There’s nothing quite like stepping into a shower that actually works the way it should. No more dealing with that wobbly shower door, the grout that’s seen better days, or the water pressure that barely qualifies as a drizzle. But when you start thinking about renovating, the first question that hits you is probably the same one every homeowner asks:. What’s the real shower remodeling cost going to be? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might hope.
Home renovation has become a bit of an obsession lately, hasn’t it? Everyone’s updating their kitchen and bath spaces. Your bathroom is one of those places where you start and end every day, so it makes sense that you’d want it to work well and look good while doing it. If you’re not updated with the prices, then you’re in the right spot, as we’re going to share with you the total cost of remodeling a shower. Read through our article to be guided, and if you have questions, feel free to contact us.
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Average shower remodeling cost in 2025
Let’s face it, we understand that price will influence your decision and the scope of renovating your shower. That’s understandable, so to give you an idea, the average shower remodeling cost is between $2,000 to $9,000, with most homeowners spending around $7,000 for their project.
However, if you’re looking at a simple refresh, you might get away with spending as little as $300. On the flip side, if you want to go all out with luxury features, you could be looking at up to $15,000 or more.
Take note, the overall shower remodeling cost depends on certain variables like your location, the kinds of products you’ll use, square footage, permits, and labor fees of your chosen company offering a bathroom remodeling service. Those are the major things that are going to either lower or increase your total budget for a shower remodel.
What factors affect your shower remodeling cost?
Let’s outline the most important variables influencing your total shower remodeling cost:
Size and layout changes: Keeping the same footprint saves money
Material quality: Premium materials can triple your costs
Labor complexity: Custom work costs more than standard installations
Location: Urban areas typically have higher labor costs
Permits: Required in some municipalities for major changes
Existing condition: Water damage or structural issues add costs
Breaking down shower remodeling cost by project scope
You already know that there are factors affecting your shower remodeling cost. Now, let’s go over the specific breakdown based on what type of renovation you’re planning:
Individual Shower Components
Here’s what you can expect to pay for specific shower features in 2025:
Showerhead and faucet: $50 to $900
Shower door: $600 to $1,350
Full-body shower unit: $600 to $12,000
Regrouting shower tile: $10 to $25 per square foot
New tiles: $0.50 to $50 per square foot
New plumbing: $600 to $3,500
Stall installation: $700 to $1,600
Shower Types and Their Costs
Prefabricated Shower Kit
These are your most budget-friendly options, costing between $200 and $8,000 for the kit itself. You’ll also need to factor in labor costs of $400 to $1,000 for installation. These kits, including a shower enclosure, are perfect if you want a quick refresh without breaking the bank.
Walk-in Shower
Walk-in showers have become incredibly popular, and for good reason. A 32-inch square walk-in shower can cost as low as $350 for a basic acrylic kit, but can go as high as $8,000 for premium materials and custom features.
Tub-and-Shower Combo
You’ll find this combo in most modern homes because it’s both stylish and space-saving. If you’re starting fresh, expect to pay an average of $3,000 for materials and labor.
Tub-to-Shower Conversion
This is one of the most requested projects we see. Since the plumbing already exists, it’s often more cost-effective, ranging from $1,500 to $8,000. The wide range depends on whether you go with prefab walls or custom tile work.
Shower size and cost breakdown
Shower remodeling cost varies significantly based on size. Here’s what you can expect:
Tub-and-Shower Combo Sizes:
30-by-60 inches: $994 to $3,400
32-by-60 inches: $780 to $4,000
42-by-60 inches: $2,000 to $2,400
Walk-In Shower Sizes:
30-by-60 inches: $750 to $3,900
32-by-60 inches: $760 to $4,400
36-by-36 inches: $700 to $5,300
Material choices that impact your shower remodeling cost
The materials you choose will make a huge difference in your final shower remodeling cost. Here’s the breakdown:
Prefabricated Materials:
Acrylic: $500 to $2,500
Cultured marble: $700 to $2,450
Fiberglass: $400 to $5,000
Custom Materials (per square foot):
Ceramic tile: $0.50 to $100
Porcelain tile: $0.50 to $30
Stone tile: $5 to $50
Porcelain slab: $10 to $30
Glass tile: $10.50 to $25
Stone slab: $40 to $65
Solid surface: $40 to $70
As you can see, there’s a massive difference between basic ceramic tiles and premium stone slabs. This is where you can really control your shower remodeling cost based on your budget and preferences.
Labor costs for professional installation
When it comes to labor, you’re looking at these hourly rates:
Electrician: $50 to $130 per hour
Plumber: $45 to $200 per hour
Tile installer: $30 to $120 per hour
Drywall installer: $400 to $650 for a 100-square-foot bathroom
Generally, labor costs make up about 40% to 60% of your total shower remodeling cost, so this is a significant part of your budget.
Shower remodeling cost in Washington DC
If you’re planning a shower remodel in the nation’s capital, you’re looking at some unique considerations that affect your shower remodeling cost. Washington DC homeowners typically spend around $13,500 on average for bathroom remodeling projects, with costs ranging from as low as $4,000 to as high as $35,000. The city’s mix of historic rowhomes and modern condos creates some interesting challenges that can impact your budget.
