower footprint creates room for a bench, recessed niches, a handheld showerhead, and glass doors that keep the space feeling open. Those aren't luxury add-ons. They make a shower more comfortable and genuinely easier to clean. A tub still matters in some homes. If children are in the house, or if you're one of two bathrooms away from being tub-free, keeping one makes sense for resale and daily function. We'll tell you honestly which direction serves you better, even if that means a smaller scope of work.

Conversion Options

What a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Involves

From the existing alcove footprint to waterproofing, here's what the work actually covers.

Demo and Assessment

Removing the old tub reveals what's underneath. Water-stained drywall, soft subflooring, and failed waterproofing are common findings in older homes. These get corrected before any new material goes in.

floor slope and waterproofing work, illustration in Arvada, CO

Drain and Plumbing Work

The existing drain location may work for your new shower layout, or it may need to be moved. That decision depends on joist location, pipe direction, and the fixture you're installing. We assess before we commit.

Floor Slope and Waterproofing

A shower floor needs proper slope toward the drain and a continuous waterproof membrane behind the tile. Skipping either one is how leaks form behind walls. Neither step is optional on our jobs.

Tile and Wall Surround

Porcelain tile is a durable, low-maintenance choice for shower walls and floors. Larger wall formats reduce grout lines. Mosaic tile adds traction on the floor. See our tile installation page for material details.

Glass and Enclosure

Clear glass opens the room visually but shows water spots quickly. Frameless enclosures read as high-end. A well-built framed option suits a tighter budget. The right choice depends on the room's layout, ventilation, and how much maintenance you want.

Fixtures and Accessories

Valve replacement, showerhead selection, and built-in niches are part of the planning conversation, not surprises at the end. See our fixture replacement service for the full scope of hardware upgrades we handle.

Aging in Place

Accessibility Features Worth Building In

If aging in place is part of the reason you're converting, the design decisions matter more than the finish level. A low-threshold entry removes the step that becomes a tripping hazard. A built-in bench means you don't need a separate shower chair. A handheld showerhead adds flexibility whether you're recovering from a knee replacement or just washing a dog. Slip-resistant tile on the shower floor is a practical choice regardless of age. Grab bar blocking, which means installing a solid backing inside the wall during the remodel so you can add grab bars later without opening the wall again, is cheap to do now and expensive to retrofit. We build it in by default when a client mentions long-term plans. Medicare doesn't cover tub-to-shower conversions, and no program we're aware of provides free walk-in showers to Arvada homeowners. If a contractor is leading with that angle, ask for the paperwork before you commit. We focus on building a shower that actually fits how you live, priced honestly from the start.

Plan Around the Structure, Not Just the Finish

Three things we confirm before demolition starts, every time.

Measure the Existing Footprint

The tub alcove is often generous enough to become a full-width shower without moving any walls. We take actual measurements and confirm whether the layout works before discussing fixtures or tile.

Assess What's Behind the Walls

Older Arvada homes can hide water damage, undersized framing, and outdated valves behind the surround. We identify structural issues first so they're in the scope, not a surprise mid-job.

Confirm Plumbing and Permit Requirements

Arvada falls under Jefferson County building codes, and a tub-to-shower conversion typically requires a permit when plumbing or structural work is involved. We handle the permit process and schedule inspections, so the work is done to code from the start.

tile and wall surround work, illustration in Arvada, CO

Work With a Contractor Who Plans Before Demolition

Moving a drain, for example, may be straightforward in one home and more involved in another. The answer depends on the location of joists, the direction of plumbing lines, access from below, and whether the existing drain size supports the new fixture. A shower conversion may also require proper floor slope and waterproofing details that cannot be skipped. Older homes around Arvada and the broader Denver metro were often built with plumbing stacks and joist directions that don't cooperate with a simple drain relocation. We assess that before giving you a scope, not after we've torn out the floor. If the work is more involved than the initial walkthrough suggested, you hear about it before we proceed, not on the invoice. Ask any contractor for a detailed scope of work that covers demolition, material allowances, plumbing changes, waterproofing, tile work, fixture installation, cleanup, and the process for handling unforeseen conditions. That document is how you compare proposals fairly. We provide it every time, in writing, before work starts. Remodel Pro Colorado is a veteran-owned business serving Arvada and the Denver metro. Tim Overhultz runs every project, which means the person you meet for the estimate is the person accountable for the outcome. No subcontracting the work out after the contract is signed.

