Premier Remodeling & Construction Services
Tub to Shower Conversion in San Jose, CA
- 20+ Years of Experience
- 1000+ Successful Projects
- Integrity and Craftsmanship on Every Project
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Meeting All Your Needs
Expert General Contractors in San Jose, CA
Our team includes licensed general contractors, certified designers, and experienced project managers. We take pride in:
- Meeting deadlines while maintaining quality standards.
- Following OSHA-compliant safety procedures.
- Maintaining constant communication throughout your project.
We don’t just build structures—we build relationships based on trust and results.
“B&B remodeled my guest and master bathrooms after a bad experience with another contractor. We were pleased with the superior standard of workmanship. The good communication with all members of the team. we were assigned Daniel, as our project manager who went above and beyond to assist us when we ran into issues of materials procurement. We were also assigned an assistant project manager and a designer who assisted with all material purchases and questions and helped get them ready before our project started. The project was delayed a bit but still completed within the promised time frame. The price was reasonable, and we are happy with the end results.”
X. Madri
“We worked with Zion and his team for remodeling 3 bathrooms, some improvements in the kitchen and remodel a fireplace wall. BnB handled all the permits and inspections smoothly. Miguel was our foreman and his crew including Angel & Giovani were all really skilled and good at their job! Miguel himself is very hands-on and aims for perfection in his work. Even after the project. Zion has been very responsive for any fixes and tweaks to have a better finish to the work. We would recommend them for your next home improvement project! Special mention for Brenda for going above and beyond her role! The team put in extra hours to get our home ready for move-in and we are very grateful. Thank you BnB Team.”
Sanyukta Kabra
“Brother and Brother Builders can be trusted and relied on. I took my permitted plans for a one-bedroom apartment above existing garage to them and they made it a reality! Daniel, Nick and Zion kept me updated on all aspects of the project including timing, budget, finish materials and delays(yes PGE…). The communication with the brother and brother team is top notch as well as the build quality. You simply cannot find this from every company. If you are lucky enough to work with Brother and Brother, you cannot go wrong.”
Nathan Isla
“I’ve never really had a bad contractor, but I have now experienced a great one. My project was completed on time, and everything went smoothly. Reem was very available and responded timely to my questions. Elinor did a fantastic job of helping me find the right porcelain, tile, cabinetry and fixtures AND she provided an awesome 3D rendition of both my bathroom and kitchen. Excellent communication. Julio and team did an exceptional job, everything they did was done with attention to detail. I’m so glad I found Brother and Brother Building, I couldn’t be any happier. Professional, top notch and definitely competitively priced. You will not regret hiring them for your next project.”
Yvette Bonnet
“My wife recently contacted Brother and Brother Builders to renovate our house, and we have nothing but praise for these builders. Reem and his staff provided committed management and went above and beyond to make sure that everything was completed to our satisfaction throughout the process. Reem kept me updated about every step of the project. The job did take a little longer than anticipated, but the outcome was worthwhile. The team is of the highest caliber, and I am delighted with the result.”
Ethan Mason
Our Tub-to-Shower Conversion Process
- Free In-Home Consultation – We assess your space, take measurements, and review options with you. Our experts help you identify the best configurations based on your home’s layout.
- Design & Material Selection – Choose from tile, acrylic, or quartz finishes along with accessories. We guide you through color schemes, hardware styles, and layout plans.
- Removal of Existing Tub – We demo your current setup safely and responsibly. Debris is removed promptly to minimize mess and inconvenience.
- Shower Base & Wall Installation – High-quality materials are installed with expert waterproofing. We use Schluter and other trusted systems to prevent leaks and mildew.
- Final Touches – Fixtures, doors, lighting, and clean-up complete the transformation. We don’t consider a job done until you’re fully satisfied with the look and functionality.
Celebrate Your Space
Solutions Tailored to Your Home
We understand that every home tells a different story. That’s why we:
- Customize every project to fit your space and needs.
- Offer flexible design options, material choices, and scheduling.
- Ensure alignment with your goals from consultation to completion.
Turn Your Ideas Into Reality
From the initial consultation to the final reveal, we’ll work closely with you to ensure that every aspect of your project reflects your unique style and personality.
Brother & Brother Builders can help you create the home of your dreams.
