You can also review BC Quote's bathroom renovation service page for the matching process and project form.
The decision to make first
The practical decision turns on moving the drain can change the scope. Before comparing prices, confirm shower floor slope and waterproofing are critical and glass dimensions depend on finished surfaces.
Details to lock before pricing
- Moving the drain can change the scope.
- Shower floor slope and waterproofing are critical.
- Glass dimensions depend on finished surfaces.
- Grab-bar blocking is easiest before walls are closed.
- Ventilation should be reviewed while the room is open.
What expands bathroom scope
- Shower/tub configuration and waterproofing.
- Plumbing relocation.
- Tile size and installation pattern.
- Ventilation and electrical work.
- Vanity, fixtures, glass and finishes.
BC homes, moisture and strata checks
In Lower Mainland homes, bathroom work often combines waterproofing, ventilation and several trades in a small space. In strata properties, confirm alteration rules before changing plumbing locations, exterior vents or common-property components. For this specific decision, pay attention to moving the drain can change the scope, shower floor slope and waterproofing are critical.
When licensed or specialist trades enter the job
Bring in the appropriate licensed trade when the plan changes plumbing, electrical circuits, gas equipment, structural framing or regulated ventilation. Waterproofing failures are expensive to correct later, so the person responsible for the assembly and inspection points should be clear in writing. If the quote changes because of glass dimensions depend on finished surfaces, ask the contractor to explain the added scope before authorizing it.
Questions for the renovation team
- What waterproofing system is included?
- Will plumbing locations move?
- How is ventilation being addressed?
- What tile prep and substrate work is included?
- Who coordinates inspections and different trades?
Compare inclusions and allowances
Put the quotes side by side and normalize the scope first: moving the drain can change the scope, shower floor slope and waterproofing are critical, allowances, cleanup and warranty language. The headline total is useful only after those items match. Use the BC Quote comparison guide for a line-by-line check.
Official checks worth making
For regulated, safety-sensitive or contract questions, use the current official guidance rather than relying on a generic checklist alone.
Decisions worth making before contractors price it
Before seeking prices for tub to shower conversion: planning the scope, decide what is fixed and what is flexible. Confirm tile substrate and transitions, then layout and fixture locations; contractors can price much more accurately when those choices are not left open.
Write down assumptions that could change the project, especially hidden moisture behind finishes. If a contractor makes a different assumption, ask for it to appear in the proposal instead of relying on a conversation.
Prepare photos, measurements where safe, access information and any strata or permit documents that apply. That reduces site-visit time and makes competing scopes easier to compare.
- Cabinetry, glass and finish allowances
- Strata approval for plumbing or exterior vent changes
- Waterproofing system and installer responsibility
Specific checkpoints for Tub to Shower Conversion: Planning the Scope
Treat this as its own scope question rather than another version of the surrounding category guide. A useful comparison records the conditions below before products or prices are compared.
- Existing tub drain location Make this explicit in the request so the quote reflects existing tub drain location rather than an assumption made after pricing.
- Desired shower entry height Make this explicit in the request so the quote reflects desired shower entry height rather than an assumption made after pricing.
- Finished shower footprint after removing the tub Make this explicit in the request so the quote reflects finished shower footprint after removing the tub rather than an assumption made after pricing.
- Waterproofing transition at surrounding walls Make this explicit in the request so the quote reflects waterproofing transition at surrounding walls rather than an assumption made after pricing.
- Glass door swing and bathroom clearances Make this explicit in the request so the quote reflects glass door swing and bathroom clearances rather than an assumption made after pricing.
- Grab-bar backing and future accessibility needs Make this explicit in the request so the quote reflects grab-bar backing and future accessibility needs rather than an assumption made after pricing.
Keep these details with the written quote. They provide a clean reference if the recommended solution changes after measurement, inspection or demolition.
Tell BC Quote about the job once.
Tell us the service, city and timing. Where matching coverage is available, BC Quote sends the request to one local contractor whose service area fits the job.