Tub to Shower Conversion: What to Expect (Austin, Buda, Kyle, Dripping Springs & San Marcos)
Tub to Shower Conversion: What to Expect
By 1626 Construction | Serving Austin, Buda, Kyle, Dripping Springs & San Marcos, TX | May 2026
You're not using that tub. Most homeowners aren't. If your bathtub sits empty week after week while you reach over it for the shower, converting it into a walk-in shower might be one of the best investments you can make in your home for your daily comfort and your resale value.
At 1626 Construction, we've completed tub-to-shower conversions for homeowners across Austin, Buda, Kyle, Dripping Springs, San Marcos, and the surrounding Central Texas area.
Here's everything you should know before you start.
01. Is a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Right for You?
The short answer is: probably yes. Whether you're in a newer subdivision, an older Buda ranch home, or an Austin mid-century remodel, we see the same story: the tub gets skipped every single day.
Here are the situations where a conversion makes the most sense:
• You have another bathroom in the house with a tub (important for resale)
• You or a family member struggles stepping over a tub wall; especially true for older adults
• You want a more modern, open bathroom feel
• The existing tub is worn, cracked, or just outdated
• You're preparing the home for sale and want to attract buyers
One thing to think about: If this is your only bathroom, keeping a tub can matter for resale, especially in family-friendly communities like those in Buda, Kyle, Dripping Springs and San Marcos. Buyers with young children almost always want at least one tub in the home. We'll talk this through with you before any work starts.
02. Step-by-Step: How the Conversion Works
Here's what the job actually looks like from start to finish:
Step 1: Demo day
We remove the tub, the old surround, and any tile. This is the noisy, dusty part. Our crew protect the area so it doesn't spread through your home.
Step 2: Plumbing rough-in
Your drain location will likely need to move. A licensed plumber adjusts the drain and supply lines to fit the new shower footprint. This is where the real work happens under the floor.
Step 3: Shower pan or tile floor
You can go with a pre-made shower base or a fully tiled floor for a custom look. We'll help you weigh the trade-offs.
Step 4: Waterproofing
This step is non-negotiable and, frankly, where some contractors cut corners. Every waterproofing system fails if it's not installed correctly and we've seen it firsthand. We've been called in to tear out and redo Schluter and Laticrete systems that looked fine on the surface but had corners cut during installation.
There are good options at every price point. We can go with the tried-and-true RedGard membrane: a reliable, well-proven system that performs great when applied properly. Or we can install the premium Schluter KERDI system: a more expensive, fully bonded waterproofing approach that many high-end tile installers prefer. Both work.
The difference is in the details and the installer.
We do proper waterproofing on walls, floors, and corners before a single tile goes up. Every time, no exceptions.
The brand doesn't make the shower watertight. The installer does. A Schluter system cut short is just an expensive leak waiting to happen.
Step 5: Tile, fixtures, and glass
Now the fun part. Wall tile, a new valve and showerhead, a built-in niche if you want one, and your choice of frameless glass, framed door, or open walk-in design.
Step 6: Final inspection and cleanup
We do a full walkthrough with you to make sure everything is exactly right before we call it done.
03. How Long Does It Take?
For a standard tub-to-shower conversion, most jobs take 5 to 10 business days once work begins. .
We do not rush our projects!
But here's what can affect that:
• Plumbing complications (moving the drain further than expected)
• Custom tile work
• If we find mold or water damage behind the old surround. Which happens more often than you'd think, especially in older homes in Austin and Buda
• Frameless glass doors (fabricated off-site and delivered after the tile is done)
We give every client a realistic timeline upfront. Not the one that just sounds good. And we communicate daily so you always know where things stand.
04. What Does It Cost?
Every project is unique. The final scope depends on your space, your tile selections, plumbing complexity, fixture choices, and whether we find anything unexpected once demolition begins and things like water damage or outdated plumbing that needs to be brought up to code.
Generally speaking, tub-to-shower conversions in the Austin, Kyle, Buda, Dripping Springs, and San Marcos area start around 7k and go up from there based on the scope of work and material selections. High-end tile, frameless glass enclosures, built-in benches, niches, or body spray systems all add to that number.
The best way to get an accurate number is to have us walk the space. We'll give you a detailed, itemized estimate at no charge, so you know exactly what you're getting into before any work begins.
05. Questions to Ask Any Contractor
Not all bathroom contractors are equal and in a market as busy as Austin and the surrounding Hill Country communities, it pays to do your homework. Before you sign anything, ask:
• Are you insured in Texas?
• Who actually does the tile work: your crew or a subcontractor?
• What waterproofing system do you use?
• Can I see photos of past tub-to-shower conversions you've done?
• What's your warranty on labor?
We're happy to answer all of these, and if any contractor gets defensive about these questions, that tells you something.
06. Areas We Serve
1626 Construction is based in Buda, TX and proudly serves homeowners throughout Central Texas, including:
• Austin, TX: Full-service bathroom remodeling across Austin, from South Austin to the Domain and everywhere in between
• Buda, TX: Our home base. We're your neighbor and we know the neighborhoods.
• Kyle, TX: Serving the fast-growing Kyle community with the same quality and communication our clients count on. From Plum Creek to Woodlands at Plum Creek and beyond!
• Dripping Springs, TX: Beautiful homes deserve beautiful bathrooms. We bring the same attention to detail to every Hill Country project.
• San Marcos, TX: Serving San Marcos homeowners with honest pricing, quality craftsmanship, and clear communication from start to finish.
Not sure if we serve your area? Give us a call! Chances are, we do.
Ready to Ditch the Tub?
Serving Austin, Buda, Kyle, Dripping Springs, San Marcos, and all of Central Texas. Free estimates, honest pricing, and a crew that shows up when we say we will.
Get a Free Estimate: www.1626construction.com/contact
Call us: (512) 663-5020 (and leave a voicemail, please)