Tub to shower cost? Avoid 2025 Hidden Expenses
What You Need to Know About Tub to Shower Conversion Pricing
Tub to shower cost typically ranges from $1,200 to $15,000. For homeowners in Southwest Florida, here’s what to expect:
Quick Cost Breakdown:
- Basic conversion: $1,500 – $3,500
- Mid-range project: $3,000 – $6,000
- High-end custom shower: $8,000 – $15,000+
- National average: Around $3,000
What’s Included in the Base Price:
- Removing your existing bathtub
- Installing a new shower pan and walls
- Basic plumbing adjustments
- Standard fixtures and doors
The final cost depends on shower size, materials (acrylic vs. tile), plumbing needs, and your choice of shower door. A simple acrylic conversion can be as low as $1,500, while a custom walk-in shower with tile can exceed $10,000. Most homeowners spend between $1,500 and $5,000, with a sweet spot around $3,000 for a quality upgrade.
I’m Jeff Lexvold, founder of Tropic Renovations. With two decades in construction and over 1,000 home renovations, I know what drives tub to shower cost. This guide shares that knowledge, walking you through every cost factor so you can plan your project with confidence and avoid surprises.
Tub to shower cost? terms made easy:
Your Complete Guide to Tub to Shower Cost
The national average for a tub to shower cost is around $3,000, but projects can range from $1,200 to $15,000 or more. That’s a huge range, but think of it like buying a car: a basic model gets you there, while a luxury model adds features and premium materials. Both work, but the cost reflects your choices.
What’s actually included in that base cost? A basic conversion covers the essentials to transform your tub into a shower.
- Bathtub Removal & Disposal: A lightweight fiberglass tub is cheap to haul away, but a heavy cast iron tub can cost $500 or more just to remove.
- Shower Installation: This includes the new shower pan (base) and the walls. Your choice between a prefabricated surround and custom tile is a major price factor here.
- Plumbing Adjustments: Minor tweaks to existing plumbing are standard. Relocating drains or water lines adds complexity and cost.
- Labor: This typically accounts for 40-60% of your total project cost. Professional plumbers in Southwest Florida charge $45 to $200 per hour. Proper waterproofing and plumbing are critical, so this is not the place to cut corners.
At Tropic Renovations, we clarify these variables upfront to match your vision and budget, ensuring no hidden costs.
What is the average tub to shower cost by shower type?
Your choice of shower type is one of the biggest factors determining your final tub to shower cost.
- Acrylic Surrounds ($1,000 – $3,000): These are the budget-friendly champions. They are quick to install, low-maintenance, and come in standard sizes that fit existing tub spaces.
- Custom Tiled Showers ($3,500 – $15,000+): This is where your design personality shines. Costs vary based on tile type, pattern intricacy, and the skilled labor required for installation and waterproofing.
- Walk-in Showers ($750 – $15,000+): Popular for their modern aesthetic and accessibility, these have no door or a low threshold. A basic conversion is affordable, but a spacious, custom-tiled walk-in with premium features will be at the higher end.
- Curbless Showers ($6,000 – $10,000+ for pan/installation): Offering the ultimate accessibility and sleek design, these require subfloor modifications for proper drainage. The complex work results in a seamless, spa-like look.
An acrylic surround is the most budget-friendly, while a custom, curbless shower is the most premium. We can help you weigh the pros and cons for your home.
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How Size, Materials, and Finishes Impact Your Budget
Once you’ve chosen a shower type, the details—size, materials, and finishes—fine-tune your tub to shower cost.
- Shower Size: Standard dimensions (32×32, 36×60, etc.) are the most affordable because they fit existing tub footprints, minimizing structural work. A compact shower might cost $1,500-$3,500, while a larger 42×60 inch shower could run $3,500-$7,000. Custom sizes require more labor and materials, increasing the price.
- Tile Materials: Ceramic tile ($0.50-$15/sq ft) is a versatile, budget-friendly choice. Porcelain ($1-$20/sq ft) offers better durability. For luxury, natural stone like marble or granite ($5-$30/sq ft) is beautiful but requires more maintenance. Engineered materials like cultured marble or quartz offer a premium look with less upkeep but at a higher price point.
- Shower Doors: Framed doors ($200-$800) are economical. Frameless glass doors ($500-$3,000+) offer a modern, open feel but cost more due to thicker glass and specialized hardware.
- Fixtures and Accessories: Basic showerheads start around $50, while high-end rain systems can cost over $1,000. Trendy finishes like matte black or brushed gold often cost 25% more than standard chrome. Don’t forget practical additions like built-in shelves ($150-$600), shower seats ($100-$300), or grab bars ($30-$250) for convenience and safety.
Explore smart bathroom features.
Beyond the Basics: Hidden Costs and How to Save
Renovation budgets can grow unexpectedly. In my 20 years working in Southwest Florida, I’ve seen it happen countless times. When you know what to watch for, you can plan ahead and avoid budget-busting surprises. This section is about protecting your wallet by uncovering hidden costs and sharing proven strategies to keep your tub to shower cost under control.
