Do I need strata permission to replace a bathtub with a walk-in shower in a Vancouver condo?

Yes, you absolutely need strata permission to replace a bathtub with a walk-in shower in a Vancouver condo. This is not a cosmetic swap — it involves changing the drain configuration, modifying waterproofing, and potentially altering the floor assembly, all of which affect common property and neighbouring units.

A tub-to-shower conversion changes the drain location and size. A bathtub drain is positioned differently than a shower drain, and the plumbing rough-in must be modified to accommodate the new fixture. This work involves cutting into or modifying connections below your floor — which in a concrete building means the concrete slab, and in a wood-frame building means the floor assembly. Both are typically classified as common property under the BC Strata Property Act, meaning your strata corporation has direct authority over any modifications.

The waterproofing requirements also change significantly. A bathtub is a self-contained waterproof vessel — the tub itself holds the water. A walk-in shower relies entirely on a waterproof membrane system (Schluter Kerdi, liquid-applied RedGard or Hydroban, or similar) applied to the walls and floor to contain water. If this membrane fails, water reaches the subfloor and can damage the unit below. This is why most Metro Vancouver strata corporations scrutinize tub-to-shower conversions more carefully than almost any other bathroom modification. Many require a specific waterproofing system and documentation — photographs of the installed membrane before tile goes over it.

What Your Strata Will Typically Require

Most Metro Vancouver strata corporations will ask for a detailed scope of work from your contractor describing exactly what will be done, including plumbing changes and waterproofing method. You will need proof of contractor insurance — typically $2 million minimum commercial general liability — with a certificate naming the strata corporation as an additional insured. A WorkSafeBC clearance letter for all trades is standard. Many buildings also require a pre-renovation inspection of the unit below yours to document existing conditions.

Your contractor will need a building permit from the City of Vancouver or your local municipality because the plumbing rough-in is changing. Permit fees are typically $150 to $600. A licensed plumber must perform the drain relocation per BC code, and a separate plumbing permit may be required.

Costs for a tub-to-shower conversion in a Metro Vancouver condo typically range from $8,000 to $18,000 depending on the shower design, tile selection, and complexity of the plumbing changes. A basic acrylic shower base with tile walls runs $8,000 to $12,000. A fully custom tile shower with curbless entry, linear drain, and frameless glass enclosure runs $15,000 to $25,000 or more. Condo projects typically add 10-20% to these costs due to restricted work hours (usually 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM weekdays), elevator booking requirements, and materials handling in a multi-storey building.

One important consideration: if your condo has only one bathroom, some strata corporations and even some building inspectors may flag the removal of the only bathtub. While BC Building Code does not specifically require a bathtub, some strata bylaws do. This can also affect resale value — families with young children strongly prefer at least one bathtub in the home.

Start the strata approval process before selecting your contractor's start date. Approval typically takes 2 to 6 weeks depending on when strata council meets. Submit your application with complete documentation — incomplete applications are the most common cause of delays. An experienced condo bathroom contractor in Metro Vancouver will be familiar with this process and can help prepare the required documentation.