Tub to Shower Conversion Checklist
Most expensive shower failures are hidden behind finished walls: soft subfloor, skipped membrane seams, untested plumbing, or a curbless slope that sends water the wrong way. Generate a checklist that gives you better questions before work starts and better red flags before final payment.
High-risk red flags
- Unexplained water stains or soft subfloor are covered instead of repaired.
- Contractor skips containment or haul-away details.
- Large gaps are hidden behind finish material.
- Drain rough-in is guessed after floor prep starts.
Demolition
Tub is removed without damaging studs, subfloor, or supply lines.
Red flag: Unexplained water stains or soft subfloor are covered instead of repaired.
Shortcut to watch: Covering damaged framing or subfloor instead of pricing the repair.
Debris path protects floors and nearby fixtures.
Red flag: Contractor skips containment or haul-away details.
Shortcut to watch: Leaving disposal, dust control, or floor protection out of the bid.
Substrate
Wall framing is flat, plumb, and ready for backer board or panels.
Red flag: Large gaps are hidden behind finish material.
Shortcut to watch: Using finish panels to hide framing that should be corrected first.
Drain location and slope are confirmed before waterproofing.
Red flag: Drain rough-in is guessed after floor prep starts.
Shortcut to watch: Starting floor prep before confirming drain slope and final drain location.
Waterproofing
Membrane or approved waterproof board covers all wet zones.
Red flag: Regular drywall appears inside the shower envelope.
Shortcut to watch: Substituting moisture-resistant drywall for a real shower waterproofing system.
Corners, seams, and penetrations are sealed per manufacturer instructions.
Red flag: Fastener holes or niches are left untreated.
Shortcut to watch: Skipping manufacturer-required seam tape, corner treatment, or penetration seals.
Ventilation and full-wall waterproofing are reviewed for humid climates.
Red flag: Mold or ventilation concerns are treated as cosmetic only.
Shortcut to watch: Ignoring ventilation and full wet-zone protection in humid rooms.
Plumbing
Valve height, pressure balance, and drain assembly are tested before closing walls.
Red flag: No water test before tile or panels are installed.
Shortcut to watch: Closing walls before pressure testing or verifying valve access.
Final inspection
Doors, grab bars, trim, and sealant are secure and easy to clean.
Red flag: Movement, hollow tile sounds, or gaps near glass hardware.
Shortcut to watch: Treating loose hardware, hollow spots, or poor sealant as cosmetic issues.
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