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Yes, you can remove a bathtub yourself if you have previous DIY experience and basic plumbing knowledge. You should have at least one other person help you if you approach this project as a DIY. However, hiring a plumber or bathroom remodeling pro can prevent accidental damage from demolition or water leakage.

In some cases, people are getting rid of bathtubs because of the floor space they gain after removal. Showers can make more efficient use of bathroom space. In some cases, people get rid of tubs for accessibility purposes. It can be difficult for some individuals to step into and out of a tub. For these people, a shower with no lip or step is safer and easier to use than a tub.

Start by gutting the old fixtures and features that need to be removed, such as the tile, vanity, and flooring. You may benefit by removing the toilet, even if you intend to use the same one. Next, install the new shower or tub, followed by the flooring, and then the drywall, which you should then paint. After that, install your new cabinets, vanity, countertop, sink, and faucet, in that order. Replace your light fixture next. Lastly, reconnect the toilet.

The reasons not to install flooring underneath a bathtub outweigh the benefits. A properly installed bathtub will keep water from reaching the unprotected subfloor underneath. Installing a tub on top of finished flooring can lead to damage and scratches to the new floor. Also, a small leak from a tub drain may be more difficult to notice if finished flooring impedes water drips.