Highland Park, IL
In Highland Park, where many homes near Sheridan Road and older split-levels off Skokie Valley Road still have deep, high-step tubs, a tub-to-shower conversion is the fastest way to gain safer access and a cleaner look. If your tub is cracking, hard to step over, or constantly growing mildew around the caulk line, converting to a walk-in shower now prevents subfloor damage and keeps daily routines simple—especially during busy school and lake-season schedules.
Highland Park homeowners often call us when an aging alcove tub starts flexing, the surround grout won’t stay clean, or the bathroom layout feels tight in classic Ravinia and Braeside-era construction. Deerfield Bathroom Remodel Contractors Pro sees these issues frequently in North Shore homes where original framing, older drain placements, and prior DIY patches create hidden risks. We assess joist condition, tub flange failures, and venting constraints so the new shower drains properly and the floor stays solid.
Our tub-to-shower remodel in Highland Park is built around correct demo and a waterproofing-first build. We protect finishes, remove the tub, inspect for moisture, and rebuild the wet zone using a sloped shower base and a continuous waterproofing system. For precision and dust control we use a HEPA-filtered vacuum, oscillating multi-tool for tight cuts, and a laser level to set plumb walls and consistent tile lines. When needed, we re-center the drain with PVC/ABS fittings, a new P-trap, and proper vent tie-in to keep the trap seal stable.
Materials and standards matter on the North Shore because freeze-thaw and humidity swings can expose weak assemblies. We install cement backer board or foam shower panels, then waterproof with a membrane system such as Schluter-KERDI or a liquid-applied ANSI A118.10 membrane, with thin-set mortar meeting ANSI A118.4/A118.15 where specified. Tile is set with proper movement joints following TCNA EJ171, and we seal transitions with 100% silicone—not painter’s caulk—so corners don’t crack. All work is performed to applicable Chicago-area code requirements as adopted locally, and our team follows manufacturer installation guides to protect product warranties.
Highland Park results we aim for are practical: a lower step-in height, better lighting, and surfaces that clean quickly after a day at Rosewood Beach or a workout at the Recreation Center. Many clients choose a linear drain for a modern look, a single-slope floor for easier squeegeeing, and a recessed niche framed cleanly between studs. The outcome is a shower that drains fast, stays dry behind the tile, and looks intentionally designed—without the constant upkeep of an old tub surround.
A homeowner in the Ravinia neighborhood contacted Deerfield Bathroom Remodel Contractors Pro about a 1990s fiberglass tub/shower that had started squeaking and flexing. The family’s main complaint was safety: their teen athletes were constantly slipping stepping over the tub wall after practice, and the caulk line kept turning black despite repeated scrubbing. During our site visit we found a soft spot at the tub’s front apron and elevated moisture readings on the subfloor near the valve wall. We scheduled a tub-to-shower conversion with a clear plan: contained demolition, subfloor repair, drain relocation, and a fully waterproofed tile shower. After removing the tub and surround, we replaced a damaged section of plywood, added blocking for future grab bars, and corrected wall studs for flatness using a long straightedge and laser level. We moved the drain to center the new shower pan, installed a new P-trap, and pressure-tested the line before closing. For the build, we installed a sloped shower base, applied Schluter-KERDI waterproofing with sealed seams, and performed a 24-hour flood test prior to tile. The homeowner chose porcelain tile with a slip-resistant finish on the floor, a pre-pitched niche, and a brushed nickel valve trim. We finished with epoxy grout in the wettest areas for stain resistance and TCNA-compliant movement joints at changes of plane. Outcome: the new shower provided a much easier entry, faster drainage, and a noticeably brighter bathroom. The homeowner reported that cleanup dropped to a quick squeegee-and-wipe routine, and the previous musty odor disappeared—consistent with eliminating trapped moisture behind the old surround.
We offer same-day service for most tub-to-shower conversion needs in Highland Park. Our local team can typically arrive within hours of your call.
Serving Highland Park from our Deerfield location — Deerfield Bathroom Remodel Contractors Pro is just a short drive away.
Schedule your free in-home design consultation today. Our licensed bathroom remodel contractors in Deerfield will walk your space, listen to your vision, and give you an honest fixed-price quote — with no pressure and no hidden fees.