Materials

Choosing Materials That Hold Up in Colorado

Colorado's dry climate affects how grout, sealant, and stone perform over time.

Porcelain Tile

Dense, moisture-resistant, and available in formats from 4-inch subway to 24-inch slabs. It's the most practical shower wall and floor material for Colorado's humidity swings. Fewer grout lines mean less maintenance.

Natural Stone

Stone can look exceptional, but Colorado's low humidity causes some stone types to dry out and require more frequent sealing than homeowners expect. It's not a bad choice, but go in knowing the maintenance commitment.

Grout and Sealant

Grout in a dry climate can crack at the joints as materials expand and contract seasonally. Epoxy grout is more resistant than cement-based for shower floors. Sealant at transitions needs periodic inspection, especially in older homes with minor settling.

Glass Enclosures

Hard water from Front Range municipal supplies can etch glass over time. A treated glass coating and consistent squeegee use extend the life of a clear glass enclosure. Textured or low-iron glass is an alternative worth discussing.

Our standard

How We Handle Every Conversion

What every Remodel Pro Colorado conversion includes, from the first call to final walkthrough.

Tim OverhultzOwner, Remodel Pro Colorado

Written scope before demolition starts
No surprises mid-job. The scope covers demo, plumbing, waterproofing, tile, fixtures, and cleanup.
Permit pulled and inspections scheduled
Arvada conversions involving plumbing changes require permits. We handle the paperwork and coordinate inspections.
Structural issues corrected, not covered up
Water-stained drywall, soft subflooring, and outdated valves get fixed before new finishes go on.
Upfront pricing, zero hidden fees
17 years of honest workmanship, 4.8 stars on Google, and a veteran-owned reputation that depends on straight dealing.

Conversion Questions We Hear Most Often

Do I need a permit for a tub-to-shower conversion in Arvada?

Generally, yes. If the conversion involves any plumbing changes, drain relocation, or structural modifications, Arvada requires a building permit under Jefferson County code. Remodel Pro Colorado pulls the permit, schedules the inspection, and makes sure the work passes. Skipping the permit is a risk that shows up at resale when buyers run a permit history.

How long does a tub-to-shower conversion typically take?

A straightforward conversion using the existing drain location and footprint usually takes three to five days of active work, plus time for inspections and any required curing periods. Moving a drain or repairing significant structural damage adds time. We give you a realistic timeline in the written scope before demo starts, and we don't pad it.

Can you work around my existing plumbing, or will it need to be moved?

It depends on where the drain sits relative to the new shower footprint and the direction of the floor joists. Many Arvada homes, especially those built in the 1960s through 1980s, have drain positions that work well for a standard conversion without relocation. We assess the actual plumbing before quoting drain work, so you're not paying for a move that isn't necessary.

What materials hold up best in Colorado's dry climate?

Porcelain tile is the most durable and lowest-maintenance choice for shower walls and floors in Colorado. It handles humidity swings better than natural stone, which can dry out and require more frequent sealing at altitude. For grout, epoxy formulations resist cracking at joints better than standard cement-based grout, particularly in older homes with minor seasonal movement.

What's the difference between a basic conversion and an aging-in-place shower?

An aging-in-place shower includes specific functional details: a low or curbless entry threshold, a built-in bench, grab bar blocking inside the wall framing, a handheld showerhead, and slip-resistant floor tile. These don't require a medical diagnosis or a special program. They're practical decisions built into the design from the start, and they're significantly cheaper to include during the remodel than to retrofit later.

How much bathroom access will I lose during the conversion?

For a single-bathroom home, plan on five to seven days without a functional shower or tub in that space. For a home with a second bathroom, the disruption is easier to manage. We sequence the work to minimize the window where nothing is usable, and we're on-site consistently during the project, Monday through Friday, so there are no long gaps waiting on us.

Should I keep at least one bathtub in my home?

For most homes with multiple bathrooms, keeping one tub somewhere in the house is worth considering. Buyers with young children still look for at least one tub, and removing every tub can narrow your buyer pool at resale. If you have two or more bathrooms, converting one tub to a shower while keeping a tub elsewhere is a reasonable balance of daily function and long-term home value.

Ready to Convert Your Tub to a Shower in Arvada?

Call Tim directly at (720) 819-5919 or fill out the contact form for a free, written estimate.

Request an estimate Call (720) 819-5919

Next step

Tell us about the job

Your name, your number and what needs doing. A person from Remodel Pro Colorado gets back to you.

Rather talk now?(720) 819-5919