Cleveland - NE Ohio Tub Cut Shower Conversions Using your Existing Bathtub

The cost for converting local steel and fiberglass bathtubs into a walk-in shower start just above $900. Cast iron tub conversions, because of the preparation and clean-up needed, as well as use of diamond-coated blades and tool wear, can run 15-25% higher. Of course, there are several variables in our cost algorithm, e.g. where is the tub located? nearby or in Erie, PA? Are there shower doors, a toilet or vanity that needs to be removed in order to make the cut, etc.? Models with door panels for bathing run about 50% more.

Since we can generally sense your situation from a picture, we may ask you to text us photos of your bathtub.  This will help us give you a more accurate estimate. See Photo Estimating Pics.

Unfortunately, tub to shower conversions fall into the category of remodeling, so Medicare will not reimburse. If you itemize taxes however, check with you tax preparer.

Veterans who served, and not necessarily in combat, during the Korean, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc. conflicts should contact the VA for possible funding. (This benefit generally extends to their spouses). Also, some communities such as Lakewood, Shaker Heights & the Geauga County Department on Aging offer some financial assistance to qualified seniors for home improvements that address accessibility in their homes. In 2022, Cuyahoga homeowners with property values up to $250K can apply for a low interest (0% - 3% / 10 yr. 2022) loans through the Cuyahoga County Housing Enhancement Loan Program available at most Key & Huntington Banks.

The step-thru is an elongated u-shape piece of tough, durable ¼” thick acrylic material. It is custom-fitted and placed over an opening that we cut out from the side of your existing tub. We use QuickTub® Walk-thru Inserts in the majority of our installations. These inserts provide an approximate opening of 24“ with a step-in of from 5″ - 7”. Moreover, the QuickTub® Walk-thru Insert can be converted back to bathing anytime with the purchase of the QuickTub Cap®.

Our standard inserts reduce the step in by almost 9 inches;  e.g., if the height of the outer apron wall of your tub is 15", the step in would be approximately 6" (15" - 9").  To determine how high your step in will be, measure 9 inches down on the outside wall of your tub. With a Sharpie or a strip of masking tape, mark this point. This will be the height of your tub step-in.

On some soaking tubs made of acrylic or fiberglass and having front walls 16" and taller, we may be able to reduce the step-in by another 4 - 5 inches more. For these situations, it is best to contact us and discuss your tub.

No, since we do not cut down to the floor of your tub. Our process leaves a small (3"-5") lip on tub’s inside wall.  With the shower curtain extending below this lip, both the shower spray and run-off water are contained within the confines of your tub. Incidentally, some homeowners find this lip high enough for bathing their grandkids and/or dog.

Depending on your tub’s composition (fiberglass, steel or cast iron) and other factors (e.g. removal of shower doors, caulk, fixtures, etc.), our bathtub conversions usually take less than a half day. You can shower within in 24 hours or bathe (door models) in 48 hrs.

Yes. And apart from garden, Jacuzzi and old-fashioned claw-foot tubs, most bathtubs (in a 3-wall alcove/niche) can be converted into walk-in showers. See: tubs we don’t convert.  We also convert cast iron tubs with liners (i.e. Re-Bath®, Bath Fitter®, lined etc.).

Bathtubs installed prior to the 1960’s are more likely to be cast iron. Cast iron and some steel tubs generally have porcelain coatings. I can usually determine whether your tub is steel or cast from a picture. See our Photo Gallery tab.

We don’t install glass shower doors on our converted units, nor do we advise seniors to have them. But if you decide that you want them, there are area glass specialists who are willing to oblige. FYI, I’ve had clients install doors only to have them removed years later because they interfered with the caregiver’s ability to bath the senior.

No. When practical, we advise the client to place their opening towards the faucet end of the tub. Having it here, allows room for a bath chair (or bench) in the rear of the tub should they eventually need one. In the end, either the homeowner or the bathroom layout determines where the placement will be made.

While most seniors choose to replace their tubs with a walk-in shower, we realize that there are some one-bath households that still have a need for bathing. For these clients, we have models that will quickly reverse the tub back to bathing. For example, our QuickTub® insert line has an optional panel that can be purchased to provide bathing. Learn more at Tub to Shower Conversions with Bathing Options.

For us, this is always a disturbing question, since the same could be asked if you were to do a complete remodel. When it comes time to sell the home, we suggest that the realtor put into the sales agreement “Owner willing to restore bathtub to bathing” (and maybe even post a note to that affect in the bathroom). See next FAQ.

With a QuickTub® Walk-thru insert, you can purchase a cap/panel that covers the opening and restore the tub back to bathing in seconds. Otherwise, it may be possible to remover the insert and install a tub liner (e.g. Bath-Fitter®, ReBath®, etc.) over the cut-out area.

We have converted hundreds of tubs in mobile and manufactured homes. In both types of structures, we usually find conventional types of tub with much lower aprons (outer walls). Because of this, mobile home shower conversions generally end up with tub step-ins of from 3" to 5".

We have been doing bathtub to shower conversions since 2005. We are an insured family business with high marks across various business rating venues. I joined my father in 2010 and he now assists me. We treat every job and client as though we are doing it for a family member. See About Us page.

Our tub to shower conversion service area extends within a 60-mile radius of Cleveland, Ohio. However, we have satisfied clients in the Sandusky, Warren, Wooster, Youngstown, Erie and western PA communities. If you live outside these areas, please complete our Contact Us page and we can put you in touch with an installer in your area.

Our step inserts are warranted for 5 yrs. & labor (caulking) for 2 yrs.; call for details. (FIY, since 2005, no one has yet filed a warranty claim).

Please feel free to call us or complete our Contact Page should you have additional questions or require further clarification of the subjects covered here.