Tub to Shower Conversion in Bellevue Cost, Timeline & ROI Explained
Bathrooms should work for your life today, not the way homes were built decades ago. In Bellevue, many homeowners are rethinking the traditional bathtub in favor of more practical, stylish walk-in showers. If you’re not using your tub and wish your bathroom felt more spacious, converting that tub into a shower might be the smartest update you can make.
At Evergreen Bathroom Remodelers, we’ve helped hundreds of Bellevue and King County homeowners modernize their bathrooms with tub to shower conversions. This guide breaks down the cost, timeline, and return on investment for this increasingly popular upgrade and shares insights from real local projects we’ve completed.
Why More Bellevue Homeowners Are Ditching the Tub for a Shower
Bathtubs may have been standard decades ago, but today’s homeowners prioritize usability, especially in busy households and aging-in-place homes. Whether you’re remodeling a small hall bath in Eastgate or a master ensuite in Somerset, the trend is clear: walk-in showers offer easier access, better aesthetics, and smarter space usage.
We often hear from Bellevue homeowners that their tub feels like wasted space. By converting it into a sleek, curbless shower with glass doors and modern tile, the entire room feels larger, safer, and more comfortable to use daily.
And it’s not just about convenience buyers in the Bellevue and Seattle markets increasingly prefer high-quality showers over traditional bathtubs, especially in primary bathrooms.
What Does a Tub to Shower Conversion Involve?
Demolition and Plumbing Adjustments
The first step is removing the existing tub and surrounding tile or panels. We assess the underlying plumbing to determine if water lines or drain locations need to be moved especially if the new shower footprint or showerhead position will change. In many Bellevue homes, this step is simple, but older plumbing can require upgrades to meet current code.
Waterproofing and Framing
Once demo is complete, we reinforce the subfloor and install professional-grade waterproofing systems to prevent leaks. This is critical in older homes in neighborhoods like Lake Hills or Renton, where existing structures might need reinforcement before tile or panels are installed.
We also build custom shower curbs or go curbless for a seamless, accessible design deal for aging-in-place remodels.
Choosing the Right Shower Style
You can choose between acrylic shower systems for quick installs, or go fully custom with tile, built-in niches, glass panels, and premium fixtures. Our most popular Bellevue choices include:
- Frameless glass showers
- Matte black hardware and rain shower heads
- Large-format tile with vertical patterns
- Integrated benches and handheld sprayers
Your design options are vast and can be customized to match your home’s overall aesthetic.
Cost of Tub to Shower Conversion in Bellevue
Average Cost Breakdown (2025)
In Bellevue, the average cost for a tub to shower conversion ranges from $9,000 to $20,000, depending on scope and materials. Here’s a general breakdown:
| Remodel Tier | Price Range | What’s Included |
| Basic Conversion | $9,000–$12,000 | Acrylic walls, standard plumbing, glass slider |
| Mid-Range Conversion | $13,000–$17,000 | Custom tile, upgraded fixtures, glass door, niche |
| High-End Conversion | $18,000–$25,000+ | Full custom tile, lighting, curbless entry, luxury finishes |
Many Bellevue homeowners fall in the mid-range, especially when opting for tile showers with stylish glass doors and modern finishes.
Factors That Impact Pricing
Several factors can shift your project up or down the pricing scale:
- Plumbing relocation
- Custom tile work vs prefab panels
- Type of glass enclosure
- Need for permits or code upgrades
- Shower accessories like benches, lighting, or smart fixtures
At Evergreen Bathroom Remodelers, we provide detailed quotes upfront no surprises, just transparency.
How Long Does a Tub to Shower Remodel Take?
The average tub to shower conversion in Bellevue takes 5–10 business days, depending on complexity.
- Simple acrylic installs: 3–5 days
- Custom tile showers: 7–10 days
- Projects with plumbing or structural work: up to 2 weeks
We manage all permitting, material delivery, and inspections so your project runs smoothly. In older Bellevue homes, we build in time for unforeseen conditions behind the walls (e.g., outdated pipes or moisture issues), ensuring long-term durability.
What’s the ROI of Converting a Tub to a Shower in King County?
While return on investment (ROI) varies by neighborhood and home type, most homeowners recoup 60–75% of the cost in increased home value and buyer appeal.
In master bathrooms, a sleek walk-in shower is often seen as a luxury feature especially with custom tile and glass. In hall bathrooms, a shower may make the room more functional and desirable for daily use.
However, if it’s the only tub in your home, some real estate agents may recommend keeping it (especially for families with small children). We often advise Bellevue clients to keep one tub elsewhere if possible and convert the least-used one into a shower.
Bellevue and Renton Conversions That Transformed the Space
Enatai Hall Bathroom – $15,200
A growing family wanted to convert their dated 1980s tub into a modern shower. We installed subway tile with a vertical layout, a floating bench, and a frameless glass door. The new design feels more open and matches their home’s updated style.
Renton Ensuite – $21,800
A retired couple opted for a curbless shower with grab bars and slip-resistant tile. We also upgraded lighting and added a heated shower bench. The remodel took 9 days and now serves as an aging-in-place feature that enhances daily comfort and long-term safety.
Pro Tips from Evergreen Bathroom Remodelers
- Go frameless for a sleek, modern feel and to make the space feel larger
- Invest in waterproofing it’s not a visible feature, but it prevents future repairs
- Use vertical tile layouts or light-colored materials to create a taller, airier space
- Include storage like niches or corner shelves eliminates clutter and enhances usability
- Consider your future zero-threshold showers are stylish and mobility-friendly
We’ve seen firsthand how the right layout and materials can make a Bellevue bathroom feel twice as big and twice as useful without moving a single wall.
Ready to Convert? Get a Free Shower Remodel Estimate in Bellevue
If you’re tired of stepping over a bulky tub every day, it’s time for a change. At Evergreen Bathroom Remodelers, we specialize in custom tub to shower conversions in Bellevue that blend style, safety, and long-term value.
Let us design a space that fits your lifestyle. Contact us for a free design consultation and see how easy it is to transform your bathroom in just days.
