Tub-to-Shower Conversions in Maine: Why 2026 Is the Year to Ditch the Bathtub

A tub-to-shower conversion replaces an existing bathtub with a dedicated walk-in shower, typically reusing the same footprint, drain location, and plumbing wall. For most Southern Maine homes, the project takes one to two weeks and costs significantly less than a full bathroom remodel — making it one of the highest-impact, lowest-disruption upgrades available in 2026. At Bennett Builders Maine, based in Windham, Maine, we've seen demand for these conversions climb steadily as homeowners rethink how they actually use their bathrooms.

Why Are Maine Homeowners Ditching the Tub in 2026?

Industry research shows that more than 55% of homeowners now prioritize a larger shower over keeping a bathtub in the primary bathroom. The reasons are practical. Most adults shower daily and bathe rarely, yet a standard tub-shower combo dedicates its entire 60-inch footprint to a fixture that gets used one way. Converting that space to a true walk-in shower delivers:

More usable space — a walk-in shower in the same alcove feels dramatically larger without moving a single wall
Safer entry and exit — stepping over a 15-inch tub wall is the most common slip hazard in the home, a real concern during Maine's long, dark winters
Aging-in-place readiness — low-threshold and curbless entries, built-in benches, and grab bars are now mainstream requests, not specialty items
A cleaner, more modern look — solid-surface and large-format tile systems eliminate the grout-heavy, dated appearance of older tub surrounds

In the older housing stock common throughout Windham, Raymond, Gorham, and the Sebago Lakes region, many bathrooms still have original builder-grade tubs from the 1970s, '80s, and '90s. These are exactly the bathrooms where a conversion delivers the biggest transformation.

What Does a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Involve?

A well-executed conversion is more than swapping fixtures. Here's how our carpentry-first team approaches the project:

Demolition and inspection — removing the old tub and surround, then checking the subfloor, framing, and plumbing for hidden moisture damage. In Maine homes, we frequently find rot or past leaks that are far cheaper to fix now than later.
Plumbing adjustments — relocating the drain if needed and updating the shower valve. Older homes often have galvanized or undersized supply lines worth upgrading while walls are open.
Waterproofing — a properly waterproofed shower system is non-negotiable in our climate, where humidity swings between bone-dry winters and muggy summers stress every seam and joint.
Wall system installation — tile, solid-surface panels, or a hybrid of both, depending on budget and maintenance preferences.
Glass, trim, and finish carpentry — frameless or semi-frameless glass, custom niches, benches, and the finish details that separate a professional conversion from a big-box kit.

Because the typical 60-inch tub alcove already has a drain and plumbing wall in place, most conversions reuse the existing footprint — which keeps costs down and timelines short.

How Much Does a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost in Maine?

In Southern Maine, most tub-to-shower conversions fall between $8,000 and $20,000 depending on materials and scope. A conversion using quality solid-surface wall panels and a low-threshold acrylic base typically lands in the $8,000–$12,000 range, while a fully tiled, curbless shower with frameless glass and custom carpentry details runs $15,000–$20,000 or more. Hidden rot repair, plumbing upgrades, or moving the drain can add to the total — which is why a thorough on-site assessment matters before any quote is final.

Compared to a full bathroom remodel, a conversion concentrates your budget on the single element you use most every day. Curious what your bathroom would cost? Request a free estimate from Bennett Builders and we'll walk the space with you.

Which Design Options Make Sense for 2026?

The strongest trends we're seeing in Southern Maine bathrooms this year:

Curbless or low-curb entries — once an accessibility upgrade, now a standard request for the clean look alone
Built-in benches and niches — framed and waterproofed into the wall, not bolted on afterward
Handheld-plus-rainhead combinations — flexibility for every member of the household
Solid-surface panels — grout-free walls that handle Maine's humidity swings with minimal maintenance
Warm, natural finishes — matte black or brushed nickel hardware paired with wood-look accents that suit Maine homes

You can see examples of our bathroom and custom carpentry work on our recent projects page.

Will Removing a Tub Hurt My Home's Resale Value?

Not if you plan it right. The guideline real estate professionals and remodelers broadly agree on in 2026: keep at least one bathtub somewhere in the home — usually a hall or kids' bath — and convert the rest. If your home has two or more full bathrooms, converting the primary bath to a walk-in shower generally adds appeal, especially for the 35–65 age bracket that dominates the Southern Maine market. If your home has only one bathroom, we'll talk honestly about the trade-offs before you commit. That's the kind of straightforward guidance you get from a local builder who works in these neighborhoods every week.

Why Choose Bennett Builders Maine for Your Conversion?

Bennett Builders is a Windham, Maine–based construction and carpentry company serving Southern Maine since 2016. Unlike one-day franchise installers, we bring genuine carpentry craftsmanship to every conversion — which matters when your project uncovers framing issues, needs custom trim work, or calls for a built-in linen cabinet to replace lost tub storage. From full renovation services to smaller home repair and handyman projects in Windham, we handle the details other crews skip.

Thinking about trading your old tub for a shower you'll actually love using? Contact Bennett Builders Maine today for a free consultation. We'll assess your space, walk you through material options, and give you a clear, honest quote — no pressure, just the quality local craftsmanship Windham and Southern Maine homeowners have trusted for nearly a decade.