How Much Does Shower Installation Cost?

Highlights

• The typical cost to install a shower falls between $3,733 and $11,173, with a national average cost of $7,350.
• Shower installation cost can be influenced by several factors, such as the shower’s size, type, and location; the shower head and faucet chosen; the required installation materials; and the cost of labor.
• Installing a shower has several benefits, such as improved safety and accessibility, decreased hot water consumption, easy maintenance, increased home value, and improved aesthetics.
• Because a shower installation requires plumbing work, it’s generally advised that homeowners hire a professional for this project.

Bathroom remodels can be expensive, and many homeowners would like to reduce bathroom renovation costs. Replacing a shower can help revitalize the space without the expensive price tag of an entirely new bathroom. The price to install a new shower, replace an old one, or convert a tub to a shower depends on the size, materials, type of shower, and the local labor cost. According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, shower installation cost ranges from $3,733 to $11,173, with many homeowners spending about $7,350. The installation price varies due to the material, size, and style of the shower. A standard-size walk-in shower typically measures 32 inches by 32 inches. A prefabricated shower of this size without a door can cost approximately $1,150, or $210 per square foot, including materials and installation. The average price for a 30-inch-by-60-inch tub-shower combo is $3,000, or about $240 per square foot.

Professional shower installers can charge between $400 and $2,000 for their cost of labor. Labor rates can vary due to the complexity of the installation job due to limited space, scope of the overall project, and any additional customizations. Homeowners will want to keep in mind that shower stall installation or shower conversion may also require the expertise of a professional plumber or electrician, which will increase the overall shower installation cost. This guide will examine the important cost factors that influence shower installation pricing, the additional costs and considerations that can change the final price to install a shower, the benefits of shower installation, and some helpful tips to save money on shower installation cost.

Factors in Calculating Shower Installation Cost

While many homeowners spend between $3,733 and $11,173 to install a shower, the overall price can vary from the national average of $7,350 due to several important factors. These can include shower size, type, and location; the price of the shower head and faucet; installation material; and local labor rates.

Shower Size

Typically, the larger the shower, the more expensive the installation project. The standard sizes for walk-in showers are 32 inches by 32 inches, 34 inches by 34 inches, and 36 inches by 36 inches for small showers; 48 inches by 36 inches or 48 inches by 48 inches for medium showers; and 60 inches by 36 inches or more for large showers. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires showers to be at least 36 inches by 36 inches for accessibility purposes. Homeowners who have a larger bathroom space and want a custom shower will pay more for materials and labor.

Shower Type

Every shower installation project is different, and the pricing of the installation varies due to the shower type, size, and materials along with local labor costs. Showers can come as a prefabricated unit, or they can be custom built. Some homeowners will use the bathtub they already have and install a shower liner over the existing fixture to save money. Common shower types include accessibility shower, bathtub-to-shower-stall conversion, steam shower, tub-shower combo, and walk-in shower. Each type of shower is discussed in a section below.

Shower Location

The location of the shower also affects the installation price. Installing a shower in a half bathroom can cost from $600 to $12,500, since new plumbing, fixtures, and walls will need to be added. Adding a new bathroom to a home can cost $15,000, on average.

Shower Head and Faucet

Installing a new shower head and faucet can cost from $50 to $1,000, including $20 to $900 for materials. A full-body shower that has multiple sprayers on the ceiling and walls can range in price from $600 to $1,200, depending on the size of the shower. Adding additional jets involves installing new plumbing, which will increase the overall cost. Some popular finishes for shower heads and faucets are brushed or satin nickel and polished chrome. Softer nickel finishes that are low maintenance since they hide smudges and fingerprints are a pricier option than shiny finishes. Below are some of the common shower heads and their average prices.

Shower Material

When it comes to calculating the cost of a new shower, the type of material will significantly influence the price. Prefabricated showers are typically made of fiberglass, acrylic, or cultured marble.. All three materials are available in a variety of textures, colors, and finishes. Many home improvement stores sell shower inserts, stalls, and kits made of fiberglass and acrylic. Purchasing a basic acrylic liner is an excellent way to save money on shower installation costs. Below are the prefabricated shower materials and their average price ranges.

