Tub-to-Shower Conversion in West Hollywood: Timeline, Cost, and What to Expect
A tub-to-shower conversion in West Hollywood typically runs $3,500-$10,000 and takes 5 to 10 working days from demolition to final inspection. Most 1950s-1960s concrete block homes in the 33021 ZIP keep the existing drain location, which keeps the job on the shorter end of that range. Call (844) 665-0162 and we’ll walk through your layout and give you a written estimate with no obligation.
How We Handle Tub-to-Shower Conversion From Start to Finish
We break every tub-to-shower conversion into five clear stages so you know what’s happening and when you need to make decisions. Here’s how it plays out in West Hollywood’s older CBS homes.
Stage 1: Site measure and scope lock (Day 1, 1-2 hours on site)
We photograph the existing tub surround, check wall and floor framing, and confirm drain location and venting. This is when you decide shower footprint: keep the tub’s 30″ x 60″ footprint or bump to a 36″ x 60″ pan if adjacent space allows. We also flag whether your existing water heater capacity (often 30-40 gallons in these 1950s-1960s builds) can handle the sustained flow of a modern rainfall head. You get a fixed-price proposal before we leave.
Stage 2: Permits and material order (2-5 business days)
Because West Hollywood sits in unincorporated Broward County, we pull permits through the Broward County Building Division, not a city hall. Their inspection queue and fee structure differ from neighboring Hollywood or Pembroke Pines, and we schedule rough and final inspections at permit pull to avoid gaps. Meanwhile, you finalize tile or wall panel selection, valve trim finish, and glass enclosure style. Material lead times vary: acrylic surrounds ship in 3-5 days; custom tile orders can run 2-3 weeks.
Stage 3: Demolition and rough prep (Days 1-2 of construction)
We remove the tub, surround, and valve body. In West Hollywood’s CBS construction, we often find original galvanized supply lines or ungrounded outlets within the demo zone. Both must be brought to current code before close-in. If we’re keeping the drain in place, we verify the P-trap condition and pitch. If we’re moving it, we cut the slab, which adds 1-2 days and requires a plumbing sub-permit. You don’t need to be home for demo, but we ask you to clear the bathroom and adjacent hallway.
Stage 4: Pan, wall treatment, and valve install (Days 3-6)
The shower pan goes in first: either a prefab acrylic or fiberglass unit, or a hot-mop or membrane system for tile. Wall treatment follows. Acrylic surrounds go fastest, 4-6 hours. Tile demands more time: cement board, waterproofing membrane (we use liquid-applied or sheet membrane depending on your tile weight), then layout, set, and grout. We install a pressure-balanced or thermostatic valve based on your selection. This stage determines your final look more than any other, so we do a mid-stage walkthrough before grout or final wall sealing.
Stage 5: Glass, fixtures, trim, and final inspection (Days 7-10)
Frameless, semi-frameless, or framed glass gets templated after wall finish is complete, then installed 2-3 days later. We set final trim, test all functions, and clean the space. Broward County Building Division conducts the final inspection, verifying plumbing code compliance and hurricane-hardening where triggered by the renovation scope. We pass you the permit closure documentation for your records.
The Choices That Shape Your Tub-to-Shower Conversion
Every decision below moves the price and the long-term experience. We don’t push one path; we explain the trade-off and let you choose.
- Shower pan material: Prefab acrylic or fiberglass pans cost less and install in hours, but the color range is limited and the surface can flex underfoot. Solid surface or tiled pans with waterproof membrane cost more and take longer, but feel substantial underfoot and allow custom sizing for irregular West Hollywood bathroom layouts.
- Wall surround: Acrylic or fiberglass three-panel systems are budget-friendly and low-maintenance, though they read “remodel” rather than “custom.” Tile (ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone) offers unlimited design range but demands sealed grout joints and annual maintenance in South Florida’s humidity. Large-format porcelain with minimal grout lines splits the difference.
- Valve type: Pressure-balanced valves prevent scalding when someone flushes a toilet; they’re standard and sufficient for most households. Thermostatic valves hold exact temperature and allow separate flow control; they cost more but suit households with precise preferences or temperature-sensitive users.
- Glass enclosure: Framed sliding doors are economical and tolerate slight out-of-level conditions common in older homes. Semi-frameless and frameless systems need plumb walls and precise installation, but they open the visual space in a small West Hollywood bathroom dramatically. Frameless requires thicker glass (3/8″ or 1/2″) and heavier hardware.
- Fixture grade and finish: Builder-grade chrome fixtures start around $150 for a full set and last 10-15 years with maintenance. Brushed nickel, matte black, or living finishes resist water spotting better in our mineral-heavy Broward County water. Solid brass valve bodies outlast zinc alloys; we specify brass for clients planning to stay in the home long-term.
If this tub-to-shower conversion is part of a full Bathroom Remodeling in West Hollywood, we coordinate pan and wall selections with vanity and flooring materials for a coherent material palette.
