Chicago, IL
Chicago winters and older bathrooms don’t mix—one cracked tub ledge or slick tile floor can turn a quick rinse into a risky step-over. Des Plaines Bathroom Remodel Contractors Pro helps Chicago homeowners convert tubs into walk-in showers that drain correctly, stay dry behind the walls, and look like they belong in your home—whether you’re near the Loop or along Lake Shore Drive.
Chicago housing stock—from brick two-flats in Logan Square to vintage condos near Wrigleyville—often comes with narrow alcove tubs, uneven subfloors, and tired galvanized or copper supply lines. Our tub-to-shower conversion work in Chicago focuses on solving those real constraints: tight footprints, shared plumbing stacks, and moisture issues caused by seasonal humidity swings and long heating cycles. We coordinate with City of Chicago requirements for plumbing and venting, and we plan layouts that respect common alcove sizes while improving access and water containment.
Our conversion process is methodical and built for durability. We demo the tub, inspect framing, and correct out-of-level floors before setting a shower system. Depending on the space, we install a pre-sloped shower pan (Schluter-KERDI shower tray or a custom mortar bed) and set the drain with proper pitch using a laser level and flood-test the waterproofing before tile. For plumbing, we install a pressure-balanced mixing valve (Moen or Delta) and confirm anti-scald performance, then update the trap and drain connection to meet code. We use oscillating multi-tools, SDS rotary hammers, and HEPA dust control to keep Chicago condo hallways and multi-unit buildings clean.
Materials matter in Chicago bathrooms where steam and temperature shifts are constant. We use cement backer board where appropriate, but prefer foam backer systems and sheet membranes like Schluter-KERDI or LATICRETE HYDRO BAN Sheet Membrane to create a continuous waterproof envelope. Tile is set with polymer-modified thinset (ANSI A118.4/A118.15), joints are finished with a stain-resistant grout, and all change-of-plane corners are sealed with 100% silicone. Glass, if included, is tempered safety glazing with properly anchored hinges or channels—installed to reduce leaks and protect adjacent plaster or lath walls common in older Chicago interiors.
Chicago clients want results they can feel every day: easier entry, less cleaning, and fewer moisture worries behind the tile. Our conversions are built to perform—solid blocking for future grab bars, correctly sloped pans, and integrated niches and benches that don’t compromise waterproofing. Many homeowners notice faster warm-up and better water control after switching from a high-sided tub to a properly designed shower with a quality shower valve and a well-sealed enclosure, especially in smaller bathrooms found in Lakeview and West Town.
A homeowner in Lincoln Park called us after noticing recurring water stains on the dining-room ceiling below their second-floor hall bath—an older Chicago two-flat with a cast-iron tub and a tired tile surround. The tub spout had been dripping for months, and the caulk line at the tub-to-tile transition kept failing. They wanted a tub-to-shower conversion that would stop the leak, reduce the step-over height for an aging parent, and fit a tighter alcove without moving the bathroom door. We started with a controlled demo, protecting the stairwell and using HEPA filtration. After removing the tub, we found softened subfloor around the drain and minimal blocking behind the existing wall tile. We replaced damaged subfloor sections, sistered joists where needed, and verified the new shower footprint would keep the curb line square. Plumbing was updated with a pressure-balanced Moen valve and new connections to the existing supply lines, and we reworked the drain assembly for a shower configuration with correct slope. For waterproofing, we installed a Schluter-KERDI shower system with a bonded flange drain, sealed seams with KERDI-BAND, and performed a 24-hour flood test before tile. The walls were finished with large-format porcelain tile, an integrated niche framed and waterproofed within the membrane system, and a low-profile curb designed to reduce tripping. We installed a tempered glass panel and door with properly anchored hardware into blocking, then finished with silicone at all change-of-plane joints. Outcome: the ceiling stains stopped after the conversion, the new shower maintained water inside the enclosure during daily use, and the homeowner gained a safer entry height and easier cleaning. They also appreciated that our team documented materials, waterproofing steps, and maintenance guidance—important for Chicago multi-unit living and future resale disclosures.
We offer same-day service for most tub-to-shower conversion needs in Chicago. Our local team can typically arrive within hours of your call.
Serving Chicago from our Des Plaines location — Des Plaines Bathroom Remodel Contractors Pro is just a short drive away.
Send a message or call to book your free in-home bathroom design consultation with Des Plaines Bathroom Remodel Contractors Pro in Des Plaines. We typically schedule consultations within the same week and provide written fixed-price quotes within a few business days of the visit.
