What's actually involved
The crew removes the existing tub and surround, inspects the framing and subfloor for moisture damage (common in older Inside-the-Beltline Raleigh, downtown Durham, and Chapel Hill stock after long humidity exposure), installs a new shower pan, builds the new shower walls (acrylic insert, semi-custom acrylic, or tile), reworks plumbing as needed, and sets glass or a curtain rod. Permits are typically pulled when plumbing is moved.
Triangle-area specifics worth flagging
Newer Cary, Apex, and other subdivisions are usually the cleanest, fastest scopes, framed alcoves with builder-grade tubs ready to swap. Older Inside-the-Beltline Raleigh bungalows, downtown Durham four-squares, and historic Chapel Hill and Carrboro stock more often have plaster walls, original supply lines, and prior moisture damage worth scoping carefully.
- Plaster or older drywall behind original tile (affects demo time)
- Subfloor moisture damage from prior tub leaks and Piedmont humidity
- Vent fan replacement, undersized or attic-vented fans common in older intown stock
- Crawlspace vs. slab plumbing access (most older intown Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill is crawlspace; many newer Triangle subdivisions are slab)
- Moderately hard water across much of the Triangle (affects fixture finish and glass coating choice)
- Glass enclosure choice (frameless, semi-frameless, sliding)
Still deciding if tub-to-shower conversion (research triangle) is actually the right project for your home? Start with the guide, I'll help you compare it against the other options in about 2 minutes and you'll walk away with a plan either way.
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Frequently asked questions
Is one full bathroom enough for resale in the Triangle?+
In family-buyer Cary, Apex, and other segments, buyers usually expect at least one tub somewhere in the home. In stay-put aging-in-place segments across North, Northwest, and Northeast Raleigh, South Durham, and the Cypress-of-Raleigh/Cypress Glen-style retirement-corridor neighborhoods, walk-in showers are the norm and not having a tub rarely affects resale.
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See your personalized remodel plan in 2 minutes
Tell me a bit about you and I'll tailor the plan to your home and budget. No pressure, no obligation.