Lake Forest, IL
In Lake Forest, where many homes near Market Square and along Waukegan Road were built with deep tubs, stepping over a high apron every day is a risk—and a hassle. A tub-to-shower conversion can modernize your bath fast, add safer access, and cut cleaning time without sacrificing the upscale look Lake Forest homeowners expect.
Lake Forest homeowners often call us for tub-to-shower conversions after a slip, during aging-in-place planning, or when a dated alcove tub no longer fits how the household uses the space. In neighborhoods near Lake Forest College and the Westleigh area, we frequently see 1960s–1990s bathroom layouts with narrow tub bays, tired fiberglass surrounds, and hidden moisture at the valve wall—especially after years of winter humidity swings and heavy daily use.
Deerfield Bathroom Remodel Contractors Pro approaches every tub-to-shower conversion in Lake Forest with a demolition-to-drain plan that protects the home and prevents future leaks. We start by confirming framing and plumbing locations, then remove the tub and inspect the subfloor with a moisture meter. If the drain needs to move from a tub shoe to a centered shower drain, we open the floor cleanly, set slope with a pre-pitch or sloped pan system, and pressure-test supply lines. We use laser levels, diamond blades for tile removal, oscillating multi-tools for tight trim cuts, and Schluter KERDI or LATICRETE Hydro Ban waterproofing systems to create a sealed envelope before tile ever goes on.
For materials, we offer Lake Forest clients high-performance options designed for longevity: acrylic and composite shower bases, mortar-set pans, and tile assemblies using ANSI A118.10 waterproof membranes, ANSI A118.4/A118.15 thinsets, and ASTM C920 100% silicone sealants at change-of-plane joints. We install cement backer board or foam backer panels per manufacturer specs, integrate a properly sloped curb (or curbless entry when structure allows), and upgrade valves to pressure-balance or thermostatic models that meet current plumbing safety expectations.
Our results focus on practical upgrades that look custom: larger niches, bench seating, frameless glass, and brighter lighting—without sacrificing reliability. Lake Forest projects commonly end with easier access, fewer grout-line maintenance headaches, and better resale appeal for buyers who tour homes near Market Square or commute corridors like Route 41. Every conversion is finished with clean trim transitions, tight glass tolerances, and a documented waterproofing approach so you’re not guessing what’s behind the tile.
A homeowner in the Westleigh neighborhood near Everett Elementary reached out after their guest bath tub started showing soft spots at the wall and a persistent musty odor after showers. The family had teenagers using the bath daily, and the tub’s high step-over was also becoming a concern for a visiting parent. Our team scheduled an on-site evaluation and found deteriorated drywall behind the old surround, minor subfloor swelling near the tub drain, and an outdated two-handle valve with inconsistent temperature control. We recommended a full tub-to-shower conversion with a centered drain, a low-threshold shower base, and a waterproofed tile system designed for heavy use. We removed the tub, replaced affected subfloor sections, and reworked the drain line to align with the new shower pan. We installed a Schluter KERDI waterproofing assembly with a bonded flange drain, then set porcelain tile using an ANSI A118.15 thinset and finished corners with ASTM C920 silicone. To improve usability, we added a recessed niche for shampoos, a slip-resistant tile on the floor, and a Moen pressure-balance valve to stabilize temperature. Outcome: the bathroom went from “musty and dated” to a bright, easy-entry shower with a clean glass panel. The homeowner reported faster cleaning, no recurring odor, and safer access for guests—plus a more modern look consistent with nearby Lake Forest home finishes.
We offer same-day service for most tub-to-shower conversion needs in Lake Forest. Our local team can typically arrive within hours of your call.
Serving Lake Forest 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.
