How Much Is a Shower Remodel Cost? Let’s Do A Cost Breakdown

Are you considering remodelling your shower but aren't sure how much it would cost? You're in luck!  

Remodelling any section of your home is a massive task. It needs meticulous preparation, research, and budgeting. Even more so, it demands a lot when you remodel a shower because they are the riskiest type of remodel you can do in your home.  

The cost of a shower remodel is not fixed and it varies based on materials, size, layout changes and labour. Expenses include tiles, fixtures, plumbing, labour, and potential unforeseen issues. Local estimates offer the most accurate breakdown. 

Let's look at major expenditure categories involved in upgrading or replacing an existing shower before going in head first. 

When determining whether or not to invest time and money in a shower remodel, hiring a skilled shower remodeling contractor and understanding all parts of the process - including potential risks and rewards - is essential. 

With these considerations in mind, continue reading to discover more on how to calculate the total shower remodeling costs.

Average Cost Of Walk-In Shower Remodel

Regarding home renovation tasks, a walk-in shower remodel can be quite costly. But what exactly is the average cost of walk-in shower remodel? 

Labor costs are often the most expensive aspect of a custom walk in shower remodel. You should expect to pay between $5,000 and $80,000 for labor alone, depending on the complexity and scale type of shower remodel. 

Materials such as tiles or stone slabs factor into the overall cost of your new walk-in shower. Ceramic tiles cost $3-$10 per square foot. However, genuine stones like marble can cost up to $50 per square foot especially if it is a mosaic marble tile type imported from another country. 

Depending on the finishes utilized in your bathroom space design, you may pay additional plumbing and electrical expenses, which should also be incorporated into your budget.

Glass walk-in shower

Factors Affecting Shower Remodel Costs

While a walk-in shower remodeling costs can vary greatly, several factors will affect your total expenses. The size of the bathroom shower is one key factor to consider; larger type of shower often require more materials and labor, which translates into higher shower remodeling cost. 

It can also be more work to create the custom walk in shower floor pan to ensure the water drains properly but also doesn’t slope too much to look odd.

The quality of the material used for tiles or stone slabs impacts the overall price since high-end shower materials tend to be much pricier than those with lower quality. 

Labor costs should not be overlooked either, as they typically make up most of any remodeling project's expenses. 

The main reason is that showers are extremely risky and you need specialists that are skilled experts in creating showers.

Size Of Shower Impacts The Price

When it comes to shower remodeling, size matters - and not only in terms of floor area! The larger the shower size you build, the more cost to remodel will be. 

This makes sense when you realize that larger showers require more materials and higher labor costs for installation. 

This is why, to save money on a walk-in shower remodel, think again before going overboard with your design options. Choosing a modest yet elegant shower area could help you save money on your walk in shower renovation project. 

It is possible to make even the smallest of spaces feel magnificent without breaking the bank by selecting an efficient arrangement of tiles with a unique pattern or texture - so don't throw out this choice! 

With careful consideration of both aspects (shower size and material quality), you should be able to establish an efficient compromise between cost savings and beauty.

White shower with black shower heads

Quality And Prices For Materials

Now that you understand how size can influence the cost of your shower to remodel, it's time to think about the material quality and pricing. Shower material directly impacts the cost of your shower renovation, so choose wisely! 

Higher-end materials like marble or glass will likely be more expensive than standard ceramic tile. Still, they may be worth the extra investment in longevity and aesthetic appeal. 

If money is a concern, cheaper options such as acrylic may be a better option. Just understand that lower cost can me more problems in the future, and shower leaks are quite risky.

When choosing materials for your walk-in shower remodel project, consider not just the initial cost but also their durability over time - this way, you won't have to worry about replacing them anytime soon.

Also look into several suppliers to compare pricing across various options; collecting estimates from multiple vendors may ensure you receive the best value possible while remodeling your shower.

All white shower area

Construction Labor Costs Continue To Increase

Don't forget to include labor and material costs when budgeting for your shower remodels. Construction labor expenses have risen recently, so you may need to prepare for additional funds to complete the project. 

Consider the following factors when determining labor costs: 

  • The sort of contractor you employ can impact the final shower cost; make sure they are experienced with this type of work so that it is done correctly. 
  • Anyone that is good at remodeling a shower is going to cost more money. It is a skilled trade that few do well.
  • Labor charges vary by location; explore local contractors near you for an accurate estimate. 
  • Conduct your research before hiring a contractor, and keep track of all expenses throughout the process to avoid surprises. 

Creating your walk-in shower is possible with careful planning and preparation - no matter your size or style!

Shower with glass wall and door

Shower Customization Increases The Cost

When it comes to planning a shower remodel, customization options can have a significant impact on the final cost. Adding customized items, including flooring and fixtures, as well as built-in storage and seats, will increase the cost of your shower renovation project. 

While these adjustments may not be necessary for every shower remodel, they can make all the difference in creating an inviting environment customized to your needs. When planning for a shower remodel, it's important to consider any additional costs associated with the installation process. 

