Last Updated on April 12, 2022

Is your bathtub the one thing in your house that is getting the least amount of use and soaking up valuable space? Have your children grown up and you no longer need a tub? Tub-to-shower conversions are a hot trend among today’s homeowners, as the “tub-less” bathroom is showering homes with safety, style and function.

Gorgeous full mosaic tile walk-in shower

Tubs are out

According to the 2013 Home Design Trends Survey by The American Institute of Architects, more than 60% of homeowners preferred a stall shower without a tub. Let’s face it: soaking in a soothing hot bubble bath may sound like a great idea, but how many of us really have the time or luxury to indulge ourselves? Tubs are often a necessity for bathing small children, but when they grow up, why would you need it?

Shower safety

Tub-to-shower conversions are becoming more popular with empty nesters and seniors as they view walk-in showers as a safer alternative to their bathtubs. Climbing over a bathtub wall can present a safety hazard as we age. Converting your tub space into a spacious walk-in shower not only brings you peace of mind, but it gives a beautiful and more sophisticated look to your bathroom. There are many benefits of a tub-to-shower conversion including stylish seats and handrails can be installed in the shower for extra stability, making a walk-in shower a safer and convenient option. It’s important to note, however, that real estate professionals suggest keeping at least one bathtub in your house to maintain your home’s market appeal (for families with small children).

Stone shower with mosaic inlays

Making the switch

Barring a total bathroom renovation, a simple tub-to-shower conversion may not be as difficult as you think. For example, removing a tub located in an alcove will leave you with a space roughly 30 to 34 inches deep and five feet wide. This is a good amount of space for your new walk-in shower, and with just a few tweaks, your water and drain lines will be where you need them, thus reducing additional plumbing costs.

For free-standing tubs, you may have to do some additional planning. Typically, free-standing tubs are placed near a window. Experts agree that you should avoid windows in your new shower area, which means you’ll need to move your shower to a different location in your bathroom; preferably close to existing water supply and drain lines.

Know the numbers

In order to reap the benefits of a tub-to-shower conversion, here are some details to keep in mind. Knowing how much space you need ahead of time can save you a hassle once you remove your bathtub. Here are some suggested guidelines to follow:

  • Shower stall floor: at least 30″ x 30″
  • Shower stall width:  36″ x 36″, as recommended by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA)
  • Completed ceiling height: at least 80 inches
  • Distance from the side of toilet to shower wall: 18 inches measured from the center of the toilet to the wall is recommended; 15 inches is the minimum acceptable distance
  • Distance from front of toilet to shower wall (or any wall): 30 inches measured from the front of the toilet bowl to the wall is recommended; 21 inches is the minimum acceptable distance
  • Shower door swing: door should clear any obstructions, such as the toilet and vanity, and the installation of glass doors or using a shower curtain can resolve any door swing issues

Walk-in shower

Making it beautiful

Your new shower can be a great place to show off your design creativity. Whether you want to go with quartz or add an accent of beautiful mosaic tile, Granite Transformations has an elegant selection of tiles to turn your new shower into an oasis of luxury.

A tub-to-shower conversion may be just what you’ve waited for. Just think, you can finally step into your shower without the worry of climbing over a tub wall, and you’ll even have enough room to sit down if you need to. Experience the benefits of a tub-to-shower conversion by turning your dead tub space into your dream shower. You can have the peace of mind knowing your next shower experience is only steps away.

To learn more about Granite Transformations and how to add a touch of beauty to your new shower, visit granitetransformations.com to schedule your free in-home design consultation.

Last Updated on January 12, 2022

Kitchen cabinet refacing: staging your home to sell

The best way to sell your home quickly may very well begin and end with the look and feel of your kitchen. Since buyers tend to make a beeline for this room, your kitchen’s first impression can make or break the sale. With the spring home buying season in full swing, homeowners are refacing their kitchen cabinets as a fast, easy and budget-friendly way to update their kitchens and give them a beautiful new look and feel. The team at Granite and TREND Transformations can help in this process, including choosing the best colors to reface your cabinets.

Dark brown shaker style kitchen cabinets

Return on your investment

Today’s homebuyers are pickier than ever, which leaves sellers scrambling to give buyers what they want while still getting their price. Refacing your kitchen cabinets is money well spent. Provided your cabinet boxes are in good shape, you can pocket the profits simply by replacing the drawer fronts, doors and hardware – all without the cost of a total tear-out and replacement. Granite Transformations offers cabinet refacing options, including helping you choose the best color to reface the cabinets to update the look of your kitchen without all the stress.

White kitchen cabinets

Go with the flow

Now is not the time to revamp your home’s décor. Experts say when refacing your kitchen cabinets, be sure the theme flows with the rest of your house. (For instance, you wouldn’t design a country kitchen in a contemporary style home.)

Neutral cabinet refacing colors

Today’s savvy homeowners are choosing cabinet refacing colors that will not only enhance the market appeal of their homes, but also attract the tastes and preferences of homebuyers. Design experts agree to keep the hardware and color scheme neutral when choosing the best colors to reface your cabinets to attract a wider range of buyers. White and gray tones are usually a safe bet. Lighter tones make spaces feel larger and airier.

White expansive cabinets

Granite Transformations does it all

Short on time but want it done right? You’ve come to the right place. Granite Transformations prides itself on the professional installation of its quality products – with some jobs completed in a few short days. Granite Transformations takes the stress out of the entire process by utilizing the strongest part of your existing cabinets while installing new components – such as cabinet doors, drawer fronts and premium concealed hardware – for an upgraded feel. Our experts can help guide you in choosing the best colors to reface your cabinets.

Some of the benefits that come with cabinet refacing by Granite Transformations include:

  • No demolition
  • More affordable and faster than total cabinet replacement
  • Moisture, heat, scratch and impact-resistant
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Availability in a variety of colors, styles and finishes
  • Recessed and raised panels
  • Glazed and unglazed options
  • Professional, trained installers
  • All-in-one pricing from the start – no gimmicks or add-ons, one estimate that includes everything

Gorgeous white kitchen cabinets

Whether your house is currently on the market or you’re thinking about selling, refacing your kitchen cabinets may be your best bet to staging your home to sell. To learn more, check out the pros and cons of cabinet refacing and how to decide if refacing or replacing is right for you.

To learn more about Granite Transformations and cabinet refacing, visit granitetransformations.com to schedule a free in-home design consultation.