The average shower remodel costs from $1,000 to $15,000+. The cost of your project depends on what you need to get out of it. If adding a small fiberglass shower enclosure is all you need, costs will be minimal. If you’re looking to move out an old, iron tub, demo and build new walls, and build a marble-tiled step-in shower complete with multiple shower heads, and steam shower capabilities, it’s going to get pricey. But if you just want to move that old, small fiberglass bathtub out, and tile a small shower space, the costs will be low.
The key factors for every shower remodel is the existing bathroom layout, and what the homeowner wants. We communicate extensively with each customer about what they need out of each project, what to expect, and to expect the unexpected when a bathroom is old. We go over all of the various aspects that affect costs to help you get an idea of what your new shower budget will be.
The Main Shower Remodel Cost Factors
- Age and Condition: Older showers often contain hidden problems that must be addressed before the remodeling project can continue.
- Shower Size: The size of any shower has a huge impact on the total price.
- Project Scope: Installing new tile in a shower that is already in place will cost much less than demolishing an old tub, building walls and a curb to enclose the shower, running new plumbing, waterproofing, and tiling it.
- Materials: Prefabricated showers save costs.
- Labor: Labor costs are affected by the project, the contractor, the scope of the project, and other factors.
- Shower type: Different types of showers come with different material costs, and labor costs.
- Fixtures: More expensive new fixtures increase the cost of a shower remodel.
Age and Condition Before Shower Remodel
During demolition, if water damage is found, that is an added cost. There may be old, rusted, iron pipes that must be replaced. Taking apart an old bathroom always brings surprises.
Size of Shower Remodel
The size of the shower has a huge impact. This is especially true when walls must be built or moved to accommodate the new shower plans.
The Total Scope of The Project
We encounter small, easy shower remodels where the old shower tile must be removed, the waterproofing is still in good shape, we lay the new tile, and it’s finished. In and out. However, building and moving walls, and moving the shower fixtures to a new area of the bathroom increase the costs drastically.
Materials
Prefabricated showers save a lot of material costs over a custom, tiled shower. However, you may not be able to find one the perfect size to fit your bathroom layout. This means that there will be strange, leftover space, or that more work must be done beyond the shower.
Labor
Our labor costs are very competitive, especially when compared to the quality of our work. Once again, the scope of the project affects the overall cost of labor.
Shower Type
A small acrylic shower is much more cost effective than a large shower tiled with marble.
Fixtures
High end shower and bath fixtures have a tremendous effect on the overall cost of a shower remodel.
Estimated Costs of Materials
- Demolition: $80 per work hour
- Fixture installation: $300 per item
- Shower Enclosure: $350 for a low-cost enclosure to $4,500 for a high-end enclosure
- Floor and Wall Tile: $750 to $4000, depending on the size of the area tiled
- Fiberglass or Acrylic Shower Base: $300-900
- Ventilation: $1000-$1500
- Waterproofing: $900-$1300
How Much is a Shower Remodel if I Source My Own Materials?
Materials make up about 65% of the total cost of a shower remodel. Labor is around 35%. It’s best to focus on saving with your choice of materials instead of the cost of labor. Cheap labor is often unqualified and rushed. This results in poor craftsmanship.
We encourage our customers to save money by sourcing their own materials if they would like. We even pass our discount to customers who use our suppliers. However, we are still happy to purchase materials on the customer’s behalf if that is preferred. Contractors may have a markup on materials, so sourcing your own is a great way to save. However, many shower model contractors will not guarantee any fixtures or materials that they did not source. Is the time spent getting the remodeling materials, and new fixtures worth the cost savings? That is entirely up to the homeowner.
How Do I Cut Costs?
In addition to sourcing your materials, the best ways to cut costs on your shower remodel are through avoiding changes that do not have to be made. Unfortunately, in an old bathroom, many changes cannot be avoided. First, if you have a choice in the size of your shower, go smaller. Second, choose a prefabricated shower. Third, do not move any fixtures. Fourth, do not move or add any walls. Lastly, do not choose high end materials. If you can remodel your shower without these additions, you will be able to get your project done on a budget.
Estimated Costs By Shower Type
- Tub to Shower Conversion: $1,800 to $4,500+
- Corner Shower: $2,500 to $8,000
- Combination Shower/Tub: $3,000 to $8,000
- Walk-in Shower: $3,000 to $9,000
- Freestanding shower: $3,000 to $11,000+
Estimated Costs of Prefabricated Shower Type
- Prefabricated Marble shower: $600–$2,000
- Prefabricated Fiberglass shower: $300–$1,000
- Prefabricated Acrylic: $300–$600
Small, prefabricated fiberglass or acrylic showers are the most budget-friendly options. However, small prefabricated marble showers may fit your budget too.
Estimated Costs of Shower Tile
- Ceramic Tile: $1.25–$100 Per Square Foot
- Porcelain Tile: $3–$30 Per Square Foot
- Stone Tile: $5–$100 Per Square Foot
- Glass Tile: $20–$50 Per Square Foot
- Stone Slab: $40–$400 Per Square Foot
A tiled, step-in shower does not have to break the bank. However, if you are converting a very old bathroom to a step-in, or roll-in shower, that will drastically increase costs.
Have more questions about your shower? Check out our Tub and Shower FAQs article, or Call or Email us here at Flooring Masters for a free consultation.
