23 Mar 2026

Walk-In Shower vs. Bathtub Conversion in NYC: What to Know Before You Decide

Removing the bathtub and installing a walk-in shower is one of the most common bathroom remodeling decisions in NYC apartments. It is also one of the most debated, because the answer is not as straightforward as it seems.

A walk-in shower can make a small bathroom feel dramatically larger, improve accessibility, and modernize the space. But removing your only bathtub can affect resale value, limit your options if you have young children, and may even require co-op or condo board approval.

This guide covers the practical considerations, costs, and design implications of the tub-to-shower conversion in NYC apartments so you can make an informed decision.

When a Walk-In Shower Makes Sense

You Have a Second Bathroom With a Tub

The strongest case for a tub-to-shower conversion is when your apartment has two bathrooms and you are converting the secondary bathroom. Keeping a bathtub in the primary bathroom preserves resale flexibility, while converting the second bathroom to a walk-in shower maximizes the usability of that smaller space.

You Rarely or Never Use the Tub

If the bathtub in your apartment is used exclusively as a shower, you never fill it for a soak, and no one in your household takes baths, then the tub is taking up valuable space for a function you do not use. A walk-in shower provides a better shower experience in the same footprint.

Accessibility Is a Priority

Walk-in showers, especially curbless designs, are significantly more accessible than bathtubs. Stepping over a tub wall is a fall risk for older adults and anyone with mobility limitations. If aging in place or universal design is part of your remodeling plan, a walk-in shower with a bench seat, grab bars, and a handheld showerhead is the safer choice.

You Want to Maximize a Small Bathroom

In a 35- to 45-square-foot NYC bathroom, a bathtub dominates the room. Replacing it with a walk-in shower, particularly a curbless design with a frameless glass enclosure, opens up the visual space and can make the bathroom feel nearly twice as large. For more ideas on maximizing small bathrooms, see our guide on small bathroom remodel ideas for NYC apartments.

When You Should Keep the Bathtub

It Is Your Only Bathroom

If your apartment has only one bathroom, real estate professionals generally recommend keeping the bathtub. NYC buyers, especially families, expect at least one bathtub in an apartment. Removing the only tub can narrow your pool of potential buyers and may reduce resale value, particularly in family-oriented neighborhoods and larger apartments.

You Have Young Children

Bathing young children in a shower is impractical. If you have children under five or are planning to start a family, keeping the tub until the children are older is usually the pragmatic choice. You can always convert to a shower later when the tub is no longer needed for baths.

Your Building Restricts the Change

Some co-op buildings have specific rules about bathroom fixtures, particularly regarding waterproofing requirements when removing a tub. Check with your building's management or board before planning a conversion. Co-op alteration agreements often specify that the board must approve changes to bathroom layouts.

Walk-In Shower Design Options for NYC Apartments

Curbless (Zero-Threshold) Shower

A curbless shower has no step or raised edge at the entry, the bathroom floor transitions seamlessly into the shower floor. The floor is sloped slightly toward the drain to contain water. This is the most visually open option and the most accessible, but it requires precise waterproofing and floor leveling. In NYC apartments with concrete subfloors, curbless showers work well. In buildings with wood subfloors, the floor may need to be modified to create the necessary slope.

Low-Curb Shower

A low-curb shower has a small (1 to 2 inch) threshold at the entry. This provides better water containment than a curbless design while still being easy to step over. A low-curb shower is a practical compromise when the floor structure does not support a fully curbless design.

Alcove Shower

An alcove shower fits into the same three-wall alcove where the bathtub sat. This is the most common conversion because it uses the existing plumbing locations and waterproofed area. The alcove can be finished with tile, solid surface panels, or prefabricated shower panels.

Glass Enclosure Options

The glass enclosure has a major impact on how the shower, and the entire bathroom, looks and feels.

Frameless glass: The most open, modern look. No metal frames to break the sight lines. More expensive ($1,500 to $3,500 installed) but provides the greatest sense of space.
Semi-frameless: Has a frame around the outside but not on the door. A good balance of cost and appearance ($800 to $2,000 installed).
Framed: The most affordable option ($500 to $1,200 installed) but the metal frames create visual lines that can make a small bathroom feel more enclosed.
Glass half-wall or open entry: A partial glass panel without a door. Works with curbless showers and provides a spa-like open feel. Requires good shower placement to prevent water splash on bathroom fixtures.

