- Average Shower Remodel Costs
- Shower Remodel Cost by Shower Type
- Shower Remodel Cost by Size
- Shower Tile and Material Costs
- Fixture Installation Costs
- Shower Remodel Plumbing Costs
- Shower Remodel Labor Costs
- Additional Shower Remodeling Costs
- Hidden Costs to Look Out For
- Tips for Saving on a Shower Replacement
- Hiring a Qualified Professional
Whether you’re simply tired of your outdated shower, or it’s showing signs that it has reached the end of its useful life, remodeling a shower is a common home project that many homeowners tackle while living in their home. It can be both an exciting project, and one that is stressful due to the cost of replacing a shower.
Shower replacement costs can vary widely depending upon your bathroom space and how much work needs to be done. If you are simply replacing a small shower with one of similar size, you can expect a lower cost. On the other hand, a project that requires you to open up the walls, move the shower to another part of the room, or adjust the plumbing can become pricey. The shower remodel cost will also vary based on the cost of materials, the condition of the existing shower, and the price of labor in your area. If you run into hidden issues along the way – like mold or rotted wood behind the existing shower – you might also see that number go up.
Modernize is here to help you plan your shower remodel without the stress. Use our Shower Remodel Cost Calculator tool above to estimate the cost of your shower remodel. Then, read on to learn about how shower replacement costs are determined. Finally, by the time you finish reading this page, you’ll be ready to get in touch with local remodelers and find a payment plan that works best for you.
Average Shower Remodel Costs
Average shower remodel costs can range from $2,895 on the low end to $11,495 or more on the high end, with a national average of $7,195 for a full remodel. This total remodeling cost includes the shower enclosure itself, walls and flooring, proper ventilation, waterproofing and underlayment, demolition, and fixtures.
Shower Remodel
Average Installation Cost $2,895 - $11,495
Cost Breakdown
- Materials 64%
- Labor 36%
This cost range also takes into account the size of the shower unit and the quality of materials used. For example, a smaller shower and tub combo unit with a standard fiberglass base will typically fall at the lower end of the price range. A large walk-in shower with custom tile, built-in bench or shelving, luxury shower head, and higher end fixtures will fall at the higher end of the price range.
In addition, local permits (if needed) and labor costs will also factor into your total estimate. A local shower remodeler will be able to provide you with an itemized quote so you can better understand your needs and the cost involved.
Below, you can explore average cost ranges by shower component. Note that not every shower replacement requires each one of these components; it will depend on the shower style you choose.
| Shower remodel component | Low end cost | High end cost |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing and underlayment | $877 | $1,227 |
| Ventilation | $1,325 | $1,500 |
| Fiberglass or acrylic shower base | $332 | $930 |
| Custom floor and wall tile | $780 | $3,990 |
| Shower enclosure (varies by style) | $360 | $4,475 |
| Fixure installion (per item) | $310 | $371 |
| Demolition (per item) | $59 | $108 |
Shower Remodel Cost by Shower Type
Shower remodel costs greatly depend on the type of shower unit you choose. The prices below show what you can expect to pay for each type of shower enclosure.
| Shower unit type | Low end cost | High end cost |
|---|---|---|
| Freestanding shower | $3,170 | $11,495 |
| Walk-in shower | $3,170 | $9,220 |
| Shower/tub combo | $2,990 | $8,150 |
| Corner shower | $2,895 | $7,955 |
| Tub to shower conversion | $1,800 | $4,430+ |
| Glass door replacement only | $480 | $882 |
Keep in mind that these prices are an average. Total costs may be lower or higher, depending upon where you live and your particular needs for your remodel.
Freestanding shower
A freestanding shower stall might feature glass doors or a shower curtain to keep water inside. Typically, adding a glass door will mean a more expensive shower. On average, a freestanding shower can cost anywhere between $3,170 for a small, basic unit with a shower curtain to $11,495 for a large, luxury unit with custom tile and a glass door.
Generally speaking, installing a glass door for your freestanding shower will add about $590 to $2,275 to your total estimate. Keep in mind that framed glass doors are at the lower end of the cost range, while frameless glass doors are at the higher end.
Walk-in shower
A walk-in shower is one of the most popular, modern styles for shower units chosen by homeowners today. These shower units usually only have a glass partition to keep the water in, with no door to open to walk through. A longer walk-in shower may not have any partition at all, and simply rely on the generous space to keep the water where it belongs. A walk-in shower costs an average of $3,170 to $9,220, with a national average cost of $6,195. For a large walk-in shower with tile and custom add-on fixtures, such as a built-in bench, shelving, and modern shower head, you may end up paying $12,000 or more for the full remodel.
