Tub-to-Shower Conversion Checklist for Boise Homeowners
A complete, step-by-step planning guide to help you navigate every stage of your tub-to-shower conversion — from initial assessment and Boise permit requirements to construction phases and post-conversion care.
Converting a bathtub to a walk-in shower is one of the most impactful bathroom upgrades a Boise homeowner can make. It transforms wasted tub space into a functional, modern shower that better fits how most adults actually use their bathroom. But the project involves more decisions than most homeowners expect — drain relocation, waterproofing systems, glass enclosure options, accessibility considerations, and Boise-specific plumbing permit requirements all need to be addressed before demolition day.
This checklist is built from our experience managing tub-to-shower conversions across the Treasure Valley, from compact guest bathrooms in the North End to spacious master suites in Eagle and Meridian. It covers every phase from initial bathroom assessment through post-conversion maintenance, with Boise-specific guidance on permits, material lead times, and contractor selection that generic checklists miss entirely.
Whether you are planning a basic conversion under $8,000, a mid-range custom tile shower in the $8,000 to $14,000 range, or a premium curbless conversion exceeding $14,000, this checklist scales to your scope. Print it, share it with your contractor, and use it as your project roadmap from day one.
Before committing to a tub-to-shower conversion, you need to evaluate whether your home is a good candidate and whether removing a tub will help or hurt your property value. This assessment phase takes one to two hours and can save you thousands of dollars in regret-driven change orders later.
Bathroom Inventory & Resale Analysis
Count every full bathroom in your home — a full bathroom includes a toilet, sink, and either a tub or shower. If you have only one full bathroom with a tub, converting it to a shower-only configuration can reduce buyer appeal and lower resale value by 5 to 10 percent
If you have two or more full bathrooms, converting one tub to a walk-in shower is widely considered a desirable upgrade in the Boise market. Keep at least one bathtub for families with young children and for resale flexibility
Identify which bathroom is the best candidate for conversion — master bathrooms are the most common choice because adults rarely use tubs for bathing. Guest bathrooms shared by children should typically retain their tub
Evaluate your household needs — if aging-in-place accessibility is a priority, a curbless shower conversion is one of the highest-impact modifications you can make for long-term mobility and safety
Set your budget range: basic conversions run $5,000 to $8,000, mid-range custom tile conversions cost $8,000 to $14,000, and premium curbless designs with frameless glass range from $14,000 to $20,000 in the Boise metro area
Determine your timeline — standard conversions take 5 to 10 business days, but glass enclosure lead times (1 to 4 weeks) and permit processing (3 to 10 business days) must be factored into your overall schedule
Your design choices determine the final look, functionality, and cost of your conversion. Make these decisions before construction begins to avoid costly mid-project change orders that derail timelines and inflate budgets.
Curbed vs. Curbless Entry
Curbed showers use a 3-to-5-inch raised threshold to contain water and are simpler and less expensive to build. Curbless showers provide zero-threshold entry for wheelchair and walker access, require subfloor modification for a gradual drain slope, and cost $5,000 to $8,000 more. Choose curbless if accessibility is a priority or you want a seamless, spa-like aesthetic.
Glass Enclosure Options
Frameless glass panels deliver the cleanest modern look and start at $1,200 for a single fixed panel. Semi-frameless doors with minimal hardware balance cost and style at $800 to $1,500. Framed doors are the most budget-friendly at $400 to $800. A simple shower curtain rod is the lowest-cost option but limits the premium feel of a conversion.
Drain Type & Placement
Center drains work with standard curbed shower pans and are the most economical to install. Linear drains run along one wall, allow large-format tile without complex slope cuts, and are required for most curbless designs. Trench drains provide maximum water capacity for rainfall showerheads and multi-head configurations.
Fixtures & Shower Valve
Pressure-balancing valves are standard and prevent temperature spikes when other fixtures run. Thermostatic valves offer precise temperature control and are ideal for multi-head shower systems with body sprays. Choose your showerhead style: fixed, handheld, rain, or a combination diverter system. Matte black and brushed nickel finishes are the most requested in Boise bathroom renovations.