The Conversion Process

Step 1: Demolition

The existing bathtub is removed, along with the surrounding tile or surround material. In NYC buildings, tub removal must be done carefully to avoid damaging the waterproof membrane underneath. The debris must be carried out of the building in compliance with building rules, in many co-ops and condos, this means using the service elevator during designated hours.

Step 2: Plumbing Modifications

The shower drain is repositioned if needed (tub drains and shower drains are in different locations). The water supply lines are adjusted for the new showerhead location. If you are adding features like a rain showerhead, body jets, or a handheld sprayer, additional supply lines may be needed. All plumbing modifications require a licensed plumber.

Step 3: Waterproofing

This is the most critical step. The shower area must be fully waterproofed with a membrane system (typically a liquid-applied membrane or sheet membrane like Schluter Kerdi or Laticrete Hydro Ban). Proper waterproofing prevents water from reaching the subfloor and causing damage to your apartment and the unit below you. In NYC, waterproofing failures are a leading cause of neighbor-to-neighbor damage disputes in co-ops and condos.

Step 4: Tile and Finishing

The shower walls and floor are tiled (or finished with the surface material of your choice). A built-in shower niche is added for shampoo and soap storage. The glass enclosure is installed. Fixtures (showerhead, controls, drain cover) are installed and connected.

Cost of a Tub-to-Shower Conversion in NYC

Basic conversion (standard alcove shower with framed glass, ceramic tile): $8,000 to $15,000
Mid-range conversion (custom tile work, semi-frameless glass, shower niche, upgraded fixtures): $15,000 to $25,000
High-end conversion (curbless design, frameless glass, large-format porcelain tile, rain showerhead, body jets, heated floor): $25,000 to $45,000+

These costs include demolition, plumbing, waterproofing, tile, glass enclosure, and fixtures. They do not include any work outside the shower area. If you are remodeling the entire bathroom at the same time, the total project cost will be higher. See our full bathroom renovation cost guide for comprehensive pricing.

Permits and Board Approval

A tub-to-shower conversion in NYC typically requires an ALT-2 or ALT-3 permit from the Department of Buildings because it involves plumbing modifications. Your co-op or condo board will also need to approve the alteration.

The permit and approval process can take two to twelve weeks depending on your building's requirements. Your contractor should handle the DOB filing, and most buildings require an alteration agreement signed by you, the contractor, and the board. For a full breakdown of the permit process, see our NYC renovation permits guide.

Impact on Resale Value

The resale impact of removing a bathtub depends on several factors. If you have a second tub in the apartment, the impact is typically neutral or positive — a modern walk-in shower in the secondary bathroom is a selling point. If you are removing the only tub in a studio or one-bedroom, the impact is usually neutral because buyers of small apartments are less likely to need a tub. If you are removing the only tub in a two-bedroom or larger apartment, especially in a family-oriented neighborhood, it may narrow your buyer pool.

The quality of the shower installation matters more than the tub/shower decision itself. A beautifully tiled walk-in shower with frameless glass and modern fixtures is a strong selling point regardless of what it replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a tub-to-shower conversion take?

The construction work typically takes five to ten business days for a straightforward conversion. Tile work, waterproofing cure times, and glass enclosure fabrication account for most of the timeline. Add two to twelve weeks for permits and building approvals before construction can begin.

Can I convert a shower back to a bathtub later?

Yes, but it is a full renovation project to convert back. The plumbing, waterproofing, and finish work all need to be redone. It is not a simple swap, so the decision to remove a tub should be made with the understanding that reversing it later will cost approximately the same as the original conversion.

Do I need to waterproof the entire bathroom floor for a curbless shower?

Yes. A curbless shower requires waterproofing the entire bathroom floor because there is no physical barrier preventing water from reaching the edges of the room. This is an additional cost compared to a curbed shower, which only requires waterproofing inside the shower area.

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Expert Help With Your Tub-to-Shower Conversion

Whether you are converting a tub to a shower or remodeling your entire bathroom, Monarch Contracting Group's bathroom remodeling team has the experience to deliver a result that looks great and performs flawlessly. We handle everything from plumbing and waterproofing to custom tile work and glass enclosure installation.

Call Monarch Contracting Group today at (917) 410-6464 for a free consultation about your bathroom renovation.

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This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed contractor and verify local building codes and permit requirements before starting any construction or renovation project. Monarch Contracting Group is fully licensed and insured in New York.

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