Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Tubs and Disposals - Installing new tub in place of shower. Drain Issue

Hi,
I just bought a house that has a concrete slab floor throughout. Currently the Master Bath has a tiny (like 32" square, I think) shower stall, and I would like to remove that and replace it with a bathtub. I can easily knock down the adjacent closet wall to accomodate the extra length, but I'm unclear how to handle the drain situation. The existing shower stall drain location does not line up with the drain location for a new tub. Obviously, I don't want to jackhammer concrete to re-locate the drain in the floor. What are some of my options here (I'm interested in cheap and easy ones, if possible)? Perhaps build a small wood platform to raise the tub up off the floor a few inches, and then use some elbows to connect the drain together, followed by tiling the platform? Are there special tubs and/or installation instructions out there to enable this? I installed a tub for a friend earlier this year, and it went fast and smooth, but I had access to a crawl space underneath to hook up the drain (which was trivial). I'd appreciate any help I can get...I'd like to get started ASAP. thanks!!

James

You answered you own question on the easiest solution. Just remember to have a beefed up platform because of the water and person weights will be considerable.

Also remember that the shower drain has a trap, you will not need another trap on your drain extension.

Are you replacing the shower valve with a tub and shower valve?

Before you start removing walls, make sure you can remove enough wall to make the new tub fit both length and width wise.

Good luck with your project.

You answered you own question on the easiest solution. Just remember to have a beefed up platform because of the water and person weights will be considerable.

Also remember that the shower drain has a trap, you will not need another trap on your drain extension.

Are you replacing the shower valve with a tub and shower valve?

Before you start removing walls, make sure you can remove enough wall to make the new tub fit both length and width wise.

Good luck with your project.

Thanks. It's reassuring to know my ideas aren't crazy. ;) I will be replacing the shower valve with a tub and shower valve, as well. Fortunately, there will be plenty of room to move a tub into place after I start knocking down walls. I want to make sure I build a strong, long lasting tub platform. Are there standard plans available for this? How much clearance (height between tub drain and slab floor) should I allow for the drain extension plumbing?