Tub-to-Shower Conversions in Lexington, KY

How much is a tub-to-shower conversion in Lexington?

Expect a range of $6,000 to $14,000 for most conversions in Lexington and nearby towns.

The price goes up if the drain has to shift, if the subfloor under the tub is soft, or if old galvanized supply lines should be replaced while the wall is already open. The tub-to-shower conversion cost guide breaks down each line.

What happens during a conversion?

1. Tub and surround come out. Fiberglass units are cut into sections. Cast-iron tubs, common in older Kenwick and Ashland Park homes, weigh a few hundred pounds and are usually broken up in place.
2. Drain and valve work. The tub drain is adapted for a shower drain, and the old tub valve and spout give way to a shower valve set at a comfortable height.
3. Base goes in. A low-profile base is set level on a solid bed, or the floor is built to slope for a curbless entry.
4. Walls get waterproofed and finished. Cement board and a membrane for tile, or the maker's sealed method for panels.
5. Finishing touches. Blocking for grab bars, a niche or fold-down seat, glass, caulk and trim.

The vanity, toilet and floor outside the shower stay put unless you'd like to update them at the same time.

Do you need a permit to convert a bathtub to a shower in Lexington?

Often, yes. Plumbing permits in Kentucky come from the state, through the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (Division of Plumbing), not from the city. Under state rules, moving or adding a fixture, drain or waste opening needs a plumbing permit, and the plumber doing the work pulls it. Repairing a leak or a valve doesn't.

A conversion that keeps everything in the same spot may not need one, but most conversions shift the drain at least a little. If we widen the opening by moving a wall, that's structural work and needs a building permit from the LFUCG Division of Building Inspection. We confirm the permit path for your bathroom and pull what's needed. More in our Lexington permit guide.

Does Medicare pay for a tub-to-shower conversion?

Generally, no. Original Medicare doesn't usually cover bathroom changes like a tub-to-shower conversion, since they aren't treated as medical equipment. Some Medicare Advantage plans, Kentucky Medicaid waiver programs or VA programs for eligible veterans may help with part of the cost in certain cases. Rules differ from plan to plan, so check with yours directly before counting on it. We're happy to give you an itemized written quote you can submit.

Will removing the tub hurt resale?

It depends on what's left. Most agents suggest keeping at least one tub in a home, especially in family neighborhoods like Masterson Station or Hamburg. If a hall bath still has a tub, converting the primary bath's tub (or that garden tub nobody uses) rarely hurts and often helps. If it's the only tub in the house, it's worth more thought. Our walk-in shower vs. bathtub comparison walks through it, and if you'd rather keep a tub, see bathtub replacement.

What should Lexington homeowners know before converting?

• Postwar ranches in Southland, Cardinal Valley and Tates Creek often have a tub-shower combo over a crawlspace, which makes drain work fairly direct.
• Pre-war homes often have cast-iron drains and galvanized supply lines. We check the drain once the tub is out and replace sections that are cracked.
• Hard water leaves spots on clear glass, so a factory glass coating is worth asking about.
• Exterior walls. If the valve sits on an outside wall, we make sure it's insulated so the lines don't freeze in a cold snap.