Average cost of bath to shower conversion

How Much Does It Cost to Turn a Tub Into a Walk-In Shower?

Replacing an existing tub with a walk-in shower can be a stylish and practical update for your home as it makes your bathroom feel modern and larger than before. It expands your bathroom space, making it more accessible for the elderly, and people with mobility issues. Walk-in showers solve the problem of getting in and out of a conventional bathtub. It can be customized to suit the needs of the user and increase the safety of anyone using the shower.

However, the cost of converting a tub into a walk-in shower may vary depending on several factors. This article discusses the costs of converting a tub into a walk-in shower and factors that determine the overall budget of the project.

Average cost of bath to shower conversion

The Average Cost of Converting a Tub Into a Walk-In Shower

The installation and costs of converting a tub into a walk-in shower range between $5,997 and $11,950, with average coming in at $7,997. Although it may seem like a wide range for a simple project, many other factors contribute to the total cost. You can either install a ready-made walk-in shower stall or get a complete bathroom makeover with luxury showerheads, marble tile, and other accessible features. Replacing an existing tub with a luxurious walk-in shower can cost about $15,000 or higher depending on the complexity of the project. The amount you pay may vary depending on whether you choose a custom design or a one-piece stall. Extra services like new plumbing and a glass door can put the overall cost on the higher end.

Factors That Determine The Cost of Tub-To-Walk-In Shower Conversion

Plumbing Costs

Moving fixtures or changing the layout of your bathroom can significantly increase your total cost. You can expect to pay between $2,000 and $3,500 to install a shower in a different place from where your original tub once stood. A licensed plumber may charge a rate of $65 to $90 per hour depending on where you live.

DIY vs Hire a Professional

While you may save some money by doing this kind of installation on your own, it is a very risky and complex project. Any slight mistake could cost you more than what you would have spent if you hired a professional. Although you may pay labor costs of about $1,000 or more, everything will be handled professionally to meet or exceed your expectations.

Electric or Steam Shower Cost

If your budget allows, you can maximize your comfort and enjoyment by adding some extra features. An electric shower makes the water hot instantly when turned on. For this installation, you should expect to spend at least $1,000 including the labor costs for an electrician and a plumber. You can also opt for a steam shower, which is an expensive but wonderful option. You can expect to pay between $3,500 and $6,500 for both materials and labor depending on the size of your shower and added accessories.

Tile Costs

There is a wide range of tile materials you can get for your walk-in shower based on your budget. You can spend as little as $1 to $2 per square feet for a simple, white ceramic tile and as much as $30 to $50 per square feet for high-end tile materials. This translates to a range of $1,500 to $2,600 for installing ceramic tile and $1,800 to $3,500 for high-end tile designs. A beautiful tile can significantly enhance the look and appearance of your bathroom. The prices may vary depending on the quality and design of the tile.

Painting Costs

You need to repaint your walls and trims to complete your bathroom remodel. It is important to select a water-resistant quality paint that is designed for use in rooms that are prone to moisture. Painting the walls only can cost an average of $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot or more if you are including the ceiling and trim. This means that you should budget between $250 and $650 for repainting your bathroom after installing the walk-in shower.

The existing bathtub should be removed carefully to avoid plumbing or electrical issues. A bathtub that is still in good condition can be sold to a home improvement store that deals with secondhand household items. Alternatively, it can be sent to a manufacturer for recycling rather than disposing of it in a rented dumpster. Before hiring a professional renovation company, request an onsite consultation to get accurate details about your project and the way you want the overall outcome to look like.

If you want to convert your tub into a shower, know that it's a financial commitment.

Here are some tips to ensure you're not dumping your money instead of your tub.

#1 Don't Eliminate Your Only Tub

Even if you only use your tub to wash the mini-blinds, most real estate agents are adamant about having at least one bathtub in your house to preserve marketability.

A recent Houzz poll agrees, with 58% of respondents claiming, "you'll never sell that house without a tub."

The reason: many home buyers need a tub for small children.

(Of course, this is just advice, so if your heart is set on a shower-only home, by all means do it. That's why you own a home, so you can do what you want. Enjoy and read on ...)

#2 Tub to Shower Remodel: A Kit Is the Best Low-Cost Option

If your old tub is in an alcove, you can remove it and be left with a space that's about 30 to 34 inches deep and 5 feet wide — which is a good space for a shower. With minor modifications, your water supply and drain lines will already be in place, saving you money on plumbing costs.

