Key Takeaways
- Most Cary homeowners convert garden tubs to walk-in showers to recover usable space, modernize their bathrooms, and improve daily functionality.
- A proper tub-to-shower conversion involves structural framing, a certified waterproofing system, and premium fixture installation—not just cosmetic changes.
- Home Pro Remodeling installs Schluter shower systems, which include a vapor-tight KERDI membrane and carry a 10-year limited warranty (with lifetime warranty eligibility when installed with Schluter thin-set mortar).
- Fixtures from Kohler, Moen, and Delta include limited lifetime warranties, adding long-term value to the investment.
- Home Pro Remodeling backs every conversion with a 2-year workmanship warranty and keeps our guys on-site from start to finish.
Why Are Cary Homeowners Converting Garden Tubs to Walk-In Showers?
Garden tubs became a popular selling feature in new-construction homes throughout Wake County during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The idea was compelling: a deep, luxurious soaking tub as the centerpiece of the master bath. The reality, for most households, has proven different.
Daily routines favor the shower. Research consistently shows that the average American rarely uses a standalone soaking tub after the first few months of homeownership. In neighborhoods like MacGregor Downs and Lochmere—where many homes were built during this era—homeowners are now sitting on aging tubs that occupy prime square footage and contribute little to their daily lives.
The motivations behind conversion are practical and consistent:
- Space recapture: A garden tub footprint can yield a generously sized walk-in shower with room for a bench, dual showerheads, or a built-in niche.
- Modernization: Open, tile-forward shower designs align with current design trends and add measurable resale appeal.
- Accessibility: Zero-entry walk-in showers support aging-in-place goals, making bathrooms safer without compromising aesthetics.
- Functionality: A well-designed shower gets used. A soaking tub that collects dust does not.
For homeowners weighing whether a conversion makes sense, the question is less about whether they like baths in theory, and more about how their bathroom actually functions week to week.
How Does the Home Pro Remodeling Tub-to-Shower Conversion Process Work?
Home Pro Remodeling Remodeling approaches tub-to-shower conversions as a complete structural and finish project—not a surface-level swap. Owner Chris is a second-generation craftsman with nearly 20 years of renovation experience, is present on every project from the initial consultation through final inspection.
Step 1: Consultation and Design Planning
The process begins with a detailed walkthrough of your existing bathroom. Chris evaluates the current tub footprint, plumbing rough-in locations, subfloor condition, and wall framing to determine the scope of work. From there, he collaborates with you to establish the shower layout, tile selections, fixture choices, and overall design direction.
Home Pro Remodeling’s approach to planning is thorough by design. Surprises during a renovation typically come from rushing or skipping the planning phase—and they’re expensive. A detailed plan agreed upon before demolition begins is one of the most important safeguards for the project timeline and budget.
Step 2: Demolition and Structural Work
Once the plan is finalized, demolition begins. The existing tub, surround materials, and any compromised subfloor sections are removed. This phase often reveals the condition of the framing and substrate beneath—information that shapes the next steps.
Structural framing is adjusted as needed to support the new shower configuration. New curbs, benches, or niche framing are built during this phase. Getting the framing right matters enormously; a waterproofing system is only as good as the structure it’s applied to.
Step 3: Plumbing Rough-In
Plumbing is handled by licensed specialty trade contractors coordinated through Home Pro Remodeling. Drain location is confirmed and adjusted if the new shower layout requires it. Shower valve and supply lines are roughed in according to the fixture selections made during planning.
Home Pro Remodeling’s model—where Chris manages all specialty trade coordination—means you deal with a single point of contact throughout the project. There’s no chasing down separate contractors or resolving scheduling conflicts on your own.
Step 4: Waterproofing, Tile, and Finish Work
With framing and plumbing complete, the Schluter waterproofing system is installed. Tile is then set, fixtures are mounted, and final detailing is completed. This phase transforms the raw structure into a finished shower.
What Makes the Schluter Shower System the Right Waterproofing Standard?