Custom showers can be made of solid slabs of material or tile. Materials for a custom shower are typically priced by the square foot. Natural stone is usually the most expensive, while porcelain and ceramic tiles are more budget-friendly. Below are some of the most common materials for custom showers and their average price ranges.

Many home improvement stores sell shower kits and inserts to make installing a new shower easier and more budget-friendly. Homeowners can expect to pay between $500 and $2,000 for an acrylic insert, while a fiberglass option ranges from $400 to $2,000.

Labor

The labor rates for a professional shower installer can run from $400 to $2,000, depending on the complexity of the installation job. The overall labor pricing hinges on the accessibility of the installation space, scope of the project, and number of customizations. Geographic location also comes into play with local labor costs, since densely populated urban areas that have a high cost of living will have higher installation costs than more rural areas.

Additional Costs and Considerations

When budgeting for shower installation cost, many homeowners may find that there are additional price factors and considerations that can change the final installation cost. These can include demolition and removal, permit fees, plumbing modifications, shower door installation, shower pan installation, and bath fan installation.

Demolition and Removal

If an existing shower is being replaced, the old one will need to be demolished and removed. This can add $50 to $100 to the overall cost, with another $250 for hauling away construction debris. Demolishing walls and removing, replacing, or relocating pipes can also increase the installation cost by another $600 to $1,600.

Permits

Many states require a permit for extensive plumbing work within a home. Depending on the project, a building permit may also be required. Each type of permit costs approximately $250. Paying for a permit is more cost effective than failing to acquire one and getting fined about $500 per day or more.

Plumbing Modifications

The home’s plumbing system may need to be modified when a homeowner installs a new or replacement shower. Adding new pipes and fixtures, removing old pipes, and replacing or relocating the existing plumbing can significantly add to the installation cost. A plumber can charge from $600 to $1,600 per fixture, and installing a new drain line can range from $1,000 to $7,000. It is recommended that homeowners ask the plumber if the new shower needs new pipes or drains or if the project requires relocation. Plumbing repairs are common when homeowners are renovating a bathroom or installing a new shower, and a plumber will typically make the improvements after the old shower has been removed.

Shower Door Installation

Shower door installation can cost from $600 to $1,350, including $350 to $800 in materials. Shower doors come in a range of styles, and depending on the amount of bathroom floor space, a door may not be needed. They are available in sliding, bifold, and hinged styles, and shower screens, or stationary glass panels, run from $300 to $1,000 installed.

Shower Pan Installation

A shower pan is the floor of the shower that directs water to the drain. It’s a solid insert that is installed at the base of the shower with tile or fiberglass walls. Installing a replacement shower pan can cost from $530 to $2,700, depending on whether it’s a prefabricated shower or a custom tile or stone pan.

Bath Fan Installation

The cost to install a bathroom fan can range from $250 to $950 and involves ductwork, electrical wiring, and venting work. A fan that includes heat or lighting will cost an additional $100 to $200. As a vital part of a bathroom, a fan prevents mold and mildew by reducing moisture and humidity from the room.

Shower Installation Cost by Type of Shower 

Shower installation cost depends on the type of shower and the difference in cost between prefabricated and custom-made options. Below are some common types of showers, their features, and their average price ranges.

Accessible Shower

Installing a shower that has a curbless entry with no threshold that meets ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements can cost from $3,000 to $6,000. For homeowners who want to include features that further improve accessibility, it will cost $50 to $300 to add a grab bar, including labor, and from $100 to $500 to add a wall-mounted fold-down shower bench.

Bathtub-to-Shower-Stall Conversion

The cost to convert a bathtub to a shower stall can run from $1,200 to $8,000 or more, depending on the size of the shower, materials, shower type, plumbing work, and local labor costs. This price range includes removing the old tub, prepping the surface, and installing the new shower stall.

Steam Shower

A steam shower can provide homeowners with the atmosphere of a luxury spa right in the comfort of their own home. Steam showers also use less water than traditional showers. The cost to install a steam shower falls between $2,650 and $6,050.