DC rowhomes are particularly narrow, which means bathrooms tend to be smaller than the national average, typically around 5×7 feet. While this might seem like it would reduce costs, the reality is that working in tight spaces often requires specialized labor and creative solutions. Labor costs in Washington DC typically make up about 25% to 35% of your total project cost, and DC requires permits that cost 2% of your project budget for work over $1,000. So if you’re spending $10,000 on your shower remodel, expect to pay around $200 for permits.
Additional costs that might surprise you
Beyond the basic shower components, there are several additional expenses that can impact your shower remodeling cost:
Permits and Prep Work:
Permits: $50 to $2,000 (national average is $1,600)
Replacing drywall: $1.50 to $3 per square foot
Water damage repair: $1,000 to $3,000
Mold removal: $500 or more
Premium Features:
Multiple showerheads: $75 to $250
Bi-fold glass doors: $750 to $2,700
Frameless doors: $1,000 to $3,300
Steam shower: $2,600 to $6,050
Shower bench: $100 to $800
Bath fan upgrade: $100 to $300
How much does a one-day shower remodel cost?
If you’re looking for a quick turnaround, one-day shower remodels are possible, but they typically focus on prefabricated solutions. The shower remodeling cost for a one-day project ranges from $1,500 to $8,000, depending on the size and materials you choose.
These projects usually involve installing a prefabricated shower kit over your existing shower base, which significantly reduces labor time and costs.
Small shower remodeling: what to expect
A small shower remodel typically costs between $2,000 to $6,000. The lower end of the shower remodeling cost range usually includes:
Basic prefabricated shower kit
Standard fixtures
Minimal plumbing changes
Basic tile or acrylic surrounds
Even with a smaller space, you can still create a beautiful, functional shower that meets your needs and budget.
ROI and Home Value
One of the biggest questions homeowners ask about shower remodeling cost is whether they’ll get their money back when it’s time to sell. The good news is that bathroom renovations consistently rank among the top home improvements for return on investment. According to recent data, a well-executed shower remodel typically returns 60% to 73% of your investment when you sell your home.
But here’s where it gets interesting: not all shower upgrades are created equal when it comes to resale value. Understanding which features buyers actually want versus those that are purely personal preference can help you make smarter decisions about where to spend your money.
Shower Features That Add Real Value
Walk-in showers are currently the gold standard for resale value. Buyers love the modern, spa-like feel and the accessibility benefits. A standard walk-in shower with quality tile and a glass enclosure typically recoups about 70% of its cost. Frameless glass doors, while more expensive upfront, are particularly appealing to buyers because they make bathrooms feel larger and more luxurious.
Quality tile work is another investment that pays dividends. Ceramic or porcelain tile in neutral colors, along with the right shower fixtures, appeals to the broadest range of buyers. Built-in storage features like shower niches also add value because they solve practical problems that buyers immediately recognize.
DIY vs. professional installation
Here’s something that might surprise you: the average DIY shower remodeling cost comes in around $1,390, while hiring professionals typically runs about $4,990. That’s a pretty significant difference that gets a lot of homeowners thinking they should tackle the project themselves.
But here’s the thing about DIY shower remodels. Sure, you can handle some of the simpler stuff like swapping out a showerhead or installing a new shower curtain. Maybe even putting in a basic prefabricated kit if you’re handy with tools and have some experience. The problem comes when you get into the more technical aspects.
Think about it this way. Your shower deals with water every single day. If the waterproofing isn’t done right, or if there’s even a small mistake with the plumbing, you could end up with water damage behind your walls. And trust me, fixing water damage and mold issues down the line will cost you way more than hiring a professional from the start.
You might save a few hundred bucks on labor by ripping out the old shower yourself, but when it comes to installing new plumbing, waterproofing, or putting in custom tile work, that’s where you want someone who knows what they’re doing.
The reality is that plumbing codes exist for a reason, and most municipalities require permits for major shower work. A professional contractor knows these requirements inside and out, plus they carry insurance in case something goes wrong. When you factor in the time you’d spend learning how to do everything properly, plus the cost of tools you might only use once, the shower remodeling cost difference between DIY and professional installation often isn’t as dramatic as it first appears.
Getting started with your dream shower
Hiring an expert will increase your labor costs, but if that ensures the success of your shower makeover, it’s worthwhile. Renovating your shower involves complex waterproofing, plumbing, and finishing work. If you make a mistake, that can be expensive, especially if you’ll be redoing a lot of things.
Therefore, to ensure the success of getting your dream shower, it’s best to hire an expert. At Dupont Design Center, we’ve seen plenty of DIY projects that started with good intentions but ended up costing homeowners more in the long run. When you work with experienced professionals, you’re not just paying for labor. You’re investing in expertise, proper permits, insurance coverage, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing the job is done right the first time.
We’d love to show you how to get the shower you want while staying within your budget. Every project starts with understanding your needs, your space, and your goals. Contact us for a FREE design consultation and let’s turn your shower remodeling vision into reality.
