Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Tubs and Disposals - Adding a shower line...

We have a tub with no shower (similar to the set up in link below but w/ NO shower diverter ...since there is no shower) :

http://www.faucetline.com/item_description.asp?prodcat=Bathroom&prodid=18055

We were considering changing out the fixture to something like (to have a handheld shower) seen in below link but it has a spout already on it: http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Prod/Elements-of-Design-ES2661X-Wall-Mount-Faucet-with-Hand-Shower-3-9-Spread-Chrome/19093/Cat/619

We've looked at very inexpensive options like just changing out the tub spout that has a screw on hand held hose http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Prod/Alsons-1072-Shower-Diverter-Threaded-Spout-Chrome/10109/Cat/571 but considering the 3 walls arent even tiled in & there seems to be easy posterior access...that we wouldnt mind opening up the wall a little.

Would my more expensive option work?

Your more expensive option would require opening up the walls to do some replumbing - the two supply lines to that contraption don't just mount over the old faucets. If you're going to all that work, why not just buy a 'normal' single handle control with a tub spout and shower arm? Repair the wall when done and install tile.

:thinker: well, thats why I posted. I wasnt too sure about what the best option might be. This bath will be a guest bath...but, we really liked the look of the hand held hose as seen on claw foot tubs (although this one is not). The folks using this tub (older) may get a lot of use out of the option I suggested. I thought the reworking of the plumbing would be less intensive (with less wall rip out) - doing my "expensive option". Putting up a normal shower line is an option but I was hoping to find out other options.