Demolition And Removal Cost

When planning a shower remodel, including the costs of demolition and removal is vital. Though some homeowners may be tempted to do this on their own to save money, they should be aware that doing so carries risks, not just for themselves but also for their homes. 

Demolition is less expensive than many realize. A competent contractor will have the knowledge and experience to ensure everything is completed safely, correctly, and within budget. 

Choose an experienced and professional team for your renovation project. In that case, you'll almost certainly receive a warranty or guarantee with your purchase, providing further security against unforeseen costs. 

White shower remodel

Plumbing Costs

Following demolition and removal, the following stage in a shower redesign is to estimate plumbing expenses. This covers the cost of any new fixtures required for your remodel and installation costs. 

Depending on the type of improvements you want to make, these costs range from quite modest to rather costly, so it's essential to have an accurate estimate before starting any remodel. Aside from aesthetics, there are several factors to consider while choosing plumbing fixtures. 

You'll want to consider energy efficiency ratings, water flow capacity, and materials used to get the best results while staying under budget. 

Whatever option you choose for your renovations, thoroughly investigating prospective possibilities ahead of time will assist in ensuring success throughout the shower project.

Tiles And Grout Costs

Tile and grout are critical elements of a shower remodel. They fit together like jigsaw puzzle pieces to form a beautiful finished product, but at what cost? 

This section will go over the costs of tiling and grouting your shower. Tile prices vary depending on quality and size, so look for options that fit your budget. 

Grout is less expensive than tile, but keep an eye out for grouts specifically developed in moist places like showers.  They usually have a silicone base, which tends to last longer and not crack as easily. There may also be installation charges if you do not do this yourself; hiring a professional can help guarantee proper techniques are followed when applying these materials. 

Tile and grout play a significant role in any shower renovation and should be considered before starting any job. 

You can save money while obtaining amazing results by conducting thorough research, preparing ahead of time, and taking advantage of useful resources such as online courses or local workshops.

Shower tile and grout

Preparing For Shower Remodel

Now that you've examined tile and grout prices, it's time to start planning your shower remodel. 

Before you begin this significant project, take a few important measures to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. The first stage in shower renovation planning is deciding the appearance and feel you want for your new area. 

Consider lighting, ventilation, waterproofing, color scheme, fixtures, and storage requirements while making this decision. Once these specifics have been established, it is time to acquire supplies and develop an ordered action plan with specific activities prioritized. 

This will help you focus on each work and ensure nothing is overlooked. Create a checklist early on so that every item can be accounted for before beginning any work; this covers materials and tools required for installation or maintenance. 

Using helpful online lessons or local seminars can help you budget while ensuring superior results. With careful planning and preparation, your forthcoming shower makeover project could be just around the corner!

Hiring A Professional Shower Remodeling Contractor

Regardless of how confident you are in tackling a shower renovation project, it is always best to engage a competent contractor. 

Working with an experienced professional can save time and money while ensuring the task is done well. 

Before judging who will handle your shower renovation needs, several key factors must be considered. 

First and foremost, inquire about their experience, specifically in bathroom renovation and shower remodels.  We recommend this resource for the shower remodel process.

Get references from past clients who have had similar projects completed; chat with them directly if feasible to get an excellent image of how the contractor was overall. Try to get at least 2 names of people who have had their showers for 2+ years.  Showers are notorious for leaking, especially in the Phoenix area.

Black and gray shower tile

You should also ensure that the shower specialist you choose is legally licensed, bonded, and insured in case of an accident or damage during construction. 

Before signing anything, go over precise estimates from multiple contractors and properly read through each contract; ask questions as needed, and never be afraid to walk away from deals that don't feel quite right. Preparing ahead of time with study pays off in the long run!

Some concluding thoughts…

The shower remodel cost can vary depending on several factors, including materials, labor, design, and unexpected expenses. By taking the time to research these components, you can plan accordingly and stay within your budget. 

When estimating the overall price of your shower renovation, be sure to consider all aspects of the project, including plumbing, tiling, water-resistant treatments, and fixture selection. 

It's also important to work with professionals specializing in bathroom shower remodels to ensure that potential issues are addressed quickly and efficiently.

If you're looking for a reliable and experienced team to help with your shower remodel project, consider choosing our company. We specialize in bathroom renovations and can guide you through every step of the process, from design to installation. 

Contact us today to learn more and start creating your dream shower!

Video of this post:

Audio Version of this post:

PDF version:

Do you live in Ahwatukee, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe,  Sun Lakes, Laveen, South Phoenix or Queen Creek?

Ready to talk about your remodeling needs?

Take the next step...

About the author

Hi my name is Jeremy Maher. My wife, 2 kids and I went through Contractor Nightmares for 3 years straight.

Ben, Mark, and I teamed up to start Phoenix Home Remodeling to help homeowners remodel without the common contractor nightmares.

Learn more about Jeremy's expertise and topics he likes to write about on his author page.