How Much Does a Shower Remodel Cost?
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A shower remodel is one of the many changes a homeowner may complete when remodeling a bathroom.
Throughout the years, the parts that make up the shower become subject to wear and tear, and if left unrepaired, the damage can get worse. Shower heads can rust and clog, or the tiles can become stained or cracked. Even if your shower is in good working condition, you may just want to have it changed for cosmetic purposes.
How much does a shower remodel cost?
The cost of remodeling your shower will depend on the size of the shower, the type of remodel, the materials being used, the geographical location and contractor who is being hired. Overall, a shower remodel will cost from as little as $1,500 to as much as $10,000. Since there are so many variables, it can be very hard to offer a rough estimate. According to our research, however, most shower remodeling jobs were in the $3,000 to $6,500 range. Refer to our table below to see what the average shower remodel could cost you.
If it’s a simple install with the same dimensions as the older shower, then costs will be on the lower end, usually around $1,500 to $2,200; however, if you were to upgrade to a fiberglass or a plastic insert, the costs can increase to $2,500 to $4,000 or more.
Higher end jobs, which usually entail installing a customized shower pan, new wall tile and a glass door, may be in the $5,000 to $7,000 range, but it could be much more if you were to opt for a higher-end tile or glass door. A custom door, as seen in the table, can cost $1,000 alone and that won’t even include the labor.
According to this Networx.com article, they say the average shower remodel will be in the $1,500 to $5,000 range. Another contractor was quoted, and he said if you were looking at an average tub/shower replacement, the costs are almost always in the $3,000 to $5,000 range.
| Type of Shower Install | Description | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shower Liner | The shower liner will be considered the floor/ground you step on when entering your shower. In the past, these liners were made from an acrylic, PVC or polymer, but today, they can be made from natural stone, tile or even a waterproof wood material. The cost of a shower liner install will depend on the materials you choose, your style and plumbing setup. Installing a new one will always be more expensive than simply replacing it. | $2,100 to $3,400 |
| Tub/Shower Combo | For those who don't have space for a shower AND a tub, they will often resort to the commonly found tub/shower combo. Like the liner, replacing an older tub/shower combination will always be cheaper than installing a new one. | $2,800 to $4,800 |
| Tiled Shower | While tiles are cheaper, the labor is quite intensive when replacing or creating a new tiled shower. The cost will depend on the pattern of the shower, the tiles being purchased and complxity of the job. You can find tile as cheap as $0.80 per square foot to as much as $100 per square foot; it's really up to your personal tastes. | $1,500 to $2,500, but it can be much more if you choose tiles more than $5 per square foot. |
| New Shower Door Only | Some opt to replace the shower door only to create a new look. Common shower doors can be made from clear glass, frosted glass or have anti-glare properties. The cost of a new shower door will depend on the glass being used, the size of the door, the weight, how it opens and the number of side panels. The costs can be much higher if the door has to be customized. | $850 to $2,000+ |
| Steam Shower | Consider to be one of the most luxurious options you can add to your bathroom, steam showers consider to be one of the priceist options as well. Due to the steam generator necessary to produce the steam, the shower will need a vapor to protect if from the water and steam being generated | $3,000 to $6,000 |
| Electric Shower | An electric shower will deliver warm water instantly, using electric heat near the shower head. Since some homeowners prefer water instantly instead of waiting a few seconds, these copmonents can cost $100 to $600 for the materials, but labor can double the cost. | $475 to $1,00 |
Shower remodel overview
Before the job even begins, the contractor will offer a free consultation to explain their ideas, what they can do for you and what the project may cost. Some contractors may charge for this design while others may offer a free rough estimate.
If you hire a contractor to remodel the shower, he or she will provide the design and estimates of how much the remodeling will cost by creating a contract. He or she will also provide a list of materials that will be needed for the construction; depending on the contractor, you may be responsible for purchasing these materials or they can do it for you.
Most replacement jobs won’t simply be a “swap and replace.” Oftentimes, it will require replacing tiles, replacing molding and dealing with sizing issues. Chances are, no matter which type of option you choose, the walls, ceiling and flooring around the shower will have to be replaced/fixed as well.
What are the extra costs?
The remodeling job may only include the construction but not the plumbing. If older pipes needed to be replaced and/or moved around from its original position, then it could increase the costs. Any obstacles not listed in the contract could affect the pricing.
If the walls around the shower have to be replaced due to mold or any other causalities, additional fees can apply.
Expanding or even moving the shower to a new location in the bathroom can increase the prices by more than 30 to 40 percent.
Tips to know
If remodeling your whole bathroom, experts say the shower is often close to one-third of the entire renovation budget.
How can I save money?
If you don’t have the time to get multiple quotes or don’t know where to turn, consider using HomeAdvisor.com. Here, you simply explain your job and licensed contractors in your area will contact you with ballpark estimates.
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Average Reported Cost: $58
How much did you spend?
- steve (edwardsville, Illinois) paid $58 and said:
I spent about 17000 to redo 2 bathrooms. new high end custom tile floors. Super white quartzite counter tops. New vanities of cherry wood solid by cabinart. New rebuilt shower with custom tile walls and 3/4 inch glass surround. Other bath new soaker tub with euro style thick glass doors and custom tiled walls with glass accents. Aquired all materials myself and hired master carpenter do work for 25.00 an hour.
Was it worth it? Yes
