Bathtub to Walk-In Shower Renovation in Vancouver | Grand Renovations: Curbless Design with Heated Floors
- Admin Grand Renovations

- Aug 16
- 3 min read
When a bathroom works, mornings move more smoothly and evenings feel more relaxed. This Vancouver upgrade replaced a tired alcove tub with a curbless, walk-in shower that pairs green artisan tile with dual storage niches, matte-black fixtures, and heated floors. Behind the design is a fully sealed waterproofing system and clean trades execution—built to pass inspection the first time and hold up for years.
Project Snapshot
• Location: Vancouver (serving North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Burnaby)
• Scope: Bathtub-to-shower conversion, curbless entry, heated floors, valve/trim upgrade, tile & grout, niche integration
• Service: bathroom renovation in Vancouver
Design Decisions That Pay Off
Tile & Finish Palette
Green artisan wall tile adds depth and variation, paired with slip-resistant floor tile and easy-clean grout. The aesthetic is modern without being cold.
Storage & Fixtures
Two niches—one tall, one compact—keep bottles off the floor and out of sight. A rain head + handheld combo makes daily use and cleaning faster. Matte-black trim grounds the palette and hides water spots better than polished finishes.
Accessibility Considerations
Curbless entry reduces step-over and supports aging-in-place—no visual compromise needed.
For shower-specific planning and options, see walk-in shower remodelling.
Substrate, Slope & Waterproofing (Where Projects Win or Fail)
Beautiful tile rides on invisible work. We removed the tub, corrected the subfloor, framed a slope-correct shower base, and wrapped the wet zone in a continuous membrane. The shower and walls were sealed with the Schluter®-KERDI waterproofing system, and the floor received DITRA-HEAT for warmth and uncoupling. Penetrations were sealed, then the assembly was flood-tested before tile. Result: looks good, stays dry.
Continuous Membrane (KERDI)
Compatible corners, bands, and seals create a continuous, testable envelope across all seams and plane changes.
Flood Test Before Tile
We verify the pan and transitions hold water under load—no surprises later.
Transitions & Vapour Management
Proper overlaps at seams, corners, and material transitions prevent moisture creep and grout discoloration over time.
If you’re planning a similar scope, review our tub-to-shower conversion service.
Comfort & Safety Built In
Heated Floors (DITRA-HEAT + GFCI)
Warm tile underfoot, faster dry-out, and reduced slip risk—on a GFCI-protected circuit with a smart thermostat option.
Anti-Scald & Pressure Balance
Stable water temperature and pressure—better comfort, code-compliant, and safer for all users.
Timeline & What to Expect
Demolition & Rough-ins
Clean demo with site protection, then plumbing and electrical adjustments to spec.
Waterproofing & Inspection
Membrane installation, flood test, and inspection scheduling to keep the critical path moving.
Tile, Fixtures & Glass Prep
Set tile and grout, install trims and valves, prep for glass. Typical duration: ~7–12 working days after materials arrive, scope-dependent.
Cost Drivers (Straight Talk)
Surface Materials
Tile type/size, grout composition, fixture and glass selections affect both price and lead times.
Scope Adds
Heated floors, custom niches/shelves, thicker glass, and specialty waterproofing will move the budget.
Site Conditions
Subfloor correction, plumbing relocation, and ventilation upgrades can influence labour and schedule. Ready for numbers? Get a bathroom renovation estimate and we’ll map options to your target budget.
Maintenance & Everyday Use
Cleaning & Grout Care
Use a pH-neutral cleaner, squeegee glass/walls after showers, and reseal grout per manufacturer guidance.
Dry-Out & Ventilation
Run the fan, crack the door, and use heated floors to accelerate evaporation and reduce mildew risk.
Accessibility Without Compromise
Curbless entry, blocking for future grab bars, and wider clearances deliver real safety without a clinical look. We’ll tune heights and clearances for your household today and for aging-in-place tomorrow.
Why Homeowners Choose Grand Renovations
• Single-team accountability: design, trades, and project management under one roof
• Inspection-ready builds: pass on the first attempt
• Schedule discipline: clear milestones and dust containment from day one
• Local expertise: Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Burnaby
Ready to turn your tub into a zero-drama walk-in shower? Get a 24-hour quote review and timeline.
Contact information:
Phone: (604) 990-2747
Email: contact@grandrenovations.ca
FAQ
How long does a tub-to-shower conversion take?
Typically, 7–12 working days after materials arrive, depending on scope and inspection timing.
Do I need permits in Vancouver?
Plumbing/electrical work generally requires permits. We handle the paperwork and inspections.
Will a curbless shower leak?
Not when built with a continuous membrane, sealed penetrations, and a verified flood test before tile.
Can I heat only the shower floor?
Yes—heat just the shower or both the shower and main floor, all on a GFCI-protected circuit.








