Shower Remodel Cost Factors and Considerations in 2024
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A remodeled shower can provide a soothing retreat at the end of the day while also adding to the resale value of a home. Shower remodel costs fall between $200 and $15,000, with the national average at $8,000.
Highlights
- The typical range for shower remodel costs is $200 to $15,000, with a national average of $8,000.
- The main cost factors for shower remodeling are the shower size and type, project scope, bathroom age, material quality, labor, and geographic location.
- A shower remodel project can boost home value and improve safety and energy efficiency. Some upgrades may also make it easier for older adults to enter and exit the shower.
- Some aspects of a shower remodel may be suitable DIY projects. However, homeowners will want to leave the moving of plumbing or electrical lines as well as major construction to a qualified contractor if they haven’t undertaken a similar project before.
Any remodel that involves plumbing can strike fear in the hearts of homeowners. There is an assumption that bathroom and kitchen remodels equate to debt-inducing expenses. While that’s true, there are shower remodel cost options that can fit into almost any budget. So how much does a shower remodel cost? According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, the typical cost range is $200 to $15,000, with a national average of $8,000.
The overall shower remodel cost will depend on the condition of the old shower, the size of the shower and extent of the remodel, the material and fixtures being used, and the local cost of materials and labor. There are many reasons for homeowners to consider improving a shower: safety, sustainability, and home value, as well as the appeal of a luxury spa inside the home. Exploring the options and their costs will help homeowners get their bathroom remodeling project off the ground.
Key Cost Factors
Some of the elements in a shower remodel are within a homeowner’s control, such as type of material, quality and size of the tile, and fixtures. Other costs may not be negotiable, such as permits and local labor costs, and the size of the existing shower may have a bearing on overall costs as well. It’s critical for homeowners to understand these nonnegotiable shower remodeling costs while building a budget, because what’s left over will make it simpler for homeowners to decide where to choose more or less expensive options to create their desired outcome without blowing their budget.
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Shower Size and Type
How large is the existing shower? Is it a stall, walk-in, tub, or frameless? These details will affect the cost of a shower remodel for demolition and replacement: A larger shower with more structure will cost more to demolish and will require more material to fill that area, whether it is replaced with a smaller shower or one the same size. A simple fiberglass shower insert can cost as little as $400, with luxury options reaching $2,000 or more. In contrast, a combination tub-and-shower replacement will generally run around $3,000, and a walk-in shower will cost between $1,000 and $15,000 (plus plumbing and hardware). Depending on the footprint of the bathroom and existing shower, the style can be updated when remodeling or remain a version of what is already there.
Project Scope
The size and scope of the remodel will also significantly affect the total cost. If it’s just a quick refresh—installing a shower head and fixture, reglazing the tub, or adding one of the best shower curtains—the fee can be pretty small. If the homeowner plans to tear out the existing shower to the studs or reroute water lines and drains, the project will come in toward the higher end of the range. The cost to add a bathroom from scratch will be even higher. In terms of a larger remodel project, homeowners can expect the shower to make up about 5 percent to 25 percent of the total cost of bathroom remodeling.
Bathroom Age and Condition
Newer homes are easier to remodel because they are usually built with materials that are easy to work with and up to current code. This means that a homeowner or their plumber can change out hardware without much trouble, and any changes will be easy to retrofit. Remodeling a shower in an older home will likely cost more because the project may involve the contractor opening the walls and floors to get a picture of the plumbing and electrical situation. It’s also likely that the pipes in an older home are galvanized—or worse, lead—and will need to be replaced to be brought up to code. If the home is older, it’s worth the homeowner consulting a contractor or plumber before getting too deep into the planning to evaluate the bathroom’s current status.
Material Quality
Basic shower materials can cost less without looking shoddy. Choosing a prefab shower unit can help the homeowner keep the shower remodel budget low while still refreshing the space and adding a modern look. Even shower heads can range in price, starting at $20 and going up as high as $500. Simple white subway tile looks classic without breaking the bank, while custom tile work and luxury fixtures can top the budget. Choosing basic tiles with a narrow row of handmade ones can add a unique look but at a lower cost than a completely custom job. Materials are a flexible budget item, but since it’s easy to get carried away, it’s a good idea for homeowners to spend some time thinking about these choices before making purchases.
