How Much Does a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost in Hollywood, FL?
A tub-to-shower conversion in Hollywood typically runs $3,500-$10,000 and takes 3-5 working days from demo to final inspection. Most homeowners in ZIPs 33022 through 33025 call us at (844) 665-0162 when they’re ready to lose the unused tub, gain a walk-in shower, and stop climbing over a 14-inch wall every morning.
We’ve done this job in Hollywood’s 1960s CBS ranch homes near Hollywood Boulevard, in the courtyard condos off Stirling Road, and in the newer tracts west of I-75. The work is straightforward until it isn’t, and the difference usually hides behind the tile: original plumbing location, wall condition after demo, and whether your HOA or the city wants a permit conversation before we start.
How We Handle Tub-to-Shower Conversion - Start to Finish
We break every tub-to-shower conversion into five stages so you know what’s happening and when you need to make a decision.
Stage 1: Site measure and plumbing verification (Day 1, 2-3 hours)
We pull the tub, assess the drain line material (often galvanized steel in pre-1970s Hollywood homes, PVC in later builds), and confirm whether your existing valve location works for the new shower configuration. This is when you decide: keep the plumbing where it is and save $800-$1,500, or relocate it for a more open layout. We also check wall cavity condition; Florida humidity behind decades-old tile frequently reveals compromised cement board or block deterioration that needs addressing before waterproofing.
Stage 2: Demo and rough-prep (Days 1-2)
Tile comes off, the tub gets cut and carried out (cast iron tubs in older Hollywood homes sometimes require sectioning with a reciprocating saw), and we expose the full surround. If we’re staying in place, we cap and protect existing lines. If we’re moving plumbing, this is when we open walls or floors and run new supply and drain lines. You’ll see the space raw here; it’s the right moment to confirm your final tile layout and niche placement.
Stage 3: Waterproofing and pre-slope (Days 2-3)
We install a bonded waterproofing membrane or traditional hot-mop pan depending on your spec and budget. In Hollywood’s humid climate, we don’t skip the flood test; a 24-hour standing-water test on the pre-slope catches pan failures before tile goes up. You don’t make decisions here, but you should know we’re doing it.
Stage 4: Tile, fixture set, and glass measure (Days 3-4)
Wall tile goes up, the valve trim and showerhead get set, and we template for glass. If you chose a frameless enclosure, the glass shop needs 7-10 business days after template; we coordinate this so you’re not waiting on us. This is also when we install any grab bars, bench seating, or niche shelving you selected.
Stage 5: Final inspection, glass install, and walkthrough (Day 5, or Day 12-14 with frameless glass)
We pull the permit closeout if required, install glass, caulk, and run every fixture through full hot-cold cycles. You sign off when the water pressure feels right and the door swings clean.
The Options You’ll Choose Between for Your Tub-to-Shower Conversion
Every decision below moves your final number and your daily experience. We don’t default you to the middle option; we explain the trade-off and let you pick.
- Keep existing plumbing location vs. relocate: Staying put saves $800-$1,500 and one day of work. Moving the drain or valve wall opens the layout but requires opening concrete slab (common in Hollywood’s CBS homes) or joist bays, adding labor and material. Best for homeowners who hate the current tub-shower orientation or need accessibility clearance.
- Acrylic surround vs. tile: Acrylic installs in hours, costs less, and carries a manufacturer warranty, but the color and texture options are limited and it can feel institutional. Tile costs more, takes longer, and needs re-grouting maintenance in Florida’s hard water, but the design range is unlimited and it adds resale appeal in Hollywood’s competitive rental and resale market.
- Standard curtain rod vs. framed vs. frameless glass: A curtain is cheapest and easiest to replace, but contains water poorly in a curbless or low-threshold conversion. Framed glass is mid-range and functional. Frameless is premium, heavier glass, longer lead time, and shows water spots more readily on clear glass; worth it if the bathroom is a visual focal point.
- Curbed threshold vs. curbless/zero-entry: A standard 4-6 inch curb contains water and costs less. Curbless requires precision sloping, often a linear drain, and sometimes structural floor modification; it’s the right choice for aging-in-place plans or mobility considerations, and we see strong demand for this in Hollywood’s 55+ communities.
- Pressure-balanced vs. thermostatic valve: Pressure-balanced prevents scalding when someone flushes; thermostatic holds exact temperature and adds $200-$400. For households with inconsistent municipal pressure or multiple simultaneous users, thermostatic pays for itself in comfort.
What Tub-to-Shower Conversion Costs in Hollywood, FL
| Component / Scenario | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Basic tub-to-shower conversion (keep plumbing, acrylic surround, standard fixtures) | $3,500-$5,500 |
| Mid-range conversion (tile surround, relocate valve, framed glass door) | $5,500-$7,500 |
| Full reconfiguration (curbless, linear drain, frameless glass, thermostatic valve, bench) | $7,500-$10,000 |
| Structural or plumbing complications (slab work, electrical relocation, mold remediation) | Add $1,000-$3,000 |
Five variables push your number up or down:
- Plumbing relocation: Keeping the drain and valve where they are is the single biggest cost control. Moving either requires opening slab or walls, plus inspection.