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Why Choose
Brother and Brother Builders
Choosing the right contractor is just as important as the right design. Here’s why San Jose homeowners trust us:
- Local Expertise – We’re based right here in San Jose and understand local design preferences, permitting requirements, and construction standards.
- Licensed & Insured – Peace of mind knowing your project is handled by certified professionals.
- End-to-End Service – From initial consultation to final walkthrough, we handle every step in-house.
- Custom Design Approach – We tailor every project to your space, style, and goals—no templates, no shortcuts.
- Outstanding Reputation – With 20+ years of experience and a long list of happy clients, our reviews speak for themselves.
Why Convert Your Tub into a Shower?
More homeowners in San Jose are choosing tub-to-shower conversions for several practical reasons:
- Improved Accessibility: A walk-in shower is easier to enter and exit, especially for seniors or individuals with mobility limitations. It supports independent living while reducing the risk of slips and falls, which are common causes of injury in older adults.
- Maximized Bathroom Space: Converting a tub into a sleek shower can open up small bathrooms, making them feel larger and more functional. This is especially beneficial in many mid-century and older San Jose homes where space is often limited.
- Modern Aesthetic: Showers offer more design flexibility than tubs, allowing you to incorporate glass enclosures, custom tiles, and low-threshold entries. The updated look adds visual appeal and allows homeowners to express their personal style.
- Increased Home Value: Updated bathrooms are one of the top factors that homebuyers look for in San Jose, with conversions often yielding a strong return on investment (Remodeling Cost vs. Value). Homes with modern showers sell faster and at higher prices, especially in competitive Bay Area markets.
Is a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Right for You?
You may benefit from converting your tub into a shower if:
- You rarely use the bathtub: If your tub is mostly unused, replacing it with a shower will provide more usable space and practicality.
- You want easier access for aging family members: Showers are a safer, more accessible choice for seniors and those with physical limitations.
- Your bathroom feels cramped or outdated: Modern showers can revitalize your space and bring in natural light with clear glass enclosures.
- You’re prepping your home for resale: Buyers in San Jose favor bathrooms with walk-in showers, especially in master suites and guest baths.
Still deciding? Our team can help you weigh your options and explore additional upgrades like vanity replacement, flooring installation, or even open-concept remodeling.
Custom Conversion Options
Our conversions are never one-size-fits-all. As a trusted contractor in San Jose, CA, we tailor each remodel to suit the existing layout, plumbing, and your vision. Popular features include:
- Frameless Glass Doors: Creates an open, elegant look with minimal hardware. This not only modernizes the space but also makes cleaning easier and more efficient.
- Built-In Shower Benches: Adds comfort and safety, especially for aging-in-place. These benches are integrated seamlessly into the shower for seating or foot support.
- Niche Shelving: Custom in-wall storage for toiletries keeps your shower clutter-free. These niches are designed to blend into your tile design while adding daily convenience.
- ADA-Compliant Fixtures: Grab bars, anti-slip flooring, and handheld showerheads for added security. We ensure these features meet the guidelines for accessibility while maintaining a stylish appearance.
We also work with eco-conscious materials and water-saving fixtures that meet California’s efficiency standards (California Energy Commission). These solutions can help lower your utility bills while conserving natural resources. For planning help, see our guides on bathtub versus walk-in shower.
Keeping or Moving the Drain: Minor vs. Major Remodel in San Jose
The first question for a San Jose tub-to-shower conversion is whether the new shower drain and valve stay where the tub’s were. The City of San Jose uses that line to decide which permit path applies.
- Minor remodel: fixture replacements with new plumbing, electrical or mechanical work, but no change to the location or number of fixtures, and no changes to walls, windows or framing. These may qualify for an online permit through SJPermits.org.
- Major remodel: relocating or adding fixtures, changing walls or windows, or modifying the framing of floors, walls or ceilings. Moving the drain to a new spot, for example to center it in a new shower floor, relocates the fixture and puts the project in this category.
Even when the drain stays put, a conversion usually opens the wall and floor. The City treats replacing a concealed trap, drainpipe or vent pipe as new work that needs a plumbing permit. The City also says to plan for a rough inspection, such as for tub and shower installs, before walls are closed, and a separate final inspection.