Labor and Permits
Labor is a significant portion of any bathroom remodel. In a contractor’s estimate for a bathroom remodel, the labor costs can make up as much as 50 percent of the total cost. Labor costs vary regionally, as well as by task, with plumbers’ and electricians’ costs ranging higher depending on the project. Some of those costs may be negotiable if the homeowner can do some of the work independently, but homeowners won’t want to be surprised by the labor costs—they’ll just want to make sure they’re itemized.
If the shower remodel involves moving walls or installing new plumbing lines, a permit may be needed. Homeowners will want to check whether their contractor will pull the permit for them or if they’ll need to get it themselves. Permits can be obtained from a local permitting agenc, usually at a cost between $175 and $2,000.
Geographic Location
While the average cost of a shower remodel is $8,000, costs can vary from region to region. Factors like the availability of materials, labor prices, and cost of living can all contribute to how much a homeowner will pay. Homeowners will also want to keep in mind that prices tend to soar in urban settings compared to suburban and rural areas. Homeowners can look up “shower remodel near me” to get a sense of pricing in their area.
| State | Shower Remodel Cost |
| California | $3,500 |
| Florida | $2,200 |
| Maine | $3,800 |
| Montana | $2,300 |
| New York | $3,600 |
Additional Costs and Considerations
Once the basic material and labor costs are planned, it may look like the budget is set, but there are still a few more items for the homeowner to prepare for. In any instance of taking down existing structures, there’s the possibility of finding surprises, and it’s essential to budget for those. Sometimes looking at tiles and fixtures will cause a homeowner to look at the rest of the bathroom with a critical eye, and decide that the shower would be perfect if it was turned sideways—but then the toilet would need to be moved too—and in an instant the project just got bigger. These potentials need to be part of the estimated cost to remodel a shower.
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Repairs
It’s not uncommon to find trouble behind existing shower walls. Termite damage or dry rot requires repair work before a new and updated shower can be installed. If there’s lighting in the shower, moist conditions over the years can make electrical wire repair or replacement necessary. Any mold problems that are uncovered will cost $1,100 to $3,400 to clear up.
The most expensive repairs will be plumbing problems: If there is damage to the supporting plumbing from years of rejiggering the fixtures or snaking out clogs, the plumbing will require repair before the project can get off the ground. This can cost between $600 and $1,600 in total. And if the water heater is old and corroded, this may be the time to replace it.
Tiling
Tiling is another variable cost in a shower remodel. This figure ties into the scope of the remodel because homeowners can choose to tile only the shower or carry the tile around the room. The average cost of retiling a shower is between $6 and $32 per square foot. However, the choice of tile makes a huge difference in this total. Shower tile is available in large 36-inch-by-36-inch tiles, basic 4-inch squares, 4-inch-by-18-inch planks, subway tile, and small mosaic tile mounted on mesh. In addition, the tiles can be mass produced or hand finished, which contributes to the price range varying dramatically. Working with a professional will help narrow down the options by style and budget.
Fixtures
Homeowners who are going to the trouble and expense of replacing the whole shower will want to plan on replacing the shower pan. Standard prefabricated pans cost around $200, but if the shower is a custom shape or size, a new pan can be built on-site for a higher price tag of up to $3,500. Once the pan and tiles are in place, it’s time for the homeowner to consider the best shower faucet options and the handles and mixer valves, plus any extras. Basic fixtures can be quite inexpensive, where luxury fittings can range into the thousands of dollars. Most homeowners spend between $200 and $600 for new fixtures.
Shower Head
A basic shower head can cost as little as $20. For a homeowner who is looking for an authentic rainfall experience, a ceiling-mount rainfall shower head might be the right choice. A rainfall shower head can cost $100 to $500. Others might prefer a refreshing body spray system or a dual-head system. This is another area where it’s possible to balance the budget: If handmade tiles are vital, a less-costly shower head could stretch the tile budget, but if the physical experience of the shower itself is the most important consideration, homeowners may want to consider splurging on one of the best shower heads on the market.
