What's included
What Our Shower and Tub Installation Includes
A new tub or shower is a plumbing job, a carpentry job and a waterproofing job at once.
- Removal and disposal of the old tub, shower base or surround
- An inspection of the subfloor, framing and drain for leak damage once the old unit is out
- Drain and valve updates to fit the new tub or shower
- A new tub, shower base or wall surround set level, supported and sealed
- Fixtures, trim and final caulking, plus a walkthrough to check for leaks
Local expertise
Shower and Tub Replacement for Stanwood Homes
Most of the tubs and showers we replace in Stanwood are original to the house.
Census figures put the median Stanwood home's build year at 2001, and nearly half of the city's homes went up between 1990 and 2009. Homes from that era usually came with a fiberglass tub-shower combo or a one-piece shower stall. Those units last for years, but they crack, flex and stain with age. The caulk joints around them eventually let water through.
When water gets past a tub or shower base, it lands on the subfloor. On a second floor, it may show up as a stain on the ceiling below. Over a crawl space, it can soak the subfloor and joists for months before anyone notices. Taking out the old unit is the best chance to find that damage, so we inspect the area every time and fix what we find.
Your household decides what goes in next. Some families want a deeper tub for bathing kids or a long soak at the end of the day. Others want the tub gone in favor of a walk-in shower that is easier to step into. We talk through how the bathroom gets used, then recommend the tub or shower that fits the space and the plumbing.
Our process
How Shower and Tub Installation Works
Five steps from choosing the new unit to the first leak-free use.
Look at the bathroom together
We check the existing tub or shower, the drain location and the access around it. You tell us what is not working, whether that is a high tub wall, a cracked base or a shower that feels too small. Then we measure so the new unit fits the opening.
Choose the unit and put it in writing
We help you compare tubs, shower bases and surrounds by size, material and cleaning needs. The scope, product and price go into a written estimate. Special-order units arrive before demolition, so the bathroom is out of use for less time.
Remove the old unit and inspect
The old tub or shower comes out, along with any damaged drywall behind it. We check the subfloor, joists, drain and supply lines for leaks and rot. Any damage gets repaired before the new unit is set.
Set, level and connect
The new tub or shower base is set level and fully supported, so it will not flex or crack. We connect the drain and update the valve if needed. Then the walls go up, whether that means a surround kit, solid panels or backer board for tile.
Seal, trim and test
Fixtures and trim go on, and every joint is sealed with mildew-resistant caulk. We run water through the fixtures and check the drain for leaks. A final walkthrough with you closes out the job.
What we install
Shower and Tub Projects We Handle
From a straight swap to a full conversion, each project is matched to the bathroom and the people using it.
Tub-to-shower conversions
Replacing a rarely used tub with a walk-in shower is one of the most requested bathroom updates. The new shower usually fits the tub's footprint and drain area. That keeps the plumbing changes modest.
New bathtubs
Alcove tubs, deeper soaking tubs and freestanding tubs each need different space and support. A full tub of water is heavy, so we check the floor framing before a larger tub goes in.
Shower bases and wall surrounds
Acrylic and fiberglass bases with matching wall panels install quickly and leave few grout lines to clean. They suit secondary baths, rentals and busy households. When you want a custom look, we build fully tiled showers too.
Low-threshold and accessible showers
A low-curb shower base, a built-in seat and blocking for grab bars make a bathroom safer as you age. Blocking goes in while the walls are open. That way, bars can be added later without hunting for studs.
Shower & tub FAQ
Shower and Tub Installation Questions, Answered
Common questions about shower and tub installation in Stanwood, WA.
Can you convert my tub into a walk-in shower?
Yes. Most tubs can be replaced with a walk-in shower in the same footprint. We check the drain location and floor during the walkthrough and explain any plumbing changes needed.
How long does a tub or shower replacement take?
A straightforward swap with a surround kit often takes a few days. A conversion, a custom tub or damage found behind the old unit can take longer. Your estimate includes a schedule so you can plan around the bathroom being out of use.
Should I choose acrylic, fiberglass or tile?
Acrylic resists cracks and stains better than fiberglass and holds heat longer in a tub. Fiberglass usually costs the least. Tile gives the most design freedom but takes longer to install. We walk you through the trade-offs for your budget.
Will removing my old tub reveal water damage?
Sometimes. Leaks at tub drains and worn caulk are common in homes 20 or more years old. If we find damage, we show you and repair it before the new unit goes in.
Can you add grab bars or a shower seat?
Yes. We add solid blocking inside the walls while they are open, so grab bars anchor into wood rather than drywall. Built-in or fold-down seats can be planned into a new shower.
Do I need new plumbing when I replace a tub?
Not always. We often reuse the existing supply lines and adjust the drain to fit. Worn valves are usually worth replacing while the wall is open, and we tell you when that is the case.
A new tub or shower, installed right the first time.
We remove the old unit, repair what is behind it and install the new one, all with the same crew. Flexible financing is offered through Enhancify, and 0% interest options may be available.
Planning more bathroom work? We also handle tile shower installation, bathroom vanity installation and bathroom remodeling for Stanwood homes.