Get matched with top bathtub replacement pros in Solomon, KS

While Medicare will pay for some bathroom modifications, it won’t pay for all modifications done to help make the room more accessible for older adults. Plus, the improvements must be approved in advance, or they won’t cover the upgrade. Check well in advance of construction if you have coverage for grab bars, walk-in tubs, wider doorways, higher toilets, and more.

There are several ways to save money on a bathroom remodel through proper planning and savvy design strategies. To reduce costs, consider the following:

• Purchase your own materials: Buy your own bathroom fixtures, hardware, and other materials to avoid contractor upcharges and delivery fees.

• Shop smart for big-ticket items: Save on pricey items like tiles and tubs by shopping sales and at discount stores.

• Avoid major layout changes: Keep plumbing in its current location. Opt to replace fixtures rather than moving them to avoid significant renovation work.

• Focus on high-impact, low-cost updates: Make affordable but impactful smaller changes, such as upgrading hardware, installing new lighting, and adding stylish but economical accessories.

• DIY where possible: Handle easier parts of the remodel yourself, like painting or installing light fixtures, to save on labor costs.

• Time your remodel strategically: Consider remodeling in the spring, which tends to be a lower-demand time of year and may result in lower costs.

Whether replacing a bathtub with a shower affects your home's value depends on several factors, with the most significant being whether it's the only tub in the house. Removing the sole bathtub can lower a home's value because many prospective buyers, particularly families with young children or pets, require at least one.

However, a tub-to-shower conversion can also increase home value. A modern walk-in shower is often seen as an upgrade in a secondary bathroom and can be a desirable feature for its accessibility and style, appealing to older homebuyers or those without children. The overall impact is also influenced by your local real estate market and its typical buyer demographic.

If your bathroom layout allows, installing both a freestanding bathtub and a separate shower can be an ideal solution that appeals to the widest range of potential buyers.

The average cost to convert a tub to a shower is around $3,000, but prices can range from $1,000 to as high as $15,000. A more typical range is between $1,200 and $8,000. The final cost depends on several factors, including the amount of plumbing work required, the size of the shower, and the type of materials and fixtures chosen. A prefabricated shower stall is a more budget-friendly option, while a custom shower with features like luxury tiles, unique tiling, smart technology, or accessibility features will be at the higher end of the cost spectrum.