Wall Tile & Surface Material
Porcelain tile is the most popular and durable choice for Boise shower walls. Large-format tiles (12x24 and larger) minimize grout lines and simplify cleaning. Subway tile remains a timeless choice at lower cost. Composite and acrylic surround panels offer a budget-friendly alternative with faster installation and zero grout maintenance.
Accessibility Features
Built-in shower benches, grab bars rated for 250-plus pounds, handheld showerheads on adjustable slide bars, non-slip tile with a coefficient of friction above 0.60, and lever-handle controls all support aging-in-place functionality. These features add minimal cost when planned during the design phase but become expensive retrofits later.
The plumbing scope is the single biggest variable in a tub-to-shower conversion. A bathtub drain and a shower drain are different sizes, locations, and configurations. Understanding what your plumbing requires before demolition prevents the most common surprise costs.
Drain Relocation
Bathtub drains are positioned at one end of the tub, while shower drains are typically centered or positioned along a wall for linear drains. Relocating a drain requires cutting into the subfloor, extending or rerouting the drain pipe to the new location, and tying into the existing waste line. In slab-on-grade homes common in parts of Southeast Boise, drain relocation requires cutting concrete, which adds $800 to $2,000. In homes with crawl spaces, drain work is more accessible and typically costs $400 to $1,200 for relocation.
Supply Line Changes
Bathtub faucets are mounted low on the wall, while shower valves are positioned 48 inches above the finished floor for standard installations. The hot and cold supply lines must be extended or rerouted to the new valve height. If you are adding a rain showerhead, body sprays, or a handheld on a slide bar, additional supply lines and a thermostatic mixing valve may be required. Older Boise homes with galvanized steel supply lines should have them replaced with PEX or copper during the conversion to prevent future corrosion issues and pressure loss.
Structural & Subfloor Check for Curbless Design
Curbless shower conversions require the bathroom subfloor to be modified to create a gradual slope toward the drain. This typically involves removing the existing subfloor in the shower area and rebuilding it with a pre-sloped mortar bed or a prefabricated foam shower tray. The structural joists must be evaluated to confirm they can accommodate the modified subfloor height without compromising structural integrity. In older Boise homes with 2x8 floor joists, there is usually sufficient depth to recess the shower floor. Homes with 2x6 joists or limited crawl space clearance may require alternative solutions. A licensed contractor should evaluate the subfloor framing before you commit to a curbless design.
Securing proper permits and selecting a qualified contractor protects your investment, ensures code compliance, and preserves your homeowner's insurance coverage. Boise has specific plumbing permit requirements for tub-to-shower conversions that many homeowners are unaware of until an inspector raises a concern.
Boise Plumbing Permit Requirements
A plumbing permit is required by the City of Boise for any tub-to-shower conversion because the project involves modifying drain configurations and supply line routing. The permit is filed through the City of Boise Planning and Development Services for properties within city limits, or through Ada County Development Services for unincorporated Ada County properties. Permit fees typically range from $100 to $300. If your project includes electrical work — heated flooring, a steam unit, or relocated outlets — a separate electrical permit is required. Inspections are scheduled at the rough-in stage (before walls close) and after final completion. Permit processing takes 3 to 10 business days depending on season and department workload.
Contractor Selection & Idaho Licensing
Get at least three written estimates from licensed Idaho contractors. Verify each contractor's license through the Idaho Division of Building Safety (DBS). Confirm they carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. Ask specifically about their experience with tub-to-shower conversions — this is a specialty project that requires expertise in waterproofing, drain slope engineering, and glass enclosure installation. Request references from recent Boise-area bathroom conversion projects and visit at least one completed job. A reputable contractor will provide a detailed scope of work, line-item estimate, payment schedule tied to milestones, and a written timeline with start and completion dates. Avoid contractors who request more than 30 percent upfront before materials are ordered.
Once permits are approved and materials are staged, construction begins. A tub-to-shower conversion follows a strict sequence of phases, and each step must be completed properly before the next can proceed. Cutting corners on waterproofing or drain slope is the number one cause of shower failures and water damage in Boise bathrooms.