Shower and tub combo
The shower and tub combo unit is a very popular option and is especially helpful for households with children, as it allows the parents to easily bathe the children but still have the convenience of a shower for themselves. As with the freestanding shower, you can opt for glass doors or for a shower curtain.
A shower/tub combo with sliding glass doors can cost between $2,990 and $8,150, with the national average at $5,570. If you choose to do without glass doors and use a shower curtain instead, your price can drop between $452 and $830.
Corner shower or neo-angle shower
A corner or neo-angle shower is designed for smaller bathrooms where space is at a precious premium. Because they are so small, curtains do not usually work well. Therefore, these will usually come equipped with glass doors. The average cost for a small corner shower unit can run between $2,895 and $7,955, including the shower unit itself, a new shower base, and new fixtures.
Tub to shower conversion
If you want to pull your bathtub out of the bathroom and place a shower in that area, the tub to shower conversion will include the cost of demolition for the bathtub itself, potential demolition of the surrounding floor or tile walls, and the addition of a new shower, tile (if needed), and fixtures. Demolition of an existing tub or shower runs a national average of $108 per item.
When you choose to convert your tub to a shower, you can expect to pay between $1,800 to $4,430 at a minimum. Costs can go up from there depending on the choices you make for the new shower enclosure and materials.
You might also have the expense of flooring when you transform your bathroom. Expect to pay between $6 and $11 per square foot of new flooring, as well as $2 and $4 per square foot for underlayment or subflooring (if required).
Shower door replacement only
If you’re happy with your current shower and fix it up a bit, replacing the glass shower door could be the answer. Shower door replacement might include some minor work around the outside of the shower, depending upon the door you choose. However, the cost of the door and the labor to install it will almost always be much less than the cost for a full shower replacement. This is because glass shower door replacement does not require installation of waterproofing, ventilation, shower base, or demolition, among other components.
Expect to pay somewhere between $480 and $882 for the shower door replacement only, with the national average at $600. Remember this cost can vary depending upon the shower door you choose, the type of glass, and your location – labor costs are heavily dependent upon the geographical area.
Shower Remodel Cost by Size
It is important to remember that the size of the new shower will matter for your bottom line. As you might imagine, a smaller shower will cost less than a larger shower, but there are exceptions. If you choose a smaller shower but choose to incorporate expensive tile, you may end up paying more than if you install a larger shower with a fiberglass shower pan.
Small Shower Cost
In a small bathroom, a standard shower size can be as small as 28 to 30 inches wide. Expect to pay between $2,895 and $4,710 for a small shower unit, new shower base, and new fixtures.
If you are looking for a small shower enclosure to fit in a bathroom with limited space, we recommend going for either a bathtub and shower combo unit or a corner shower.
Mid-size Shower Cost
A mid-size bathroom should have a shower that is about 32 inches x 32 inches. This is considered the standard size for a shower, but of course, that size can vary depending upon your needs. Expect to pay between $3,900 and $9,600 for a mid-size freestanding shower, tile for the shower, and new fixtures.
If you are looking for a mid-size shower enclosure, we recommend considering a freestanding shower or moderately sized walk-in shower.
Large Shower Cost
A large shower in a master bathroom can be as big as 48 inches x 48 inches or more. A walk-in shower might be 48 inches x 60 inches – the length of the shower is limited only by the size of your bathroom. Expect for the 48 inch x 48 inch shower to run between $5,423 and $11,495, on average. This includes a large walk-in shower, new tile for the shower, and new fixtures.
If you are looking for a larger shower enclosure, we recommend a large custom-build walk-in shower or a large frameless freestanding shower.
Shower Tile and Material Costs
The materials you choose for your shower will make a big difference in your total shower replacement cost. Materials can run from basic grade, to mid grade, to luxury grade – it all depends on your budget and style preference. Choices include what you use for the floor – tile, or an acrylic or fiberglass base. What you put on the walls matters too, as you might expect that tile will cost more than an acrylic or fiberglass wall.
In many cases, a smaller shower can be a prefabricated unit. Prefabricated fiberglass or acrylic shower pans run between $332 and $930 on average.
As you get into larger showers, tile becomes the norm. Shower tiles can vary drastically in terms of cost – ranging anywhere between $5 and $33 per square foot depending on the type of tile you want. As you can imagine, the larger and higher end you go with tile, the more expensive your new shower becomes. If your shower requires underlayment or subflooring – that adds up at $2 to $4 per square foot.
Keep in mind that labor costs can add up very quickly here. Shower tile is available in all sorts of sizes, though the basic ones include 4-inch squares, 4-inch by 18-inch planks, subway tile, or large 36-inch x 36-inch options. If you want tiny mosaic tiles, that drives your labor up even more, as it takes a great deal of time to create that artistic mosaic you’ve been dreaming about.
