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 accessible walk-in designs that eliminate the need to step over a tub edge.

Walk-in showers are the most popular choice for seniors, featuring a low or zero-threshold entry that's easy to navigate. These can include built-in seating, multiple grab bars strategically placed for support, and non-slip flooring materials like textured porcelain or natural stone with anti-slip treatments. The shower area typically uses the same footprint as your existing tub, making it a straightforward conversion without major structural changes.

Barrier-free or curbless showers offer the ultimate in accessibility, with no step at all to enter the shower. However, these require careful planning for proper drainage and waterproofing, and may need floor modifications to create the necessary slope. In Ottawa homes, this sometimes means adjusting the subfloor, which could require a building permit depending on the extent of structural work.

Comfort features to consider include comfort-height shower controls (positioned 38-48 inches from the floor), handheld shower heads with slide bars, built-in corner seats or fold-down benches, and adequate lighting. Heated floors are particularly beneficial for seniors, providing warmth and helping to dry the floor surface quickly to prevent slips.

In Ottawa's market, a basic tub-to-shower conversion typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000, while a fully accessible walk-in shower with premium features can cost $8,000 to $15,000. The investment significantly improves safety and often increases your home's value, especially as more buyers seek aging-in-place features.

City of Ottawa requirements may vary for accessibility modifications - a licensed contractor will handle any necessary permits and ensure proper waterproofing and drainage. For a free consultation on creating a safe, accessible shower that meets your specific needs, request a quote from Ottawa Bathrooms to discuss the best options for your space and budget.

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Ottawa Bathrooms connects you with vetted, licensed renovation contractors from the Ottawa Construction Network:

• CMA Restoration Group inc ✓
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