Tub-to-Shower Conversions in Fort Wayne

How much does a tub-to-shower conversion cost in Fort Wayne?

Most conversions land between $6,000 and $14,000:

• $6,000–$9,000: standard 60x30 or 60x32 low-threshold base, solid-surface or acrylic wall panels, framed sliding glass door, new valve and trim.
• $9,000–$14,000: tiled walls, a built-in niche or bench, frameless glass, or a curbless entry that needs floor work.

Costs climb if the drain needs moving, the subfloor under the old tub is rotted, or old galvanized supply lines should be replaced while the wall is open. Our tub-to-shower conversion cost guide goes line by line.

What's involved in converting a tub to a shower?

1. Tear-out. The old tub and surround come out. Steel and cast-iron tubs are heavy and often have to be broken up in place.
2. Plumbing. The tub drain is adapted or moved for a shower drain, and the old tub valve is replaced with a shower valve set at a comfortable height. A tub spout and diverter go away.
3. Inspection. Because the plumbing changes, the Allen County Building Department inspects before the wall closes.
4. Base and walls. A low-threshold base is set level and the walls go up over cement board with a waterproof membrane, or a panel system is installed per the manufacturer's method.
5. Finish. Grab-bar blocking, niche or seat, glass, caulk and trim.

The rest of the bathroom stays as it is, unless you want to update the vanity or floor at the same time.

Does a house lose value with no tub?

It depends on what's left. Real estate agents generally advise keeping at least one bathtub in a home, especially one aimed at families. If your house has a second bathroom with a tub, converting the primary bath's tub to a walk-in shower rarely hurts resale and often helps. If it's the only tub in the house, think it through. We cover the trade-offs in walk-in shower vs. bathtub, and if you'd rather keep a tub, see bathtub replacement.

Do I need a permit to change a tub to a shower in Fort Wayne?

Usually yes. Replacing the valve and changing the drain is plumbing work, and plumbing needs a permit from the Allen County Building Department, which issues permits for Fort Wayne (the City itself doesn't). An unpermitted conversion can turn up during a buyer's inspection and delay a sale. We pull the permit and schedule the inspection as part of the job. Details in our Fort Wayne permit guide.

Conversion tips for Fort Wayne homes

• 1950s–60s ranches often have steel tubs over a crawlspace or basement, which makes drain changes straightforward.
• Older two-story homes in South Wayne and the '07 District may have cast-iron tubs and drains. The drain line is checked with a camera or by eye once the tub is out, and cracked sections are replaced.
• Newer homes in Aboite and Perry Township usually have one-piece fiberglass tub-showers. Those come out in sections and the swap goes quickly.
• Exterior walls: if the shower valve sits on an outside wall, we make sure that wall is insulated properly so pipes don't freeze in January.