Step 1: Demolition & Tub Removal
The existing bathtub, surround tiles or panels, faucet, and drain assembly are removed. For alcove tubs, the three surrounding walls are stripped to the studs to allow inspection of the framing, plumbing, and any hidden water damage. Cast iron tubs in older Boise homes may need to be broken apart for removal due to their weight. Fiberglass and acrylic tubs are cut and removed in sections. Demolition typically takes a half day to a full day.
Step 2: Plumbing Rough-In
The drain is relocated or reconfigured for the new shower pan layout. Supply lines are extended to the new shower valve height. New PEX or copper supply lines replace any corroded galvanized pipes discovered during demolition. The shower valve, diverter, and any body spray or handheld connections are stubbed out. A rough-in plumbing inspection is required by the City of Boise before walls can be closed. This phase takes 1 to 2 days.
Step 3: Waterproofing System Installation
Waterproofing is the most critical step in any shower build. The shower pan area receives either a traditional hot-mop membrane, a sheet membrane system like Schluter Kerdi, or a liquid-applied membrane such as RedGard or Hydroban. For curbless showers, the entire bathroom floor is waterproofed as an integrated wet area. The shower curb, if applicable, is built from concrete block or foam curb units and wrapped in waterproofing membrane. All wall surfaces within the shower area receive a waterproof membrane coating. Seams, corners, and fastener penetrations are sealed with reinforcing tape and membrane. This phase takes 1 to 2 days including cure time.
Step 4: Tile Installation
Shower floor tile is installed first with precise slope toward the drain — a minimum of one-quarter inch per foot of slope is required by code. Wall tile follows, starting from the bottom and working upward with consistent spacer placement for even grout lines. Niches, benches, and corner shelves are tiled and sealed. Large-format tiles on walls require a flat substrate and are typically set with large-format thinset. Tile installation takes 2 to 4 days depending on complexity, with an additional day for grouting and grout cure time.
Step 5: Glass Enclosure Installation
Custom frameless or semi-frameless glass enclosures are templated after tile is complete to ensure precise fit against finished surfaces. Glass panels are mounted with stainless steel or brass hardware, hinges are adjusted for smooth operation, and all edges receive clear silicone seals. Fixed panels are secured to walls with channel or clamp hardware. Glass installation takes a half day to a full day and should be scheduled after grout has fully cured for at least 48 hours.
Your new shower is built, the glass is installed, and the final inspection has passed. The work is not quite finished. Proper post-conversion care protects your investment and prevents the most common maintenance issues that degrade showers over time in Boise's hard-water environment.
Seal all grout lines with a penetrating grout sealer within 72 hours of grout curing. Boise's hard water contains calcium and mineral deposits that stain unsealed grout within months. Reapply sealer every 12 to 18 months for ongoing protection
Apply a professional-grade glass coating such as EnduroShield or Diamon-Fusion to your shower glass enclosure. This hydrophobic coating repels water, mineral deposits, and soap scum, reducing cleaning frequency by up to 90 percent and extending the life of the glass finish
Review all warranty documentation with your contractor — tile installation warranties, glass enclosure manufacturer warranties, fixture warranties, and the contractor's workmanship warranty. File these documents together for easy access
Establish a maintenance schedule: squeegee glass after each use, deep-clean tile and grout monthly with a pH-neutral cleaner, inspect caulk joints at the floor-wall transition every 6 months, and check grout sealer condition annually. Caulk joints are the most common failure point and should be refreshed every 2 to 3 years
Test the shower drain flow rate by running the showerhead at full volume for 5 minutes and confirming water drains without pooling. For curbless showers, verify that water stays within the shower area and does not migrate onto the bathroom floor
Schedule a 30-day follow-up walkthrough with your contractor to inspect for grout cracking, caulk separation, glass hardware loosening, and any issues that surface during the first month of daily use
How long does a tub-to-shower conversion take in Boise?
