Hey there! If you‘re looking to upgrade your bathtub with a showerhead for a more versatile bathing experience, you‘ve come to the right place. As an expert in home renovations with over 10 years of experience, I‘m going to walk you through everything you need to know to add shower capabilities to your tub.
Adding a showerhead can completely transform your existing tub and give you the best of both worlds – a relaxing soak or a refreshing shower. But before you get started, it‘s super important to understand what‘s involved so you can set a realistic budget.
In this detailed guide, I‘ll break down the costs, required parts, and steps for adding a showerhead to a standard bathtub. I‘ll also give you tips to make installation smooth sailing. Equipped with the information here, you‘ll be well on your way to enjoying shower time in your upgraded tub!
Can You Add a Shower Head to an Existing Bathtub?
The good news is, it‘s definitely possible to add shower capabilities to most tubs out there. The steps and costs involved will vary a bit depending on the type of tub you currently have:
Freestanding or Clawfoot Tubs:
- To add a showerhead, you‘ll need to install a diverter valve and a tub spout/faucet.
- The diverter valve allows you to switch between the tub faucet and the showerhead.
- You‘ll also need a pipe that runs from the diverter up to where you want to install the showerhead.
Alcove Bathtubs:
- These typically already have a spout and valves in place.
- In most cases, you‘ll just need to swap the existing spout for a diverter spout.
- Then you can add a shower arm and showerhead. It‘s a relatively straightforward upgrade.
Corner Bathtubs:
- May require re-plumbing if the existing valves are not easily accessible.
- Usually need to install a right-angled diverter valve and tub spout to accommodate the corner.
Built-In Bathtubs:
- Tend to be the easiest for adding shower capabilities since they often have an existing shower valve.
- All you need to do is add a pipe, shower arm, and showerhead.
The key steps for any tub are installing the right diverter valve and spout, running any new pipes to the showerhead location, and attaching the shower arm and showerhead securely. So it‘s definitely possible to upgrade most tubs to include shower functionality!
Cost Breakdown: How Much Does It Cost to Add a Showerhead to a Bathtub?
The total cost to add shower capabilities to your existing tub can range from $200 – $600 on average. Here‘s a breakdown of the main costs involved:
Plumbing Parts & Fixtures
This includes all the necessary valves, pipes, and fittings:
- Diverter valve – $50 to $150
- Shower arm – $15 to $50
- Tub spout or faucet – $25 to $100
- Pipes & fittings – $50 to $200
More complex installations with lots of custom plumbing work will be at the higher end.
Showerhead
You‘ve got loads of options when it comes to the showerhead itself:
- Basic showerhead – $20 to $50
- Designer showerhead – $200 to $400+
Go for one with good pressure, but that also conserves water.
Labor Costs
- If you hire a plumber, expect to pay $50 to $150 per hour for labor.
- Basic projects take 2-3 hours, while complex ones are 5-6+ hours.
- Get quotes from 3 plumbers before choosing one.
Drywall Work
- If walls need to be opened up for plumbing access, add $100 to $300 for materials and finishing the drywall.
Tiling
- To retile walls after installation, allow $10 to $15 per sq. ft.
- Pro tiling jobs are worth the investment over doing it yourself.
Permits
- Building permits average $100 to $500 depending on your area.
- Always check the permit requirements before getting started!
As you can see, with the right DIY skills, you may be able to add a basic showerhead for $300 or less. Hiring a pro plumber and choosing high-end finishes can quickly push the total over $1,000. I always recommend getting multiple quotes before starting a project so you know exactly what to expect cost-wise.
DIY Installation vs Hiring a Professional Plumber
If you have moderate DIY abilities, adding a showerhead is a project you may be able to tackle on your own. Basic installations require some plumbing work, but typically no major pipe relocations.
However, if your project requires moving drain lines or significant changes to your home‘s plumbing system, it‘s safest to bring in a professional plumber. They have the specialized skills and experience to handle complex plumbing like a pro and ensure proper water pressure, drainage, and leak protection.
Hiring a licensed plumber typically costs $50 to $150 per hour. It‘s more of an investment upfront, but can ultimately save you time, headaches, and potential issues down the road. I always recommend getting quotes from at least 3 plumbers before selecting one for major renovations like this.
Here are a few examples of projects a pro plumber can handle seamlessly:
- Moving or extending drain pipes
- Installing new water supply lines
- Relocating existing valves or plumbing
- Cutting into walls to access pipes
- Ensuring adequate water flow and pressure
And here are some signs a project may be DIY-friendly:
- You have access to all the existing plumbing
- Your planned showerhead location is near the tub
- No major pipe alterations are needed
- Your local codes allow homeowners to do plumbing
Bottom line – if your project involves any complex plumbing work, partnering with a pro plumber is your safest and smartest bet. They have the skills to get the job done right the first time.
Does Adding a Showerhead Increase Home Value?
Upgrading your bathtub to also include shower capabilities can increase your home‘s value, making it a smart investment. Here are some stats on how much value shower upgrades can add:
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According to Remodeling Magazine‘s 2022 Cost vs. Value Report:
- A minor bathtub/shower remodel recoups about 70% of costs on average.
- A full bathtub to shower conversion has a slightly higher ROI of 72%.
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Adding a showerhead to a tub costs $200-$600 on average.
- With 70% ROI, you could recoup ~$140-$420 at resale.
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Full bathroom remodels recoup about 60% of costs on average.
- A shower upgrade is less costly than a full remodel.
So converting your tub to be more functional with shower capabilities can be a wise move when it comes time to sell. Walk-in showers and tub/shower combos are highly desirable features that appeal to many homebuyers. The project costs are likely to pay off in increased home value.
Tips for Successfully Adding a Showerhead to Your Bathtub
To make sure your showerhead upgrade goes smoothly, keep these tips in mind:
🔹 Check local building codes – Permits are often required for plumbing work, so do your homework.
🔹 Measure carefully – Precise measurements ensure you get fixtures and parts sized correctly.
🔹 Mind the details – Use silicone caulk for waterproofing. Test for leaks before finishing walls.
🔹 Hire a pro – For complex jobs, hire a licensed plumber for installation.
🔹 Pick the perfect showerhead – Opt for great pressure, eco-friendly water usage, and durability.
🔹 Focus on finishes – Use waterproof shower surrounds. Choose easy-clean tile.
🔹 Update storage – Add built-in niches and shelves to store bath necessities.
With good planning and smart design choices, you can create an envy-worthy shower oasis in your upgraded tub area. Go for it!
So there you have it – everything you need to know to successfully add shower capabilities to your existing bathtub. I hope mapping out the costs and steps gives you confidence to take on this project. Enjoy the versatility and convenience of being able to take a bath or a shower anytime! Let me know if you have any other questions – I‘m always happy to help.
