Shower & Bathtub Installation in Longmont, CO
From a like-for-like tub swap to a full walk-in shower conversion, we handle the plumbing work behind a bathroom remodel correctly the first time.
Shower and bathtub installation covers replacing an existing unit, whether that's a direct swap or a full conversion, most commonly from an old tub-shower combo to a walk-in shower. The plumbing work behind the surface, the valve, drain, and supply connections, matters as much as the fixture itself.
A walk-in shower conversion has become a genuinely common request in Longmont's older homes, both for updating a dated bathroom and for aging-in-place accessibility.
Signs It's Time for a New Shower or Tub
- The existing tub or shower surround is cracked, chipped, or visibly deteriorating.
- Water damage or soft flooring around the base suggests a failed seal underneath.
- The current tub is difficult to get in and out of safely.
- You're planning a broader bathroom remodel and updating the tub or shower is part of it.
- The valve is old enough that replacement parts are hard to source when it needs repair.
What We See in Longmont Bathrooms
Longmont's older, closer-in homes often have smaller original bathrooms built around a standard tub-shower combo, which limits layout options somewhat compared to a newer home, but a walk-in shower conversion is still usually achievable within the existing plumbing footprint.
Before removing an old tub or surround, we check for water damage to the subfloor or wall framing behind it, which is common enough on an older unit that finding it early changes the project scope honestly rather than as a surprise mid-installation.
Aging-in-place requests have become a real, recurring reason for this project specifically. A low-threshold walk-in shower with a bench and grab bar support is a genuine accessibility improvement over a traditional tub, and it's worth planning for even before it's strictly needed.
How We Plan the Installation
We start by assessing the existing rough-in, the valve location, drain position, and supply line layout, since matching or intentionally changing that rough-in is the main factor in project scope and cost.
For a tub-to-shower conversion specifically, drain placement and floor slope need real attention to make sure water drains correctly without the tub's raised sides to contain it.
Installation Options
- Like-for-like replacementSwaps an old tub or shower for a new one using the existing rough-in, the most straightforward and least disruptive option.
- Tub-to-shower conversionRemoves a tub in favor of a walk-in shower, common for both style updates and accessibility.
- Full rough-in relocationMoves the valve or drain position as part of a larger bathroom remodel, a bigger scope than a direct swap.
What Shower and Bathtub Installation Costs
Cost depends heavily on whether the project is a direct swap or a full conversion involving rough-in changes.
- Swap vs. conversionA like-for-like replacement costs less than a full tub-to-shower conversion.
- Rough-in changesMoving the valve or drain location adds real plumbing work beyond a direct swap.
- Hidden damageWater damage found behind an old surround adds repair scope once discovered.
- Fixture and finish selectionMaterial and fixture choices affect overall project cost separate from the plumbing labor itself.
Free estimates for shower and bathtub installation. Call (303) 552-3896 for your real number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any tub be converted to a walk-in shower?
Most can, since the existing drain and supply lines are usually reusable, but the specific layout and any hidden water damage found during removal can affect the final scope.
How long does a shower or tub installation take?
A like-for-like swap is often completed in a day or two. A full conversion with rough-in changes takes longer.
Do you check for water damage before installing a new unit?
Yes, the area behind an old tub or shower surround is checked before installation, since finding damage after the new unit is in place is a much bigger problem.
Can this be done as part of a larger bathroom remodel?
Yes, the plumbing work integrates with a broader remodel timeline when that's the scope.
What's involved in a walk-in shower conversion specifically for accessibility?
Beyond removing the tub, this typically includes a low or zero-threshold entry, correct floor slope for drainage without a curb, and rough-in placement that supports grab bars and a bench if wanted.