A standard tub-to-shower conversion in the Boise metro area typically takes 5 to 10 business days from demolition to final walkthrough. A basic curbed shower with acrylic or composite walls and a prefabricated base can be completed in 3 to 5 days. A custom tile shower with a linear drain, frameless glass enclosure, and built-in niches runs 7 to 10 days due to the multi-day waterproofing and tile installation process. Curbless conversions that require subfloor modification for a flush-mounted drain add 2 to 3 additional days. These timelines assume permits are already approved and materials are on-site. Glass enclosure lead times are the most common scheduling variable, ranging from 1 to 4 weeks for custom frameless panels. Iron Crest Remodel orders glass during the demolition phase to minimize schedule gaps between tile completion and enclosure installation.
Do I need a permit for a tub-to-shower conversion in Boise?
Yes, a plumbing permit is required for a tub-to-shower conversion in Boise because you are modifying the drain configuration and potentially relocating supply lines. The City of Boise Planning and Development Services processes plumbing permits, which typically cost $100 to $300 depending on scope. If you are adding or relocating electrical outlets, a heated floor system, or a steam unit, an electrical permit is also required. For properties in unincorporated Ada County, permits are processed through Ada County Development Services. The permit process in Boise generally takes 3 to 10 business days for approval, though processing times increase during peak spring and summer building seasons. Iron Crest Remodel handles all permit applications and coordinates inspection scheduling as part of our standard project management so homeowners do not need to navigate the permitting process themselves.
Should I keep at least one bathtub in my home for resale value?
Yes, real estate professionals in the Boise market consistently recommend maintaining at least one bathtub in your home, particularly if you have a family-oriented floor plan or are in a neighborhood with young families. The general guideline is straightforward: if your home has only one full bathroom, converting the tub to a shower can reduce buyer interest and potentially lower your resale value by 5 to 10 percent. If your home has two or more full bathrooms, converting one tub to a walk-in shower is widely viewed as a desirable upgrade that improves functionality without sacrificing marketability. In the Boise metro area, homes in Southeast Boise, Eagle, and Meridian with master suites that feature a walk-in shower alongside a separate tub in a secondary bathroom perform very well at resale. Iron Crest Remodel always discusses bathroom inventory and resale implications during the initial consultation.
What is the difference between a curbed and curbless shower?
A curbed shower has a raised threshold, typically 3 to 5 inches high, at the shower entry that contains water within the shower pan. A curbless shower, also called a zero-threshold or barrier-free shower, has a floor that transitions seamlessly from the bathroom floor into the shower without any raised lip. The key differences impact cost, construction complexity, and functionality. Curbed showers are simpler to build because the standard shower pan handles waterproofing at the threshold, and they cost $5,000 to $12,000 for a typical Boise tub-to-shower conversion. Curbless showers require the bathroom subfloor to be modified to create a gradual slope toward the drain, the entire bathroom floor must be waterproofed as an integrated wet area, and a linear drain is typically installed along one wall. Curbless conversions in Boise run $10,000 to $20,000. The primary advantage of curbless design is accessibility for wheelchair users, walkers, and aging-in-place scenarios, but they also deliver a clean, modern aesthetic that is increasingly popular in Boise master bathroom renovations.
How much does a tub-to-shower conversion cost in Boise?
Tub-to-shower conversion costs in the Boise metro area range from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on scope, materials, and design complexity. A basic conversion with a prefabricated shower base, acrylic or composite surround panels, a standard curtain rod, and updated fixtures runs $5,000 to $8,000. A mid-range conversion with a custom tile shower, built-in niche, semi-frameless glass door, and quality fixtures costs $8,000 to $14,000. A premium conversion featuring a curbless entry, large-format porcelain tile, linear drain, frameless glass enclosure, thermostatic valve, body sprays, and a built-in bench runs $14,000 to $20,000 or more. Factors that push costs higher include subfloor repair or modification for curbless entry, drain relocation, supply line reconfiguration, heated flooring, and steam shower units. Iron Crest Remodel provides detailed line-item estimates before work begins so there are no surprises during construction.
This checklist is one piece of a comprehensive tub-to-shower conversion planning toolkit. Dive deeper into specific topics with our supporting guides built for Boise homeowners.
The following government agencies, industry organizations, and official resources provide additional information relevant to your remodeling project.
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