Tub-Shower Combo

Similar in price to a bathtub installation, installation of a tub-shower combo can cost from $1,500 to $8,500, depending on whether it’s a separate tub and shower surround or a prefabricated tub and shower stall. Having at least one bathtub in a home is good for its resale value. Additionally, a tub-shower combo is easy to maintain, and tubs are available in as many different options as walk-in showers.

Walk-In Shower

A walk-in shower without a tub can be customized to various sizes that can accommodate the smallest to the largest bathroom. Some walk-in showers are surrounded by a fixed glass shower screen or a partial wall. The cost to install a prefabricated walk-in shower stall ranges from $1,000 to $8,000, while the cost to tile a shower ranges from $3,500 to $15,000, depending on size, plumbing work, and materials. The cost to retile a walk-in shower ranges from $800 to $3,000, or $7 to $25 per square foot. Below are some common costs related to walk-in showers.

Benefits of Shower Installation

Installing a new shower has many benefits, including improved safety and accessibility, decreased hot water usage, easier cleaning, increased home value, and improved aesthetics.

Improved Safety and Accessibility

Replacing an old shower with a new one that includes increased accessibility options, such as grab bars, a skid-proof floor, a shower bench, toiletry shelves that are easier to reach, or a handheld shower wand can make the showering experience safer. Choosing a shower that has a curbless design can also eliminate the risk of tripping and falling and increase the accessibility of the shower to those in a wheelchair.

Decreased Hot Water Usage

Transitioning from a tub to a shower will mean less hot water usage and result in lower water bills. Taking shorter showers and utilizing an efficient shower head will also help reduce the amount of hot water that’s used each day.

Easier Cleaning

New showers use updated technology to help reduce the amount of mold and mildew that can grow on shower walls and frameless glass walls that resist buildup and streaks. The surface of a new shower is easier to clean than old tile and grout that never seems to look clean, regardless of how much scrubbing the homeowner does.

Increased Home Value

Installing a new shower can make the home attractive to potential home buyers. A newly updated, modern bathroom is an important selling point to many people.

Improved Aesthetics

A new shower can improve the look of a bathroom. From the shiny surface of shower walls to gleaming glass shower doors, the features of a new shower can boost the aesthetics of the space.

Shower Installation: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional 

Is it best for a homeowner to DIY a bathroom remodel or hire a pro? While it may be tempting to install a shower as a DIY project, it’s a complicated process that can cost even more if mistakes are made. It’s recommended that homeowners hire professional shower installers when the time comes for a new shower, since it’s easy to make costly mistakes. Shower installers can provide a seamless installation, grade the floor properly so the water drains as it should, and confirm that the liner is waterproof to avoid leaks. When it comes to plumbing, it’s always advisable to hire a pro to avoid expensive mishaps and potential water damage to the home. The complexity of a shower installation also involves permits, and they might not be granted if a nonprofessional is tackling the installation. When deciding who to hire for a bathroom remodel, homeowners will want to look for a bathroom remodeling contractor or general contractor, and an architect may be needed if walls need to be moved to change the layout of the bathroom.

How to Save Money on Shower Installation Cost

Installing a new shower has many benefits, but the cost of a shower remodel or the cost of a bathroom remodel can quickly add up. Below are some money-saving tips to help homeowners save as much money as possible on shower installation cost.

• Get multiple estimates. Having at least three estimates from reputable shower installation professionals will help you find a price that works for your budget.
• Go prefab. A prefabricated shower unit is less expensive than a custom-made shower. Prefabricated showers come in various options and have a more modern appearance than the prefab shower inserts of the past.
• Keep the same layout. Changing the layout of the bathroom to accommodate a new shower can add a considerable amount to the installation project.
• Do some of the demolition yourself. Removing the existing tub or shower on your own without damaging plumbing or drywall can help save money on labor costs.
• Opt for less expensive materials. While a solid stone slab shower may be the shower of your dreams, the price can quickly skyrocket beyond the limits of a homeowner’s budget.
• Schedule during the offseason. Summer and winter months are typically slower for home contractors who do home renovations. Homeowners can save money by avoiding the more popular spring and fall seasons for a shower installation project.

