Tub-to-shower conversion
The old tub comes out and a walk-in shower goes in its place. Usually the most popular choice for a bathroom nobody bathes in anymore.
Often 1–2 days
The homeowner's guide to a bath or shower remodel
Ask these questions before you sign anything.
A new shower should last decades. Here's what to ask every contractor, the red flags to watch for, and how to pick the right project for your home, in plain English.
First: which project is yours?
Most bath remodels fall into one of four kinds. Knowing which one you want makes every quote easier to compare.
New shower or tub
Keep the layout, replace the worn-out shower or tub and the walls around it. Good when the space works but the surfaces don't.
Often 1–2 days
Walk-in tub or safety shower
Low or no step-in, a seat, grab bars and a handheld shower. For anyone who wants to stay in their home safely for the long run.
Often 1–3 days
Bathroom remodel
The shower or tub plus new flooring, a vanity, mirrors, wainscoting and more. A whole new bathroom without months of construction.
Often 4–5 days
8 questions to ask every remodeler
Ask them at every estimate. A good company will be glad you did.
What's coming out, and what's going in?
Some “remodels” are a new layer installed over the old tub or tile. That can trap moisture against the wall and hide damage that keeps getting worse.
A good answer: “We remove the old tub and walls down to the studs, check everything behind them, then install the new shower.”
Who will actually be working in my home?
The company you meet and the people who show up aren't always the same. You should know who is doing the work and that they're properly covered if something goes wrong.
A good answer: Highly qualified installers, from a company that's licensed and insured, including liability and workers' comp.
What exactly is included in the price?
Tear-out, haul-away, plumbing, the valve, the drain, doors, grab bars and cleanup can each be extra. A low number can grow fast.
A good answer: A written contract that spells out every part of the work, even when it's one package price, so there are no surprises.
Are you replacing the shower valve?
The valve sits inside the wall. An old one left in place can leak or fail later, and replacing it after the new walls are up means opening them again.
A good answer: “Yes, it's included,” or a clear reason why yours doesn't need it.
Is this a custom shower or a kit?
Modern wall systems (solid surface, acrylic and similar) are easy to clean, with few or no grout lines. But they're often confused with cheap “kit” showers. A quality one is custom-built on site to fit your bathroom, over a waterproof backer.
A good answer: Shows you real samples, explains how it's built to be 100% waterproof, and tells you honestly how each material holds up day to day.
How long will I be without a shower?
Some projects take a day or two. Others take weeks. If it's your only shower, you need to plan ahead.
A good answer: A specific number of days, plus what happens if the job runs long.
What does the warranty cover, and who stands behind it?
A warranty on materials doesn't always cover the installation, and that's where most problems start.
A good answer: A written lifetime warranty on both materials and labor that transfers if you sell the house.
Will this still work for us in 10 or 20 years?
Stepping over a tub wall gets harder with age. Small choices now (a low threshold, a seat, grab bars, a handheld shower) cost far less than redoing the bathroom later.
A good answer: Asks who uses the bathroom and shows you safety options, without pushing you into them.
Red flags
- No written contract spelling out the work
- Won't show proof of license and insurance
- A warranty that's only spoken, not written
- Plans to cover the old tub or tile without checking what's under it
- A “one size fits all” kit instead of a shower built for your bathroom
Before the in-home visit
- Have everyone who'll decide on the project there for the visit
- Write down what bothers you now: leaks, stains, a slippery floor, a tub that's hard to step into
- Save a few photos of bathrooms you like
- Think about who'll use this bathroom over the next 10 years
- Know a rough budget, and whether you'd like to hear about financing
Get a free in-home visit
Bring your questions. We'll measure your bathroom, help you design it and give you a written price that spells out every detail. No cost, no obligation.
- Pick your own day and time right here
- Every question on this page, answered in writing
- Lifetime warranty on materials and labor, and it transfers if you sell
- Serving metro Atlanta, North Georgia and south to Columbus and Macon
Estimates provided by Five Star Bath Solutions of Marietta.
Common questions
Who is Bath Remodel Pro?
Bath Remodel Pro is a homeowner's guide from the team at Five Star Bath Solutions of Marietta, a locally owned bath and shower remodeler. When you ask for a visit on this page, Five Star Bath Solutions of Marietta is who will contact you.
Is the in-home estimate really free?
Yes. Someone from our team visits, measures your bathroom, helps you design it and gives you a written price. There's no cost and no obligation.
What areas do you serve?
We serve metro Atlanta and much of Georgia, from the North Georgia mountains south to Columbus and Macon. Enter your ZIP code and we'll confirm you're in our area.
Can I pick my own appointment time?
Yes. After you send your request you can choose a day and time right on this page, and we'll call to confirm it. Or skip that step and we'll call you to set it up.