How Much Does Shower Remodeling Cost?

Average Shower Remodeling Costs

What Is a Shower Remodel?

A shower remodel can cover anything from updating the fixtures to installing a universal access walk-in shower. Remodeling a bathroom costs more than the price of installing a shower alone, but a shower remodel is a common part of a wider bathroom remodel. 

A beautiful new shower stall that replaces a dingy old tub can elevate a bathroom's look and boost resale value. A walk-in shower is an increasingly popular remodel option because of the increase in people who prefer aging at home and those with disabilities or unique mobility needs. 

Shower Remodel Cost by Type of Remodel

The type of remodel you choose is the biggest cost influencer. Updating new fixtures or updating a basic enclosure can cost as little as $200, while installing a glass shower door costs $600 to $1,400. At the other end of the budget, tub-to-shower conversion costs up to $8,000, and a walk-in shower can cost $15,000 or more.

Shower Remodel Cost by Type of Shower

If you're doing a shower remodel, chances are, you want a brand new shower, whether that's a free-standing stall or an integrated walk-in shower. The cost to remodel a bathroom shower relies heavily on the materials you choose. 

There are several different types of showers to choose from, whether you're installing a tub-shower combo, a universal access shower, or a compact corner shower. Which one you choose depends on your bathroom’s size, the type of remodel, and your budget.

Framed Shower Enclosures

Framed shower enclosures typically cost between $350 and $830, or around $590, including installation. These showers are affordable and popular choices where space and money are at a premium. You can choose either sliding doors or swinging doors for framed shower enclosures. Swinging doors require a bit more space to swing outwards, but they're easier to maintain the sliding doors. 

Semi-frameless Shower

A semi-frameless shower enclosure costs between $820 and $2,000, with most people spending around $1,410. Semi-frameless units are a good compromise between the aesthetics of a frameless shower and the affordability of a fully framed enclosure. You can choose sliding or swinging glass doors, and the semi-frameless design—with minimal metal or framing—helps make small and mid-size bathrooms feel bigger.

Frameless shower

Frameless showers cost between $1,000 and $3,000, installed. On average, homeowners spend $2,000 on a mid-range frameless shower enclosure. These all-glass options are large and contemporary, featuring inward- or outward-swinging doors. While expensive, frameless showers are easy to clean and maintain and, once in place, are reasonably affordable compared to replacing a whole enclosure if you need to replace the doors. 

Corner Showers

Priced at $1,400 to $3,300, corner showers cost an average of $2,350. Corner showers save space, so they're a great choice for smaller spaces and larger bathrooms with lots of fittings, like a separate tub and a bidet. 

Double Showers

Double showers cost anywhere from $800 to $5,000 or more, with most people spending around $2,700. You can choose between semi-frameless and frameless double showers. They're a great choice for a large primary bathroom, as they have a light, contemporary, open feel. The dual shower heads make double showers ideal for busy couples. The larger space is also a good option for those with mobility issues or requiring more space or easier access.

Walk-in Showers

Walk-in showers cost between $800 and $10,000+, with most homeowners spending around $5,400. These showers can include a frameless door design, but many don't have doors for the easiest possible access. Tiling costs more for these showers because the water can inadvertently cover a wider area, so you need more tiles installed for moisture protection. You can customize walk-in showers to fit any style and bathroom. They’re a good choice for universal access, as there's no tall, cumbersome lip to navigate. 

Steam Showers

Priced between $2,600 and $14,000, steam showers cost an average of $8,800. These are more expensive because they require a fully sealed shower enclosure and electrical work. However, steam showers offer a spa-like experience great for relaxation, soothing sore muscles, and stress relief. Steam showers are a high-end home addition, and can boost your home's resale value.

Shower Remodel Cost by Material

As well as the type of shower you want, you'll also need to choose its materials. Alongside the cost of tiling, you'll also need to think about what material you want for your shower insert or from what material you'd like your custom shower to be constructed from.

Tile

Tiling a shower costs anywhere from $6 to $32 per square foot, including labor and materials. How much you'll pay depends on the material you opt for. Porcelain, ceramic, and some natural stone tiles have budget-friendly starting prices. However, if you go for stone slab for a grout-free, seamless shower stall, you'll pay up to $400 per square foot due to the need to reinforce walls and floor, more expensive hardware, and the logistics involved in transporting such heavy but delicate slabs.

