Walk-In Shower Conversion Central Iowa
- Home Addition Builder
What Is a Walk-In Shower Conversion?
A walk-in shower conversion removes an existing tub and puts a shower in its place. Some conversions drop in a prefab pan and surround. Others build a full custom tile shower with a bench, niche, and glass panel. Both use the same footprint, so plumbing usually stays put and cost stays down.
It fits homeowners who step over a tub wall they never fill, and anyone planning to stay in the home as they age. One honest caution first: if this is the only tub in the house, removing it can narrow your future buyer pool. We will tell you when that matters. See our full bathroom remodeling service, or read our comparison of walk-in showers versus bathtubs for Iowa homes.
About Us
Since 2020, Busy Builders has completed 1,285+ construction and remodeling projects across Central Iowa. We build home additions for families who need more space and want it done right the first time.
Every addition we build is designed to match the existing home’s structure, style, and systems so it feels like it was always there.
Our Mission
Honest pricing, a clear written plan, and no surprise charges on every home addition project we take on.
We tell you what the project actually requires before a single permit is filed, and we do not upsell scope the addition doesn’t need.
Our Vision
We want to be the registered general contractor that homeowners in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Waukee, Johnston, and Grimes call first when the house isn’t big enough anymore.
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Convert to a Walk-In Shower?
No More Stepping Over a Wall
A low or curbless entry is easier every single day, and it is the change people wish they had made years earlier.
Uses the Space You Already Have
Same footprint, same plumbing wall. That is why a conversion costs a fraction of moving the bathroom around.
A Bathroom That Ages With You
Curbless entry, a bench, and blocking for grab bars now means no second remodel in fifteen years.
Easier to Clean
No tub ledge collecting grime. Glass and tile with proper waterproofing wipe down in minutes.
Honest Advice on Resale
If it is your only tub, we say so. Bathroom projects recoup about 50 percent at resale on average per NAR 2025, and buyer pool matters.
Built Waterproof, Not Just Pretty
Membrane behind the tile, correct slope, licensed plumbing. The parts you cannot see are the parts that fail.
- Home Additions Step By Step
How We Convert Your Tub to a Walk-In Shower
ASSESSMENT & LAYOUT
We look at the existing tub, the plumbing behind it, and the framing under it. Most conversions keep the same footprint, which keeps cost down. If the drain has to move or the subfloor is soft, you hear about it before you get a number, not after demo.
- Existing plumbing and drain checked
- Subfloor and framing evaluated
- Written scope and budget
DESIGN & SELECTIONS
Prefab or custom tile is the fork in the road, and it drives most of your budget. We walk you through pan options, tile, glass, niches, and whether a bench or a curbless entry makes sense for how you will use it in ten years.
- Prefab vs custom tile compared
- Tile, glass, and niche selections
- Curbless option discussed early
DEMO & SUBFLOOR REPAIR
The tub comes out and we find what has been hiding behind it. Old tubs leak quietly for years, so soft subfloor and rot are common. We repair what we find and document it, rather than tiling over a problem.
- Tub and surround removed
- Rot and soft subfloor repaired
- Findings documented for you
PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL ROUGH-IN
A licensed Iowa plumber sets the drain and valve for shower use. Electrical work brings outlets to GFCI protection and confirms the exhaust fan vents outdoors, both Iowa code requirements. Inspections pass before anything gets covered.
- Licensed plumber sets drain and valve
- GFCI protection confirmed
- Fan vented outdoors, not the attic
WATERPROOFING & PAN
This is the step that decides whether the shower lasts. A full waterproofing membrane goes on behind the tile, because tile and grout are not waterproof by themselves. The pan is sloped correctly to the drain so water never sits.
- Waterproof membrane installed
- Pan sloped correctly to drain
- Code compliant assembly
TILE, GLASS & WALKTHROUGH
Tile goes up, glass goes in, and fixtures get set and tested. We clean the space and walk it with you, water running, before we call it done. Written warranty on workmanship (details provided in your contract).
- Tile and glass installed
- Fixtures set and water tested
- Final walkthrough together
Permits, Code, and Waterproofing in Iowa
Disclaimer: This page is for general information and is not project-specific advice. Cost figures are planning estimates that vary by scope, materials, site conditions, and current pricing. Permit requirements vary by city and jurisdiction; verify current requirements with your local building authority before starting any project. Moisture and waterproofing outcomes depend on site conditions and existing framing, and no guarantee against water intrusion is implied. Resale figures are illustrative and not financial advice. No specific outcomes are guaranteed. Consult a registered contractor for guidance specific to your project.
What Does a Walk-In Shower Conversion Cost in Central Iowa?
| Conversion type | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Prefab or kit tub to shower conversion | $1,500 to $5,000 |
| Custom tile walk-in shower | $3,500 to $15,000 |
| New mid-range walk-in shower install | $6,000 to $12,000 |
| Keep the tub, add a separate shower | $11,000 to $23,000 or more |
| Planning contingency | 10 to 15 percent of budget |
Based on our published Central Iowa pricing. Your written estimate sets the final numbers.
Ready to Ditch the Tub?
Weighing options? Compare primary bathroom remodels and aging in place bathrooms.
- Achievement
Trusted Walk-In Shower Contractors in Central Iowa
- Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Walk-In Shower Conversions in Central Iowa
How much does a tub to shower conversion cost in Central Iowa?
A prefab or kit conversion runs $1,500 to $5,000. Custom tile runs $3,500 to $15,000 depending on tile, glass, and plumbing moves. Add a 10 to 15 percent contingency. Your written estimate sets the real number.
Should I remove my only bathtub?
Be careful here. Removing the only tub in a one-bath home narrows your buyer pool, regardless of neighborhood. If you have another tub elsewhere, converting this one is usually an easy call. We give you the honest read for your house.
How long does a walk-in shower conversion take?
Most conversions run inside the normal bathroom window of 3 to 8 weeks, and simple prefab swaps land at the short end. Custom tile with plumbing moves takes longer. Waiting on tile or glass can add time.
Do I need a permit for a shower conversion in Iowa?
Usually yes, especially when plumbing or electrical work is involved, and plumbing must be done by a licensed Iowa plumber. We handle the permit through your city building department so nothing gets flagged later.
How small can a walk-in shower be?
Iowa code requires at least 1,024 square inches of interior area that can accommodate a 30 inch circle, roughly 32 by 32 inches. We can work at that minimum, but we will show you what a few more inches buys in comfort.
Will a walk-in shower leak over time?
Not if it is built right. Tile and grout are not waterproof, so a proper membrane behind the tile plus correct pan slope is what keeps water where it belongs. That assembly is code, and it is where cheap installs cut corners.