Why Waterproofing Is the Most Important Decision in a Shower Build
Tile is not waterproof. This is one of the most commonly misunderstood facts in bathroom construction. Grout and tile allow water vapor to pass through, which means the structural integrity of a shower depends entirely on what’s behind the tile—the waterproofing layer.
Traditional shower assemblies use a “water in, water out” approach: water is permitted to infiltrate the tile substrate and is managed through a sloped mortar bed and drain weep holes. Over time, those weep holes clog with soap and shampoo residue. Moisture accumulates in the mortar bed, creating conditions for mold growth, grout discoloration, and structural deterioration.
Home Pro Remodeling uses the Schluter shower system—a bonded waterproof assembly that seals moisture out entirely.
How the Schluter KERDI System Works
The Schluter system is built around the KERDI membrane, a modified polyethylene (PEVA) sheet membrane with bonding fleece embedded on both sides. It is applied topically—directly to the surface—and all water is directed into the top of the drain rather than being permitted to infiltrate the substrate.
The KERDI-SHOWER-KIT includes:
- Shower tray (preformed EPS foam with built-in slope, eliminating the need for a mortar bed)
- Shower curb
- KERDI waterproofing membrane
- Waterproofing strips and pre-formed corners
- Pipe seal and mixing valve seal
The membrane has a vapor permeance of 0.9 perms, meeting the tile industry’s consensus threshold of 1.0 perm or less for effective vapor management in shower environments. The result is a fully sealed assembly—waterproof and vapor-tight—that allows the shower to dry completely between uses and eliminates the conditions that lead to mold growth.
Unlike traditional systems, which require multiple trades visiting the site at different stages, the Schluter system gives the tile contractor full ownership of the waterproofing and tile installation in a single, streamlined sequence.
What Warranty Coverage Does the Schluter System Provide?
The Schluter shower system carries a 10-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects in materials. When the system is installed using Schluter thin-set mortars, the installation may qualify for lifetime warranty coverage—an important distinction from the product-only warranties common in the industry.
Schluter’s warranty structure is also notably different in two respects:
- Full resolution coverage: The warranty covers both materials and labor, not just product replacement. Many competing warranties leave homeowners responsible for the tile, setting material, and labor costs associated with a repair.
- No depreciated value: Coverage on Day 1 is identical to coverage on Year 10. There is no sliding scale of protection.
- Single-source warranty: Because Schluter products are designed to work as an integrated system and are warrantied together, there is no ambiguity about which manufacturer is responsible in the event of an issue.
For homeowners in Cary making a long-term investment in their bathroom, the Schluter system’s warranty structure represents meaningful protection—not just a marketing footnote.
What Fixtures Does Home Pro Remodeling Use and What Do They Cover?
Kohler, Moen, and Delta: A Fixture Standard Built to Last
Home Pro Remodeling specifies fixtures from three of the most respected names in plumbing: Kohler, Moen, and Delta. All three manufacturers offer limited lifetime warranties on their faucet products under normal residential use conditions, covering defects in materials and finish for as long as the original purchaser owns their home.
This matters for a tub-to-shower conversion because the shower valve and fixtures see daily use. Selecting a fixture brand with a strong warranty and established replacement parts availability protects against future cost and inconvenience.
Each brand brings a distinct design sensibility:
| Brand | Known For | Warranty Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Kohler | Bold design, wide style range | Limited lifetime on faucets |
| Moen | Ease of use, Spot Resist finishes | Limited lifetime on faucets |
| Delta | Innovative technology, Delta Touch2O | Limited lifetime on faucets |
Home Pro Remodeling works with you during the planning phase to select fixtures that match your design direction, whether that’s a clean modern profile, a warm transitional look, or something more distinctive.
What Does Home Pro Remodeling‘s 2-Year Workmanship Warranty Cover?
Beyond the manufacturer warranties on systems and fixtures, Home Pro Remodeling backs every conversion with a 2-year workmanship warranty. This covers defects in installation quality, the labor, and craftsmanship behind the finished product.
