Highwood, IL
If your Highwood home still has a slick, high-sided tub, converting it to a walk-in shower can be the quickest way to improve safety and daily comfort—especially for busy households near Green Bay Trail and Sheridan Road where mornings move fast and bathroom downtime is costly.
In Highwood, we see a steady demand for tub-to-shower conversions in older housing stock where tight bath footprints and dated alcove tubs make stepping in and out risky. Deerfield Bathroom Remodel Contractors Pro frequently works in and around Highwood’s downtown corridor (near Fort Sheridan and the Highwood Metra station), where homeowners want a clean, modern shower that’s easy to maintain and fits the existing plumbing wall without a full gut renovation.
Our Highwood tub-to-shower conversion process starts with controlled demolition using an oscillating multi-tool and HEPA dust control, then a framing and plumbing evaluation on the wet wall. We commonly reuse the existing drain location when feasible, but we’ll re-center the drain for better slope using PVC/ABS updates and a code-compliant P-trap configuration. For water management, we build the shower base with either a pre-sloped foam pan or a mortar bed, then apply a full waterproofing system—Schluter-KERDI or Wedi building panels—tied into the drain flange and sealed at all seams to prevent hidden moisture behind tile.
Materials are selected for longevity in Lake County’s seasonal humidity swings: cementitious thinset mortars that meet ANSI A118.4/A118.15, porcelain tile with low water absorption, and 100% silicone sealant at all changes of plane. We install backer systems that comply with TCNA (Tile Council of North America) methods, and we set shower valves to meet Illinois Plumbing Code requirements for anti-scald protection (pressure-balance or thermostatic). Glass is ordered as tempered safety glass (ANSI Z97.1), and we anchor hardware into studs or solid blocking for long-term stability.
Highwood homeowners often want results that look custom without feeling overbuilt: a curbless entry option where structure allows, a linear drain for sleek tile lines, or a standard curb with a low threshold for easier access. We regularly integrate Moen or Delta trim upgrades, niche shelving with Schluter profiles, and a quiet Panasonic exhaust fan upgrade to protect grout and paint. The outcome is a shower that drains correctly, stays dry behind the walls, and cleans up quickly—ideal for homes balancing lakefront air and daily use.
A homeowner on the east side near Fort Sheridan called us after a small leak showed up on the ceiling below their second-floor hall bath—right after their teens started using the tub shower daily. The bathroom had an older steel tub, a tiled surround with cracked grout, and no true waterproofing behind the tile. They wanted a walk-in shower conversion in Highwood that would stop the moisture issue, modernize the space, and reduce slip risk for visiting grandparents. We scheduled an on-site assessment, used a moisture meter to confirm elevated readings along the valve wall, and performed a targeted demo to the studs while protecting the hallway with zip-wall containment. The tub-to-shower conversion plan kept the supply lines on the existing wet wall but replaced the valve with a pressure-balance unit and new stops. We rebuilt the shower with Wedi panels, sealed all seams with manufacturer-approved sealant, installed a pre-sloped shower pan tied into a bonding-flange drain, and flood-tested the receptor for 24 hours before tile. For finishes, they chose 12x24 porcelain on the walls, a textured 2-inch mosaic on the floor for traction, and a recessed niche with Schluter edging for a clean look. We added solid blocking for a future grab bar, installed a frameless tempered-glass door, and re-caulked transitions with 100% silicone. The ceiling stain stopped progressing, the bathroom dried faster with improved ventilation, and the family reported easier cleaning and safer step-in access—completed with minimal disruption and a clear written warranty on workmanship.
We offer same-day service for most tub-to-shower conversion needs in Highwood. Our local team can typically arrive within hours of your call.
Serving Highwood 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.