- Wall condition behind existing tile: Hollywood’s older CBS homes often have cement board that’s degraded from decades of moisture infiltration. Replacement adds material and labor, but skipping it guarantees future failure.
- Material grade: Porcelain tile runs 30-50% more than ceramic; natural stone more still. Frameless glass doubles the enclosure cost versus a quality framed unit.
- Permit and inspection scope: Broward County requires permits for plumbing modifications and structural changes. A simple swap with no plumbing movement may not need one; a full reconfiguration does. We handle the submittal, but the permit fee is a pass-through.
- HOA requirements: Many Hollywood condos and gated communities require architectural review before exterior-visible work or shared-wall plumbing changes. This adds 1-3 weeks to timeline, not necessarily cost, unless rush fees apply.
Your written estimate includes demo, disposal, rough plumbing, waterproofing, tile or surround installation, fixture set, and basic glass or rod. It does not include permit fees (if required), HOA application costs, or post-installation deep cleaning.
What Hollywood Homes Specifically Add to This Job
Hollywood’s housing stock splits east and west, and that split changes what we find when we pull a tub.
In the eastern ZIPs - 33020, 33021, 33023 - we’re working in 1950s-1970s concrete block and stucco homes built for the Northeast snowbird market. These bathrooms are compact, often 5×7 feet, with galvanized drains and original copper supply lines that may be nearing end of life. The tub is frequently cast iron, and the wall behind it is direct-to-block plaster or early cement board with no moisture barrier by modern standards. When we demo, we expect surprises: corroded drain shoes, compromised block, or prior homeowner tile jobs that masked water intrusion. We price for discovery and communicate before proceeding.
The western ZIPs - 33024 through 33027 - bring 1980s-2000s tract construction with PVC drains, larger footprints, and more forgiving layouts. Here, tub-to-shower conversion is often part of a full Bathroom Remodeling in Hollywood update, and homeowners frequently pair it with vanity replacement and flooring.
Every project in Hollywood, regardless of ZIP, sits within Florida’s High Velocity Hurricane Zone. While a tub-to-shower conversion doesn’t trigger the full structural scrutiny of a roof replacement, any work that touches exterior walls, impact-rated windows, or the home’s moisture barrier must use HVHZ-listed assemblies backed by Miami-Dade Notices of Acceptance. We’ve seen contractors from Palm Beach County or Orlando stalled at the Broward permit desk because their waterproofing membrane or window assembly lacked the right NOA. We spec to Hollywood’s actual requirements from the first conversation, not after a rejection.
For homeowners on the barrier island in 33019, salt-air corrosion is a secondary concern: any exposed metal fixtures, fasteners, or framing near the Atlantic side degrades faster, and we specify marine-grade or corrosion-resistant hardware even on interior wet walls.
Serving Hollywood, FL - Our Local Coverage Area
We’re based in the Hollywood area and know this community well. Use the map below to see our service coverage - if you’re nearby, we can almost certainly help.
Frequently Asked - Tub-to-Shower Conversion in Hollywood
Most conversions take 3-5 working days if we’re keeping the existing plumbing location and using a standard threshold with framed glass. Add one day for plumbing relocation, and 7-10 business days for frameless glass lead time after template. Call (844) 665-0162 and we’ll give you a firm schedule based on your specific layout.
You need a Broward County permit if the work involves moving plumbing drains or supply lines, modifying structural walls, or changing the bathroom’s ventilation. A direct swap of tub for shower using existing plumbing locations may not require one. We determine permit need during our initial site measure and handle the submittal if required.
Yes, and roughly 60% of our Hollywood tub-to-shower conversions keep the existing drain and valve location. The new shower base connects to the current drain, and the valve trim upgrades in place. This saves $800-$1,500 and one day of work. The limitation is layout: you’re locked into the current wall for your showerhead and controls.
A tub-to-shower conversion replaces the wet area only: tub out, shower in, with surrounding waterproofing and finishes. A full Bathroom Remodeling project includes the vanity, flooring, lighting, and often layout changes. Many homeowners in Hollywood start with the conversion and phase the rest; our Bathroom Remodeling in Hollywood crew can plan for future work so you’re not ripping out new tile later.
Our workmanship warranty covers installation and waterproofing. Manufacturer warranties apply to fixtures, acrylic surrounds, and glass enclosures. Tile and grout maintenance falls to the homeowner per care guidelines we provide. We document every warranty term in your contract, not in vague promises.
Ready to Lose the Tub? Let’s Measure Your Space
Call (844) 665-0162 for a free, on-site estimate for tub-to-shower conversion in Hollywood. We’ll confirm your plumbing layout, check wall condition, and deliver a written quote with line-item pricing and a firm timeline. No deposit required to schedule. If you’re also considering exterior work, ask how Metal Roofing in Hollywood or Tile Roofing in Hollywood can be coordinated through your single Groundwork project manager.
Written by Raymond Estevez, Owner at Groundwork Construction Co., serving Hollywood since our South Florida founding.