Showers & Tubs
Walk-in showers, tub-to-shower conversions, freestanding tubs, and shower enclosures
Should I get a walk-in shower or bathtub?
The choice between a walk-in shower and bathtub depends on your household needs, bathroom size, and long-term plans. Walk-in showers are ideal for dai...
How do I choose between a shower door and curtain?
Shower doors are generally the better long-term choice for most bathrooms, offering superior water containment, easier cleaning, and increased home va...
Do I need a permit just to replace a bathtub?
In most cases, simply replacing a bathtub with the same type of tub in the same location does not require a permit in Ottawa. However, if you're chang...
Can I add a bench to my shower?
Yes, you can definitely add a bench to your shower - it's one of the most popular upgrades homeowners request for both comfort and accessibility. A sh...
We never use our tub. Should we just take it out and put in a shower?
Removing an unused tub and installing a shower is one of the most popular bathroom renovations - it typically increases usable space, improves accessi...
Is a rain shower head worth it or just a gimmick?
Rain shower heads are definitely worth it for many homeowners - they provide a genuinely different and more luxurious shower experience compared to st...
Is it possible to convert my tub to a shower if the tub is against an outside wall?
Yes, you can absolutely convert a tub to a shower when it's against an outside wall. This is actually a very common renovation scenario that licensed...
Can I change my old tub to a walk-in shower?
Yes, converting your old tub to a walk-in shower is one of the most popular bathroom renovations. This conversion can improve accessibility, create mo...
Can I have a shower without a door, just open?
Yes, you can absolutely have a doorless shower, often called a "walk-in" or "open" shower. This design creates a seamless, spa-like feel and eliminate...
What kind of shower can replace a corner bathtub?
A corner shower enclosure is the most natural replacement for a corner bathtub, taking advantage of the existing plumbing location and maximizing your...
Is natural stone a good idea for showers, or is it too much maintenance?
Natural stone can be stunning in showers, but it requires significantly more maintenance than porcelain or ceramic alternatives. Whether it's "worth i...
Is it hard to convert a bathtub to a shower?
Converting a bathtub to a shower is a moderate complexity renovation that most homeowners find challenging to DIY, but it's a routine project for expe...
Can you put a shower where a tub used to be without major plumbing work?
Yes, you can usually install a shower where a tub used to be without major plumbing changes. Most tub-to-shower conversions use the existing plumbing...
What is a curbless shower, and is it difficult to build one?
A curbless shower is a walk-in shower design with no raised threshold or "curb" at the entrance, creating a seamless transition from the bathroom floo...
How much water pressure do you need for a good shower?
Most people need at least 40-60 PSI (pounds per square inch) for a satisfying shower experience, though the optimal range is 60-80 PSI. Below 40 PSI,...
My shower leaks into the ceiling below, what's wrong?
Water is penetrating through your shower's waterproof barrier and seeping into the floor assembly below. This is a serious issue that requires immedia...
How big can the shower be if I remove my standard-size tub?
A standard 60-inch tub opens up significant space for a much larger shower. Most standard tubs occupy about 30 square feet (5 feet long by 2.5 feet wi...
I'm 70 and want to switch my tub to a shower for safety, what options are there?
A tub-to-shower conversion is an excellent safety upgrade for your home. You have several options ranging from simple barrier-free showers to fully ac...
What is the minimum size for a walk-in shower?
The minimum size for a walk-in shower is 32" x 32" (approximately 2.7 feet by 2.7 feet) according to the Ontario Building Code, though this creates a...
Can a regular shower be converted to a walk-in shower for a wheelchair user?
Yes, most regular showers can be converted to wheelchair-accessible walk-in showers, though the extent of renovation depends on your current setup and...
What happens to the floor when you remove a bathtub?
Removing a bathtub typically reveals damaged subfloor underneath that needs repair or replacement. The area under and around the tub often has water d...
Does removing a bathtub hurt resale value?
Removing a bathtub typically has minimal impact on resale value in most Ottawa homes, especially if you're replacing it with a well-designed shower. T...
What tile is best for a walk-in shower?
Porcelain tile is generally the best choice for walk-in showers due to its low water absorption rate, durability, and wide range of design options tha...