Questions to Ask About Shower Installation

Asking a shower installation professional the right questions can help homeowners avoid miscommunication and save money. Before hiring a professional to install a new shower, homeowners will want to find out important information about the installation process. Below are some key questions to ask about shower installation.

• How long have you been installing showers?
• Will you provide references?
• Do you have a portfolio of past shower installation projects that you’ve completed?
• Do you offer free estimates?
• Are you licensed and insured?
• What kind of training have your employees completed?
• Do you hire subcontractors at any point during the installation project?
• Is additional plumbing or electrical work needed for the installation?
• How long will the shower installation take?
• Who will be installing the shower?
• Do you offer a warranty or guarantee of your work?
• Is a permit required to install a new shower? If so, will you acquire the permit?
• What is your payment plan?
• What if there is a problem after the shower installation?
• How can I leave a review of your work?

FAQs

Planning to install a new shower involves making many decisions, which can become overwhelming, and it’s natural for homeowners to have questions regarding the shower installation process. Below are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding shower installation and related topics.

Q. Is it cheaper to build a shower or buy one?

A new prefabricated shower can usually be installed in one day, while a custom-tiled shower can take a week or more to install. The more budget-friendly prefabricated option can be much cheaper than a tiled shower—often as much as several hundred dollars.

Q. Can I install a shower myself?

It’s recommended that homeowners hire a professional shower installation expert when it’s time for a new shower. The installation process is complex and requires specialized tools and plumbing experience. A pro has the knowledge and skills to install the shower quickly and correctly while avoiding costly mistakes due to inexperience. A DIYer may save money on labor costs, but they could make expensive mistakes that could cost more to repair.

Q. How much does labor cost to install shower tile?

Labor cost to install shower tile can range from $7 to $14 per square foot. Some types of tile are more difficult to install than others, so the installation project can take longer and the labor pricing can increase as a result. If the tile needs to be sealed, it will also take more time and result in higher labor costs.

Q. How long does it take to install a walk-in shower?

The answer depends on the size of the shower, materials, and accessibility of the space. Typically, a walk-in shower can take between 3 and 5 days to install, but the overall time period can fluctuate due to various factors, including whether the installation professionals encounter plumbing or structural issues in the bathroom.

Q. What is the cheapest way to replace a shower?

One of the least expensive ways to replace a shower is to use a prefabricated fiberglass shower stall that has a built-in shower pan. Fiberglass shower-stall kits range in price from $400 to $700. Opting to use a shower curtain instead of a glass shower door can also help reduce the shower replacement costs.

Q. What is a walk-in shower?

A walk-in shower is a shower stall that doesn’t have a tub. Shower stalls can be prefabricated, but they come in limited sizes and materials. Custom walk-in showers can be built to any size and with any type of shower material. Some are enclosed with a fixed glass shower screen or a partial wall. Walk-in showers can include a glass door or a shower curtain to save money. Many walk-in showers have a curbless entry or low threshold for easier access.

Q. How much is labor to build a custom shower?

Labor costs to install a shower range from $400 to $2,000. To install custom jets to a shower can increase the labor by another $1,000 on top of the $900 that’s needed for installation. Custom plumbing for a shower installation can also add an extra $750 to $1,250 in materials and labor.

Q. What type of wall is best for a shower?

Acrylic is typically the most recommended wall material for a shower. It’s low maintenance, easy to clean, safe, and easy to install. Acrylic is a durable material, and it’s guaranteed not to crack, fade, peel, or chip over time. It’s also highly resistant to mold and mildew.

Q. Can an electrician install a shower?

If the new electric shower is a swap where no new circuits are needed, a plumber can do the job. If new wiring or an upgrade is needed, a professional electrician will be required. Electric showers are not as common in the United States as they are in different countries around the world. A plumber who is competent with basic electrical work can install a new shower, and an electrician who knows basic plumbing can also handle the installation.

Q. How much does it cost to turn a tub into a walk-in shower?

Converting a tub into a walk-in shower can cost from $1,200 to $8,000. The price range includes removing the old tub, preparing the area and the surface for the new shower, and installing the new shower stall in the space.

Sources: Angi, HomeAdvisor, HomeGuide, This Old House, Expo Home Improvement