Sources: City of San Jose, Kitchen & Bathroom Minor Remodels; City of San Jose, When Is a Building Permit Required?
Fitting a Code-Compliant Shower Into a Tub Alcove
A tub alcove is long and narrow, so check the finished shower size, not just the old tub footprint. Wall board, tile and any bench or niche all reduce the usable floor. The City lists these key requirements for bathroom remodels. It notes the list is not the full code:
| Item | What the City of San Jose lists |
|---|---|
| Shower floor (pan) | At least 1,024 sq. in. of area and at least 30 in. finished dimension in any direction (CPC 408.6) |
| Shower door | Opens to at least a 22 in. unobstructed opening (CPC 408.5) |
Source: City of San Jose, Kitchen & Bathroom Minor Remodels
Curbless and low-threshold showers. If a curbless entry requires lowering or reframing part of the floor, the City’s definitions put that work in the major remodel category, because it modifies floor framing. A low-threshold base that sits on the existing floor may avoid that. Which option fits depends on the joists, the drain location and the floor below, so it is worth checking before you pick a shower base. For the rest of the room, see our bathroom remodeling page.
Removing a Tub: Resale and Permit Records
Many San Jose homeowners ask whether taking out a bathtub will hurt resale. The answer depends mostly on whether another tub stays in the house. Removing a tub from the primary bath while keeping one in the hall bath is a different decision from removing the home’s only tub. If this is your only tub, talk through that tradeoff before demolition.
How the work is done also shows up at sale time. The City of San Jose points out two practical reasons to permit a conversion:
- Disclosure: state law requires you to disclose unpermitted work when you sell the property.
- Insurance: insurance generally won’t cover damage related to unpermitted work. A shower leak inside a wall or floor is the kind of damage this can affect.
A finaled permit, with rough and final inspections on record, gives the next buyer a paper trail for the plumbing and waterproofing hidden behind the tile. Source: City of San Jose, When Is a Building Permit Required?
If you are keeping the tub and only updating the surround, glass or fixtures, our shower remodel page covers that work.
Areas We Serve
Brother & Brother Builders
3109 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95117
Phone: (888) 412-2632
Business Hours: Mon-Fri: 8AM – 5PM
In San Jose, many homeowners are choosing tub to shower conversions to improve functionality, safety, and resale value. The modern walk-in shower is ideal for smaller bathrooms and aligns with the city’s growing trend toward smart, efficient home upgrades.
Insurance typically doesn’t cover aesthetic upgrades. However, if your bathtub poses a safety risk or contributes to water damage, some homeowners’ policies may offer partial reimbursement. It’s best to check with your provider.
Absolutely. We offer a variety of showerhead options, including rainfall systems, handheld sprayers, and multi-function panels. These can be integrated into your design to create a spa-like experience at home.
Yes. As a licensed contractor in San Jose, CA, we use premium waterproofing systems and ensure all installations meet California building standards for moisture protection.
If you have another bathtub in the house, removing one typically won’t hurt value. In fact, walk-in showers are in demand among San Jose’s growing population of professionals, retirees, and eco-conscious homeowners.
You can choose from ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, acrylic panels, and more. We also offer custom tile work and textures that complement both traditional and modern bathroom designs.
Yes. The City of San Jose defines a minor remodel as fixture replacements without changing the location or number of fixtures. Relocating a fixture, such as moving the drain to a new spot, is listed as a major remodel, which goes through the Additions & Remodels process instead of the online minor remodel permit.
Often, but check the floor first. If a curbless entry requires lowering or reframing part of the floor, San Jose counts that as modifying floor framing, which is a major remodel. A low-threshold shower base on the existing floor keeps the work simpler in many homes.
The City lists a minimum shower floor area of 1,024 square inches, with at least 30 inches finished in any direction (CPC 408.6). The shower door must open to at least 22 inches clear (CPC 408.5). Measure after wall board and tile, since they reduce the finished size.
Frequently Asked Questions
All Your Remodeling Questions Answered
Have questions about remodeling your home? We’ve got answers. From budgeting and timelines to permits and design choices, our FAQs cover the most common concerns. Learn what to expect, how to prepare, and how we make your remodel smooth, transparent, and stress-free.
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