Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Tub-to-Shower Renovation

If you’ve been planning to redo your tub to a shower remodel, it’s easy to get excited and rush into things without thinking everything through. Careful planning is essential, especially when you have a small bathroom, as a poor plan can lead to a ruined space and wasted money.   

Besides failing to plan thoroughly, several bathroom tub-to-shower conversion mistakes result in costly repairs, rework, and structural damage. Let’s discuss them in detail. 

Top 7 Mistakes To Avoid for A Tub-to-Shower Remodel

1. Keeping the Same Layout

Sticking with the current layout with a tub might seem easier, but it might not meet your needs anymore. For example, maybe you don’t have enough storage, and the tub is too small.

One of the best parts of remodeling is the chance to improve how everything works and looks. 

If moving the toilet or sink will make the shower place more functional, it’s worth spending a bit more to change the plumbing. You can also upgrade old fixtures, like getting a new, water-saving shower or better lighting.

2. Forgetting About Ventilation

Bathrooms get very humid, which can lead to mold and mildew such as those small black spots you might see on walls or tiles. That’s why it’s really important to have good ventilation.

To reduce moisture, install a bathroom fan or make sure there’s a window that can be opened. Also, use special mold-resistant paint and grout to help keep the bathroom cleaner longer.

A professional contractor for bathroom remodeling can help you figure out if your current air vents will work or if changes are needed. Just be aware that changing the ventilation setup might increase your remodeling costs, so plan carefully.

3. Getting the Wrong Materials

Some materials may look nice, but aren’t right for tub-to-shower conversion ideas. For example, marble looks fancy but stains easily and requires a lot of work to keep clean. 

As bathrooms get wet often, you need materials that can handle moisture.

Porcelain and ceramic are great choices for shower walls because they’re strong, waterproof, and easy to clean. For the floor, use tiles that are not too slippery but also not too rough, as rough tiles can collect dirt.

If you want heated floors, make sure the flooring you pick works with underfloor heating.

4. Forgetting Power Outlets

One common mistake when converting a tub to a shower is not adding enough power outlets. You’ll need them for things like hair dryers, razors, or electric toothbrushes. Skipping outlets can be frustrating later.

People sometimes leave them out to save money or avoid extra work. But a shower without enough outlets isn’t very useful.

Instead of using bulky power strips, you can install a pop-out outlet. These stay hidden in the wall and pop out when you need them which keeps things practical and neat.

5. Not Thinking Through Wall-Mounted Faucets

Wall-mounted faucets can look stylish and save space, especially in smaller bathrooms. However, they must be carefully planned for tub-to-shower remodel ideas. If not installed properly, they may leak. 

Also, these faucets usually need changes to the plumbing, which can be expensive. Make sure the spout isn’t too high or too low for a bathtub spout shower attachment.

6. Not Thinking About Drainage

It’s not just about how nice your bathroom looks—it also needs to work well. One of the most important things is having good drainage.

If water doesn’t drain properly, it can cause big problems. Water can damage your floors, walls, and more. Sometimes, the damage happens slowly, and you won’t even see it. This hidden moisture can lead to mold, which is unhealthy and hard to get rid of.

To avoid these issues, make sure your bathroom has a well-planned drainage system and that everything is installed the right way. It can save you a lot of money and trouble in the future.

7. Not Using Enough Types of Lighting

Since many people get ready in the bathroom, good lighting is really important. But just one light—like a ceiling light or one above the mirror—is usually not enough, even in a small bathroom.

To make sure everything is well-lit, you need to use different types of lighting. Start with a main light for general brightness (called ambient lighting). 

Then add lights near the mirror, like wall sconces, to help with tasks like putting on makeup. You can also add small lights to highlight special features, like artwork or pretty tiles.

Using a mix of lighting makes your bathroom both useful and pleasant to be in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the disadvantages of having a bathtub?

Bathtubs use a lot of water, and it takes more energy to heat that water. This means higher water and energy bills. Plus, a lot of water can go to waste. Showers usually use less water because you can turn them on and off as needed, which helps save money and resources.

What is the hardest part of a bathroom renovation?

The most difficult parts of remodeling a bathroom are things like moving pipes (plumbing), changing the layout, rewiring for lights or outlets, figuring out where to place the water heater, leveling the floor, and installing shower doors. These parts often cause the most problems and take the most time and effort.

Is it a good idea to replace a bathtub with a shower?

Yes, especially if you rarely use the bathtub. Just make sure the shower you choose doesn’t take up too much space. Picking a smaller, compact shower is a smart move if you're trying to make the bathroom more practical.