Get matched with top tub and shower conversion pros in Markham, IL

The amount of space needed depends on the size of the shower. For the standard 32-by-32-inch walk-in shower, you’ll need about 50 square inches. The International Residential Code requires a minimum of 24 inches of space in front of a walk-in shower’s entrance. That said, the National Kitchen & Bath Association recommends 30 inches of clearance, which is a bit more comfortable for most people. 

Ideally, you’ll have enough room to open your doors and cabinets without interfering with your shower. This may not be possible in a smaller bathroom.

Yes, most bathrooms can be converted into a wet room, but the process often involves extensive renovations. Key requirements include having proper plumbing and the ability to slope the floor slightly for drainage. The conversion process typically requires removing the existing floors to install drainage, replacing drywall with waterproofed cement backer board, waterproofing the walls, and installing new fixtures to create an open, curbless shower space. A skilled home renovation professional can evaluate your bathroom to determine if it's a suitable candidate. It's also worth considering resale value; if you only have one bathroom, converting it to a wet room might not be ideal as many homebuyers prefer to have at least one bathtub.

Most shower arms are ½-inch national pipe thread (NPT). It’s best to check the thread size before buying a new shower arm or showerhead to ensure everything will fit together once you’re ready to install. Remember that older homes or those outside North America may not have standard pipe or thread sizes, which can complicate installation and make it more important to check the thread size before buying.

The cost to replace a showerhead varies depending on the model and whether you hire a professional. A new showerhead typically costs between $50 and $100, though high-end models with upgraded features can cost $300 or more.

For a DIY installation, you can expect to spend about $75 in total for the showerhead, tools, and supplies. If you hire a professional, labor costs are generally between $50 and $100. Some estimates place the total cost for labor and materials between $80 and $220, with an average project cost around $260.

The final price is influenced by factors such as the type of showerhead (e.g., a standard single-wall mount versus a luxurious model) and the number of showerheads being installed.