Stone

A stone shower insert costs between $700 and $2,450, while a custom-built stone or cultured marble shower costs up to $35 per square foot. Stone showers have a timeless appeal and you can choose a sleek, modern aesthetic or an earthy, rustic style. Just note that if you plan to use thick tiles or slaves, you'll pay more. Plus, you'll need to hire a local structural engineer to make sure the floor or walls don't need reinforcing due to the weight of the raw materials.

Acrylic/Fiberglass

Acrylic or fiberglass shower inserts cost between $400 and $2,000. These shower inserts are lightweight, budget-friendly, and easy to install. These are available as ready-to-install kits from most big box stores, although professional installation is, of course, recommended. They don't have the same high-end luxury look as other shower types, but if installed well, they look clean and minimalist.

Shower Remodel Cost Breakdown

Materials and labor comprise the bulk of shower remodeling costs. However, the price you'll pay for labor depends on how much, if any, demolition you need. 

Materials

Shower remodel materials include the new shower insert if you're using a prefabricated kit, the fixtures, the shower doors, the framing material, seating, the showerhead, and more. How much you'll pay for materials varies significantly based on quality and design. For example, a showerhead alone can run you anywhere from $25 to $500. Similarly, a prefabricated shower pan starts at $200 while a custom shower pan costs up to $3,500. 

Labor

Labor for installing a shower liner or insert costs $500 to $1,500 and includes the cost of a tile installer and the cost to hire a plumber. Remember, if you're having a steam shower installed, you'll also need to budget for the cost to hire an electrician to take care of the electrical hookup. Similarly, if you're using stone slab or a lot of stone tile, you'll also need to plan for the cost of a structural engineer to see if your walls and floor need reinforcement.

You'll also need to account for the cost of demolishing the old shower or removing the tub and hauling away the debris. Expect tear-out costs of between $50 and $100 plus a haul-away fee of $250. And, if you're moving the shower or require any kind of plumbing reconfiguration or new wiring, you'll spend between $600 and $1,600 extra.

Other Shower Remodel Cost Factors

Several other factors impact how much it costs to remodel a shower, too. For example, you may require a permit for an extensive remodel. Repairing damage is also a cost factor, as is reinforcing walls and floors. 

Repairs

Making repairs to your walls or floor from water damage or mold buildup can increase your overall project cost. Mold remediation costs anywhere from $1,100 to $3,400. Repairing water damage can cost between $1,300 and $5,500. 

Bathroom Size

Typically, the larger the bathroom, the more the shower remodel costs. For a small bathroom, the average shower remodel costs $350 to $2,500. A mid-size bathroom shower remodel costs between $675 and $8,600. For a large bathroom or primary bath, shower remodel prices run from $12,000 to $15,000 or more. 

Seasonality

If you're trying to save money on the cost of bathroom renovations of any type, instead of trying to cut corners with DIY, you're better off waiting until winter. Generally speaking, the winter months are the off-season for bathroom remodel contractors. Therefore, you're likely to get a better price because there's less demand. 

Permits

Expect to pay anywhere from $175 to $2,000 to cover the cost of a building permit. You may need to acquire a permit depending on where you live and the extent of your shower remodel. In most cases, your contractor will acquire this for you. However, it's always best to check with your local authority to make sure you have the right permits. 

DIY Shower Remodeling vs. Hiring a Pro

Because you're dealing with water and plumbing as well as actual construction, a lot that can go wrong with shower remodeling. Therefore, it's much smarter to hire a local bathroom contractor than to attempt the work yourself. You can save money by having the work done in the off-season. You could also save by doing some of the finishing touches, like sealing, adding extra touches like fixtures and seating yourself. But a pro should handle the bulk of the job.

Plumbing lines must be properly positioned, connected, and sealed, the floor has to be perfectly level, and all the seals must be tight to avoid water damage and mold. Cutting corners or attempting a task of this magnitude without the right skillset could result in far more costly repairs down the line.