Shower stall kits are fantastic low-cost options, made to fit into corners and old bathtub alcoves. They're typically made of acrylic or fiberglass, and include pre-made sides, a skid-proof floor pan with curbs and a drain hole, and a hinged glass door. Some include extras such as built-in seats and shelves for bath products. Cost is $200 to $2,000, depending on options.

If you want a custom tile shower, the cost jumps quite a bit. Usually around $1,000 to $3,500 depending on complexity, size, and the type of tile and fixtures you choose. Add another $500 to $1,000 for tear-out, new plumbing pipes, fixtures, and any custom carpentry.

#3 Don't Build Around a Window

If your tub is just a tub, and it's under a window, things might get a bit complicated if you want to do this the right way.

Because you really should avoid having a window in your shower. Seriously. There are just too many opportunities for water to seep into your walls through the window casing. Then you are talking yucky, yucky mold.

And serious house damage.

You might even have to tear out your new shower. That will suck. 

So play it safe. Put your shower where there is no window. Or close up the window. 

But you'll still want to have the shower as close as possible to the existing water supply and drain lines to minimize plumbing costs. 

#4 Choose the Right Size

Most building codes say the floor of a shower stall should be at least 30-inches-by-30 inches. A 36-inch-by-36-inch-wide stall is recommended by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). If you're building to the NKBA standards, an existing tub alcove probably needs modification — such as adding short sections of wall — to make the finished shower space 36 inches deep.

Tub to shower remodel tips:

  • Finished ceiling height: At least 80 inches.
  • Distance from side of toilet to shower wall: 15 inches minimum measured from the center of the toilet to the wall; 18 inches is recommended.
  • Distance from front of toilet to shower wall (or any wall): 21 inches minimum measured from the front of the toilet bowl to the wall; 30 inches is recommended.
  • Shower door swing: Should clear all obstructions, especially the toilet and vanity cabinet. Sliding glass doors or shower curtains can help solve door swing problems.

#5 Focus on the Shower Floor (It's Crucial)

Average cost of bath to shower conversion

The floor of your shower (aka the shower pan) has a lot to say about the style and cost of your tub-to-shower remodel. You have a choice of two basic types of pan: one corrals water with curbs that you step over as you enter; the other is curbless.

Shower pans with curbs form a complete enclosure to contain water spray and channel it to a drain. The floor of the shower pan has the proper pitch to drain water. Showers with curbs are usually easier -- and cheaper -- to install than curbless installations.

Curbless shower stalls (aka barrier-free showers) are very au courant but trickier to make -- the drainage slope of the floor has to be built below the level of the surrounding flooring surface. That means either raising the level of the surrounding floor, or lowering the shower pan.

If you raise the bathroom floor, it'll be higher than any other floor that it meets, such as the floor of your master bedroom. You'll need a transition threshold, which can be awkward and defeats the advantage of curbless shower if you’re wanting to be able to roll in a wheelchair.

#6 When You Convert Your Tub to Shower, Watch for These Things

During demolition of the tub, check these things to save money and hassle later.

  • The condition of existing pipes and replace if necessary.
  • The framing and subfloor for mold, mildew, and rot, and repair as needed.
  • The shower valve — now is the time to upgrade to a single-handle, pressure-balancing valve that controls temps and volume.

Is it worth it to convert tub to shower?

A tub to shower conversion is one of the very best things you can do to improve your bathroom, and your home as a whole. With this kind of upgrade, you will find that your bathroom is a lot more modern, more aesthetically pleasing, and easier to use as well, for all kinds of people who might live in the home with you.

Is it cheaper to replace tub or convert to shower?

A tub to shower conversion costs $2,000 to $12,000 on average, depending on shower size, type, material, and plumbing work. The cost to replace a bathtub with a shower stall is $1,000 to $8,000 for the kit with installation. Converting a tub to a walk-in shower costs $3,500 to $15,000.

How much does it cost to remove a bathtub and install a shower UK?

It costs anything from £1,000 to £8,000 to convert a bathtub into a shower. A walk-in bath type costs around £2,000 to £8,000. A bespoke or one-of-a-a-kind stall will have a higher cost.

Is it smart to replace a bathtub with a shower?

A Shower Takes up Less Room Than a Tub If your bath currently feels as though it is taking up most of the space in your bathroom, pulling it out and replacing it with a shower will make a lot of sense to make better use of your space. A square shower unit can be installed in a very small space.