Bathtub-to-Shower Conversions in Erie, Warren, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Crawford, and Surrounding Areas in PA and NY

Tub to shower conversions make sense for the sake of convenience and safety

Many people are interested in converting a bathtub into a shower, and for good reason. While many newer homes are built with showers instead of (or in addition to) tubs, older homes often have bathrooms with tubs that must double as showers. Since most people take more showers than baths, there's no need for multiple bathtubs in the average house.

Statistics show that converting a bathtub to a shower could prevent some serious accidents. In the U.S., over 25,000 accidents occur in and around bathtubs every year. Many of these mishaps occur as older people try to step over the high front apron or wall of the tub. Making a tub-to-shower conversion eliminates this tripping and falling hazard.

Converting a tub to a walk-in shower is easier than you think

If you have a bathtub that you wish was a shower, keep reading. There are ways to make this wish come true without major demolition and reconstruction. With the right contractor, a tub-to-shower conversion can be completed from start to finish in just one or two days. Here are two different options to consider:

• Option #1: Cutting an opening in the tub apron.
  Instead of tearing out a tub that's in reasonably good condition, it's possible to cut an opening in the tub wall (apron) and create a shower with safer, easier access. The contractor will use special cutting equipment to create an opening in the tub wall. Then the cutout area will be reinforced and finished off with specially made filler pieces, caulk and other proprietary materials. A shower curtain or a specially made glass shower door can be installed to keep water inside the tub.
• Option #2: Replacing the tub with a shower base.
  One benefit you don't enjoy with option #1 (above) is a larger showering area. You're still stuck with the limited space of the tub floor. If you replace the tub with a new shower base sized to match the tub, your showering area changes from cramped to very generous. For this kind of conversion, your contractor will probably recommend that a new shower surround be installed to go with the new shower base. This type of surround can be installed directly over an existing tile wall, saving time and money. And because the surround is durable and completely waterproof, there will be no grout joints to clean or repair.

Get added features like grab bars, a mixing valve and a new showerhead

To complete any tub to shower conversion, it's worth adding in a few extras that will enhance safety, convenience your overall enjoyment of this transformed space. Adding grab bars in your new shower space will make it safer and more user friendly for people of all ages. It's also a good idea to install a new mixing valve for the shower. The valve and its temperature control handle can be located at a convenient height on the shower wall. Finally, celebrate your new shower by upgrading to a full-featured showerhead.

If you're looking for a walk-in tub or shower enclosure option with additional safety features, Klein Home Solutions is happy to be your local resource. Learn more about the benefits of installing a walk-in shower enclosure in your home.

Give us a call or contact Klein Home Solutions online for a FREE quote for a tub to shower conversion. We have been providing quality bathroom and shower products to Erie, Warren, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Crawford as well as Edinboro, North East, Cattaraugus, Fredonia, Titusville, Waterford, Harborcreek since 1982.

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