The combination of a 10-year Schluter system warranty, limited lifetime fixture warranties from Kohler, Moen, or Delta, and a 2-year workmanship warranty means your investment is covered at every layer: the waterproofing, the hardware, and the installation itself.
Is a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Right for Your Cary Home?
For most Wake County homeowners with an underused garden tub, the answer is yes—with some useful context.
A conversion makes strong sense if:
- The tub is rarely or never used by the current household
- The bathroom layout would benefit from a larger, more functional shower footprint
- Accessibility is a current or future priority
- You plan to stay in the home and want a daily-use improvement
- You are preparing the home for resale and want to modernize an aging master bath
Consider keeping the tub if:
- Your household regularly uses the tub (young children, personal preference)
- The bathroom has only one tub and resale to family buyers is a near-term priority
- A second bathroom with a tub will remain accessible
For most of the Cary and Wake County homeowners Home Pro Remodeling works with, a well-executed tub-to-shower conversion increases the usability of their master bath and updates an aesthetic that has dated considerably since the garden tub’s heyday.
Start Your Tub-to-Shower Conversion with Home Pro Remodeling Remodeling
A tub-to-shower conversion is one of the highest-impact bathroom upgrades available to Cary homeowners—but only when it’s done with the right process, the right materials, and the right team. Home Pro Remodeling brings nearly 20 years of renovation expertise, a certified Schluter shower system installation standard, and a single point of accountability from first consultation to final walkthrough.
Chris and the Home Pro Remodeling team serve Cary, Raleigh, Apex, Holly Springs, and Fuquay-Varina. To discuss your bathroom project, schedule a consultation with Home Pro Remodeling or call 919-758-3683.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tub-to-Shower Conversions in Cary, NC
How long does a tub-to-shower conversion take?
Most tub-to-shower conversions completed by Home Pro Remodeling take between one and two weeks, depending on the complexity of the tile work, structural changes, and fixture selections. Projects involving custom tilework, benches, or significant framing changes may extend this timeline. Home Pro Remodeling provides a clear project schedule during the planning phase.
How much does a tub-to-shower conversion cost in Cary, NC?
Cost varies based on shower size, tile selections, fixture choices, and the scope of any structural or plumbing work required. Home Pro Remodeling provides detailed, itemized quotes following the initial consultation. Investing in quality materials—such as the Schluter waterproofing system and Kohler, Moen, or Delta fixtures—reduces long-term maintenance costs and protects against premature failure.
Will removing a bathtub hurt my home’s resale value?
It depends on the home’s bathroom count and the buyer profile in your market. In Cary and Wake County, many buyers—particularly those without young children—prioritize large walk-in showers over soaking tubs. Homes with at least one bathtub remaining (in a second or third bathroom) are generally well-positioned for resale. Home Pro Remodeling can help you evaluate the trade-offs for your specific home layout.
What is the Schluter KERDI system and why does it matter for a shower conversion?
The Schluter KERDI system is a bonded waterproof membrane assembly that creates a fully sealed, vapor-tight enclosure behind the shower tile. Unlike traditional shower assemblies that allow moisture into the substrate, the KERDI system directs all water to the drain surface and allows the shower to dry completely between uses—preventing mold growth and structural deterioration. Home Pro Remodeling is a certified Schluter installer, and every shower conversion Home Pro Remodeling completes uses this system as the waterproofing standard.
Does Home Pro Remodeling handle plumbing as part of the conversion?
Home Pro Remodeling coordinates licensed specialty trade plumbers as part of the conversion process. As the single point of contact on your project, Chris manages trade scheduling and coordination so you don’t have to. This integrated approach keeps the project on track and eliminates the communication gaps that can create costly delays.
What warranties apply to a Home Pro Remodeling tub-to-shower conversion?
A Home Pro Remodeling tub-to-shower conversion is covered by three layers of warranty protection: a 10-year limited Schluter shower system warranty (with lifetime warranty eligibility when installed with Schluter thin-set), limited lifetime warranties from Kohler, Moen, or Delta on faucet fixtures, and a 2-year Home Pro Remodeling workmanship warranty covering installation quality.