Fixture Installation Costs
A new shower often means new fixtures. This can be exciting, as there are so many options to make your new bathroom look beautiful and modern. The cost to install fixtures can vary depending upon the material and finish you choose. A basic shower head, for instance, can easily run as low as $25 or so. You can also go much higher-end with a luxury option that might run into the thousands.
Start with the cost of your chosen fixtures, then add labor to the mix. The average cost to have your bathroom contractor replace a shower fixture runs between $140 and $241, on average.
Shower Remodel Plumbing Costs
Plumbing can be a rather expensive line item in your shower remodel budget. In some cases, you can anticipate the extra cost. For instance, if you know you will be reconfiguring the bathroom, the pipes will need to be moved to accommodate the new placement of the shower and fixtures. The cost of that rerouting depends upon the type of shower and how extensive the work is. A good estimate can help you budget.
But there may be times when the plumbing costs for the new shower surprise you. That might happen when you intend to use the original plumbing, but the contractor opens the wall to find damaged pipes or other problems that need fixing before you can install the new shower.
Shower Remodel Labor Costs
What exactly do labor costs entail when you are remodeling your shower? Labor costs include demolition to remove the old shower or tub, installation of waterproofing and underlayment, installing the shower itself, working with any plumbing changes, and installing the fixtures.
Below you can find an estimate of shower remodel labor costs by type of shower installed:
| Type of shower remodel | Average labor cost |
|---|---|
| Shower/tub enclosure | $2,260 - $2,740 |
| Tub to shower conversion | $920 - $2,260 |
| Freestanding shower | $2,280 - $3,160 |
| Walk-in shower | $2,280 - $3,160 |
| Shower door replacement only | $34 - $130 |
Keep in mind that the complexity of your shower remodel will determine the labor costs. For instance, if your new shower requires underlayment and subflooring, this causes labor costs to rise. Shower remodel labor costs vary greatly depending upon where you live as well. If your area is known for a higher cost of living, you will likely see labor costs that are higher than these averages.
Additional Shower Remodeling Costs
When you remodel your shower, you may end up wanting to remodel other areas of the room, as well. Your new fixtures might not match the old ones in the rest of the bathroom. Your tile in the shower might shine with bright newness while the rest of the room looks aged. You might then choose to take the remodel to the next level and install a new vanity, opt for a new toilet, or otherwise create a newer space.
If you choose to remodel your bathroom, expect to see prices in the range of $3,000 to $15,000 for a half-bath or small bathroom, $5,000 to $20,000 for a full bathroom remodel, and $7,000 to $30,000 for remodeling a master bath. If you choose to go with an ADA compliant bathroom, which allows for easy accessibility with a roll-in shower or walk-in tub, expect a higher cost of between $10,000 and $40,000 for a full remodel.
If you do plan to do a fuller bathroom renovation, Modernize can help with our Bathroom Remodel Cost Calculator tool.
Hidden Costs to Look Out For
When you receive an estimate from a contractor, look over it carefully. It should include every item you might need for your shower remodel, including materials and labor, permits if they are required, and even the renting of a dumpster for the demolition process.
Know that there are potential costs that your contractor might not be able to foresee, such as water damage inside the walls, mold remediation if mold is detected in the walls, the need to replace shower valves or plumbing elements, and more. These hidden costs are why it’s a good idea to set aside extra cash in the event that your final cost goes over the original estimate.
Tips for Saving on a Shower Replacement
Are you trying to keep your shower replacement cost to a minimum, wherever possible? There are some things to consider in order to do so.
- Keep the layout the same. You get into serious expenses when you begin to move around the plumbing and electrical. If you want to save yourself the hassle, work within your existing layout and footprint.
- Consider sprucing up the shower. Rather than replace the shower altogether, can you spruce it up with new tile or new glass doors?
- Go with a prefabricated unit. These units are much less expensive, easier to install, and look great. Today’s prefab units can even mimic the look of stone or tile.
- When in doubt, go with the lower-end option. If you are debating between fixtures or tile and you just can’t decide, go with the more affordable option.
- Consider hiring in the off-season. Many contractors are quite busy during the spring and summer, but their work tends to slow down in the fall and winter. Since your shower remodel is an inside job, consider having the work done during the off-season when labor costs might be lower.
Hiring a Qualified Professional
While you can consider a do-it-yourself option for your shower remodel, think long and hard before you go that route. Only very handy homeowners who already have experience with remodeling and have all the tools they need should attempt something like this. Hiring a pro means that the work gets done faster, you might catch a break on the cost of materials, and you have the security of knowing that your contractor is licensed, bonded, and has the proper insurance – so you’re covered if something goes wrong.
When you’re ready to hire a pro for your shower remodel, let Modernize help. We can connect you with top-notch local contractors for quotes. They will provide you with advice and go over the options with you to create the best possible shower remodel within your budget and timeframe.