Shower Door
The best shower doors are as aesthetically pleasing as they are practical a design element. Basic framed doors cost between $350 and $830. Semi-frameless doors can be more attractive than framed, but they’re slightly more expensive at $820 to $2,000. Some of the trendiest shower doors are frameless, as they offer a clean look and open shower experience. These doors all used to be custom made, but their popularity has led to the production of standardized kits available at home improvement stores in the range of $1,000 to $3,000.
Old Shower Removal
Homeowners can expect to pay between $70 and $800 to have their old shower removed and disposed of. Suppose the existing tiles are vintage or antique—in that case, a good contractor can help remove them carefully for potential resale. Occasionally, even a solid cast-iron tub can be donated for reuse. Either way, it’s important for the homeowner to factor in the labor cost to strip out the old shower, rent a dumpster, and pay for the disposal. If the home is old enough that there’s possibly asbestos in the ceiling or insulation, that removal and disposal can be more expensive.
Water Damage and Mold Remediation
Showers are wet spaces fed by yards and yards of pipes. Over time, every shower has its share of leaks, small and large. Most leaks escape notice until a wet spot appears on a ceiling or a mold patch draws the eye. Water damage can weaken beams or cause rot, which must be corrected before a new shower can be installed to maintain structural support. This can cost as much as $2,700 or more if the damage is significant. Mold and mildew can be addressed for $500 and up before it’s covered over with new wallboard and trapped.
Plumbing Work
This is when the cost of a shower remodel can start to rise. Moving plumbing fixtures is a high cost, as it usually means tearing out the floor of the entire bathroom and replumbing it—moving supply lines, drain connections, and framework. Staying in the current layout will save a significant amount of money, but if the shower really needs to be moved to fit the rest of the plan, homeowners can expect to pay between $600 and $1,600 per fixture that is being moved, plus the cost of redoing the whole floor.
Layout Changes
If a planned change in layout doesn’t require moving plumbing, such as turning the shower 90 degrees and keeping the plumbing in place, it can be achieved for a reasonable price. Adding a wall or panel for privacy will add material and labor costs and won’t be an astronomical addition in terms of cost. Removing a wall can add $500 to $2,000 or more to the budget, including materials, labor, and repairs to or replacement of flooring. Hiring an electrician to move lights or wiring can cost homeowners $50 to $130 per hour.
Customizations
If a homeowner is looking at luxury items for their new shower, they’ll find that the sky’s the limit on luxury bathroom fixture costs. Homeowners will want to bear in mind that the cost of luxury fixtures doesn’t end with the purchase. Luxury items tend to be more delicate and often require precise installation and careful handling, which will drive up labor costs. Steam showers cost about $4,325 on average, as they require precise calibration to install. A completely custom walk-in shower costs $6,000 to $10,000.
Additional Contractors
It isn’t always clear who to hire for a bathroom remodel or how many contractors will be needed. There are several situations where a homeowner may hire consultants to assist with shower remodel plans. If the number of options is overwhelming, or a homeowner has walk-in shower ideas and can’t quite figure out how to accomplish them, an interior designer who specializes in bathroom remodel ideas can help. These specialists cost between $50 and $200 per hour for a remodel plan and can save homeowners time and money by doing some of the shopping and comparison to help them avoid costly plan changes later. In addition, if the shower remodel needs to be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant or is intended to make a family member with reduced mobility safer and more comfortable, homeowners will want to choose a designer or specialist who is familiar with those requirements and can streamline design choices to make the shower both beautiful and accessible.
Want to remodel your shower?
Talk to a top tier pro to see what you can do with your budget.
Types of Shower Remodels
The type of shower a homeowner chooses to install is a matter of style, budget, and practicality. Does the family need a bathtub? Is a shower with a low curb or step-free entry necessary? How much space is available in the bathroom? Sometimes it boils down to the geometry of the bathroom space—a homeowner may long for a soaking tub with a ceiling-mount shower, but if the bathroom isn’t wide enough, that may not be an option.
| Type of Shower | Average Remodeling Cost |
| Prefabricated | $200 to $8,000 |
| Walk-in | $4,200 to $8,500 |
| Tub-and-shower combo | $3,000 |
| Bathtub to shower | $1,200 to $3,600 |
Prefabricated Shower
Prefabricated showers are reliable and budget-friendly. Because th