This month, we’re featuring a recent tub-to-shower conversion for a client in Tennyson St., Somerville, MA. The goal was to remove the dated finishes and jacuzzi bathtub, increase the available storage, update the lights and plumbing fixtures, and install a stylish new walk-in shower. To help homeowners visualize how a bathroom remodel can improve the flow and use in your home, we’ll cover the entire bathroom transformation process from start to finish.
This is the before picture. Notice the lack of storage caused by the pedestal sink, the dated jacuzzi tub, and builder-grade ceramic wall tiles.
As you can see, the bathroom footprint is virtually unchanged except for these notable changes.
- The pedestal sink gets replaced with a vanity to add much-needed storage.
- The jacuzzi tub gets replaced with a walk-in shower, a wall niche for soaps and shampoo, and a semi-custom tile design.
- With a full tub-to-shower conversion, there is now room for a new shelving and storage unit.
Other items included in this tub-to-shower conversion project include.
- Upgrade to a floating vanity.
- Install shiplap wainscoting.
- Three types of ceramic tiles. (1 for the floor and 2 in the shower)
- New plumbing and electrical fixtures.
- Recessed storage space above the sink.
Because the sink, toilet, and shower connection points remained unchanged, no significant plumbing work was included in this bathroom transformation.
The new bathroom design is not only stylish but thoroughly addresses the shortcomings of the previous bathroom layout.
If you’re still looking for some ideas for your bathroom remodeling project, here are a couple of recent Somerville bathroom transformation projects to help inspire you.
and if you’re planning updates beyond your bathroom, explore our whole home remodeling services in Newton, MA to see how we bring the same design expertise and craftsmanship to complete home transformations.
How to Create a Functional and Stylish Bathroom with a Full Tub-to-Shower Conversion
The first step is determining the work required to upgrade your bathroom.
- Will you be moving walls to increase the size of the bathroom?
- What services need to be relocated? HVAC, lights, plumbing connections, etc.
- Is the problem accessibility, lighting, lack of storage, style, or the finishes?
Next, allocate a working budget that can address these changes. According to the Remodeling website 2024 Cost vs. Value Guide, here are the average bathroom remodel costs and their ROI (Return On Investment).
| Bathroom Remodel | Cost | Resale Value | ROI |
| Midrange | $26,000.00 | $25,077.00 | 94.8% |
| Universal Design | $41,900.00 | $26,311.00 | 62.7% |
| Luxury/Upscale | $81,000.00 | $47,471.00 | 58.5% |
The last step is to find a design-build residential remodeling contractor who can make your vision a reality while staying on schedule and within your budget.
Discover the Benefits of Premium Materials in Bathroom Remodeling
Most bathrooms average 100 square feet or less, so premium materials can be incorporated into your new bathroom design without breaking the budget.
For example, most vanity countertops can be made from granite, stone, or marble slab cutoffs from larger projects like kitchen countertops.
Tongue-and-groove planking and shiplap can be installed on the ceiling to add texture. Painting adds a country vibe, while staining adds a rustic flair. We added the vertical shiplap wainscotting to mimic the stacked tiles in the shower, which ties these separate elements together in a cohesive design.
Why This Somerville Bathroom Renovation Stands Out
This design-to-installation bathroom remodel showcases the best remodeling practices by creating a beautiful and practical walk-in shower space within the existing footprint.
- The old tub and pedestal sink were replaced with a sleek walk-in shower and a modern floating vanity, elevating the bathroom design while incorporating 21st-century finishes.
- The new custom shelving system for towels and toiletries and the shower niche for shampoos, conditioners, and body wash dramatically increased the available storage.
- The new ship-lap millwork adds a fresh, contemporary touch while enhancing the small space with elegance and refinement.
- Three types of ceramic tiles add contrast and texture throughout the new bathroom design.
- The large floor tiles make the space feel bigger.
- The stacked shower tiles add interest and height.
- The green tile on the shower valve wall brings a vibrant and visually appealing focal point to the space.
- Polished nickel plumbing fixtures add sophistication and shine, enhancing the new bathroom’s luxurious feel.
These simple elements transformed the space from a dull, basic, and storage-lacking design into a stylish and functional bathroom.
How Custom Showers Enhance Your Bathroom’s Functionality and Style
For this Somerville bathroom remodel, the existing jacuzzi tub took up nearly one-half of the available square footage. Replacing the outdated tub with the new custom shower was the key to adding more storage space.
When dealing with bathrooms, it’s important to remember that “custom” doesn’t necessarily mean expensive. Shower pans are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes or can be custom-built for irregular shapes such as angles.
Expert Advice on Choosing the Perfect Ceramic Tile for Your Shower
Most of the shower customization is handled by the tiles and their layout.
Subway tiles are timeless, but you can make your shower “custom” by stacking them, as we did for this full tub-to-shower conversion. Stacking creates the illusion of height, which makes the space feel bigger than it is. Another popular alternative is the herringbone pattern, which adds a touch of old-world charm to your new bathroom design.
If stone or marble is more in line with your style preferences but slightly beyond your budget, then a designer ceramic tile might be your answer. These tiles are specially treated to resemble the veining and shading of stone, granite, and marble but can be cut and installed with standard tools and materials.
Changing the color or pattern on one wall allows you to create a focal point or accent wall within the shower area to add contrast or interest.
We opted to use a geometric-shaped green ceramic tile on the shower valve wall, and the result is stunning.
Why Modern Shower Fixtures Are Essential for Your Bathroom Renovation
While the existing shower fixtures can be reused to reduce costs, entrusting your new tub-to-shower conversion to aging shower fixtures makes little sense. Replacing them as part of the bathroom transformation will protect against future leaks or failure, which requires opening the wall to install a replacement. Additionally, modern shower fixtures use less water than their older counterparts. If you’re performing a remodel to increase the home’s value, appraisers and buyers appreciate the reliability of modern shower fixtures, so don’t disappoint them.
How to Maximize Storage with Elegant Bathroom Accessories
In this Somerville bathroom, the existing pedestal sink provided no storage, and the tub took up nearly half of the original space. By changing the shower footprint, we created space for a much-needed custom shelving unit. Adding a recessed medicine chest and mirror further increased storage and style.
The floating vanity provides additional storage while concealing the water and drain connections. The new shower niche offers a space for shampoo, conditioner, and loofas, which disappear when the shaded shower door is closed.
Tips for a Seamless Tub-to-Shower Conversion in Somerville
If you’re still unsure what your bathroom remodel should include, visit our completed bathroom remodel project gallery for inspiration. To avoid the common pitfalls of a tub-to-shower conversion project, choose a remodeling contractor specializing in bathroom remodels. With over 15 years of successful remodeling projects, our attention to detail has won us numerous awards and accolades from industry leaders like Houzz, Angi, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. While awards are fantastic, our customer testimonials are most important to us.
You can also call us at (617) 340-6418 or send us an email to set up a design consultation or to discuss our range of tub-to-shower conversion solutions.
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