What Tub-to-Shower Conversion Costs in West Hollywood, FL
Tub-to-shower conversion in West Hollywood ranges from $3,500 to $10,000 based on the choices above and conditions we find behind the walls.
| Price Driver | Low-End Scenario | High-End Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| Shower footprint and drain location | Keep existing 30″ x 60″, drain in place | Expand to 36″ x 60″, move drain, cut slab |
| Wall and pan material | Acrylic surround and prefab pan | Full tile, cement board, membrane system |
| Plumbing condition | Copper or PEX supply, modern drain | Galvanized replacement, vent modification |
| Glass enclosure | Framed sliding door | Frameless custom glass with hardware |
| Fixture and valve grade | Builder-grade chrome, pressure balance | Designer finish, thermostatic, body sprays |
Jobs at the low end typically involve a straightforward swap in a second bathroom with good access and modern plumbing. High-end projects include expanding the footprint, relocating fixtures, or uncovering code deficiencies that must be corrected. Our written estimate itemizes labor, materials, permit fees, and a contingency line for concealed conditions. It does not include bathroom flooring replacement outside the wet area, vanity replacement, or mold remediation if found behind existing walls; we flag those separately if they arise during demo.
Homeowners often pair bathroom updates with exterior work while we’re mobilized. If you’re considering Metal Roofing in West Hollywood or Tile Roofing in West Hollywood, our crew can coordinate scopes so you’re not juggling multiple contractors.
What West Hollywood Homes Specifically Do to This Job
West Hollywood’s unincorporated status and housing stock create conditions we plan for on every tub-to-shower conversion here.
The permitting path is the first variable. Because there’s no West Hollywood city hall, we file with the Broward County Building Division. Their inspection scheduling, fee tables, and job-site posting requirements differ from incorporated neighbors like Hollywood or Pembroke Pines. Out-of-area crews often stumble here, adding days to timelines because they don’t know the County’s notice-board rules or online inspection request cutoffs. We’ve run this workflow repeatedly; we know their lead times and inspector preferences for 33021 jobs.
The housing stock matters more. Most homes in this ZIP are 1950s-1960s concrete block construction built before Hurricane Andrew rewrote the Florida Building Code. When we open walls for a tub-to-shower conversion, we regularly find uninsulated CBS walls, undersized electrical panels, and original galvanized plumbing. Current Broward County code triggers hurricane-hardening compliance reviews for significant renovations, which can mean impact-rated window verification or structural tie-down inspections if the bathroom shares an exterior wall. We price this possibility into our proposals so you’re not surprised mid-project.
Humidity is the silent factor. South Florida’s year-round moisture means we never skip waterproofing membrane behind tile, and we specify mold-resistant cement board rather than standard drywall greenboard. Fastener corrosion is real in these conditions; we use stainless or coated hardware for glass enclosures and valve mounting. These aren’t upsells. They’re how you avoid calling us back in three years with grout failure or frame rust.
Our Bathroom Remodeling crew covers West Hollywood alongside Hollywood, Andover, Miramar, and West Park, so we’re familiar with the block-by-block variation in housing age and condition across the area.
Serving West Hollywood, FL - Our Local Coverage Area
We’re based in the West 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 West Hollywood
Most conversions take 5 to 10 working days, with permit lead time adding 2 to 5 business days upfront. Jobs that keep the existing drain and use an acrylic surround finish on the shorter end; tile walls, drain relocation, or slab cutting push toward 10 days. Call (844) 665-0162 and we’ll give you a timeline based on your specific bathroom layout.
Yes. Because West Hollywood is unincorporated Broward County, we pull the permit through the Broward County Building Division, not a city hall. The permit covers plumbing changes, any electrical work, and code compliance verification. We handle the application, scheduling, and inspections as part of our project management.
Often yes, if your existing tub is a standard 30″ x 60″ or 32″ x 60″ and the drain location works for a shower pan. We install a shower-specific P-trap and raise the shower valve height, but the main drain line frequently stays put. This is the most cost-effective path and what we recommend for West Hollywood’s smaller 1950s-1960s bathrooms unless you’re expanding the footprint.
A straightforward conversion with acrylic surround, existing drain, and framed door starts around $3,500. A full tile job with membrane waterproofing, custom glass, thermostatic valve, and drain relocation can reach $10,000. The biggest cost drivers are wall material choice, whether we move plumbing, and glass enclosure grade. We itemize everything in our written estimate so you see where your money goes.
We warranty our workmanship for one year from completion. Manufacturer warranties apply to specific products: acrylic pans typically carry 10-30 years, tile membranes 10 years, and fixtures vary by brand from lifetime to 5 years. We register all manufacturer warranties in your name and pass you the documentation at final walkthrough.
Ready to Replace Your Tub With a Shower in West Hollywood?
We’ll come to your West Hollywood home, measure your space, check what’s behind the walls, and give you a written estimate with fixed pricing and a clear timeline. No pressure, no obligation. Call (844) 665-0162 or fill out our contact form and we’ll schedule your free on-site consultation this week.
Written by Raymond Estevez, Owner at Groundwork Construction Co., serving West Hollywood and Broward County homeowners since 2015.