Uncovering Potential Hidden Costs in a Tub to Shower Conversion
We never know what’s behind the walls until the old tub comes out. Here’s what might be waiting:
- Water Damage and Mold: A slow leak can cause rotted subflooring, damaged studs, or mold. Depending on the extent, repairs can range from $1,500 to $9,000.
- Outdated Plumbing: Pipes in older homes may not meet current building codes. Moving drains, replacing corroded pipes, or adjusting the shower valve location can add $300 to $2,400 to the project.
- Electrical Updates: Adding new lighting or an exhaust fan may require electrical work to meet current safety codes, especially in older homes.
- Building Permits: In Sarasota and Charlotte County, permits are required for this work and typically cost between $100 and $2,000. We handle all the paperwork for you, as unpermitted work can cause issues when you sell your home. Do I need a permit?
- Debris Disposal: This is usually in our quote, but disposing of an extremely heavy cast iron tub might add around $100.
Smart Ways to Save on Your Conversion Project
There are plenty of ways to manage your tub to shower cost strategically. Here are moves that make a real difference:
- DIY Demolition: If you’re handy, removing the old tub and tile can save $50 to $500 in labor. Just be sure you can safely disconnect the plumbing first.
- Choose an Acrylic Surround: This can save thousands in material and labor costs compared to custom tile. Modern units look great and are low-maintenance.
- Stick with Standard Sizes: Using a shower that fits your old tub’s footprint avoids costly modifications to framing and flooring.
- Keep Your Plumbing Layout: Moving drains or water lines is a major expense. Keeping the existing layout can save $600 to $1,500.
- Select Basic Chrome Fixtures: Trendy finishes are tempting, but timeless chrome fixtures are less expensive and durable. You can always upgrade them later.
- Plan Ahead and Watch for Sales: If you’re not in a rush, you can save hundreds by shopping seasonal sales for fixtures and materials.
- Use a Molded Shower Base: A prefabricated shower pan is quicker to install and less expensive than a custom-tiled floor, which requires extensive waterproofing and skilled labor.
The key to saving is making smart choices, not cutting corners. A well-planned project gives you a shower you love without the financial stress.
Learn more about the overall cost of a bathroom remodel.
The Conversion Process: From Planning to Completion
You’ve set your budget and picked your style. Now, the renovation begins. Understanding the process helps ensure everything runs smoothly. At Tropic Renovations, we believe an informed client is a happy client, so we walk you through every phase.
Project Timeline: How Long Does It Really Take?
One of the first questions we hear is, “How long will my bathroom be out of commission?” It depends on the project’s complexity.
- Simple Acrylic Conversion: 2 to 4 days. These projects move quickly with standard materials and no major plumbing changes.
- Standard Tiled Project: 3 to 5 days. This timeline accounts for demolition, tile installation, a new door, and minor plumbing tweaks.
- Complex Custom Project: 1 to 2 weeks or more. A curbless shower, intricate tilework, or significant plumbing rerouting requires more precision and time.
Factors like project complexity, material availability (custom orders take time), and unexpected issues like hidden water damage can extend the timeline. We provide a realistic schedule upfront and communicate any changes.
Find out how long a bathroom remodel takes.
The Key Steps of a Tub-to-Shower Conversion
Every conversion follows a logical sequence. Here’s what to expect:
1. Demolition and Debris Removal: We carefully remove the old tub, surround, and any damaged drywall. Our team handles all debris disposal.
2. Plumbing and Framing Adjustments: Our licensed plumbers assess and adjust water lines and the drain to meet code and fit the new shower. Carpenters frame the new shower structure as needed.
3. Shower Pan Installation and Waterproofing: This step is critical. We install the shower pan and apply multiple layers of waterproofing to the walls and floor to prevent leaks and mold. We use industry-leading techniques proven over our 350+ years of combined experience.
4. Wall Surrounds or Tile Installation: Your new shower takes shape. We install your chosen acrylic surround or have our skilled craftsmen carefully set your custom tile.
5. Fixture and Shower Door Installation: We professionally install the showerhead, faucet, and accessories. The shower door is then perfectly aligned and installed.
6. Final Caulking and Sealing: We seal every seam with high-quality, waterproof caulk to create a watertight barrier, then perform a final cleaning, leaving your new shower sparkling.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional: Making the Right Choice
The appeal of a DIY project is understandable—it’s satisfying and can save on labor costs. A DIY tub-to-shower conversion could save you $1,000 or more.
However, the DIY risks are significant. Waterproofing is the biggest concern. If not done perfectly, it can lead to catastrophic water damage and mold, turning a budget project into a $10,000+ remediation nightmare. Plumbing mistakes can cause leaks, poor drainage, and code violations, which are costly to fix.
When you hire a professional contractor like Tropic Renovations, you get:
- Specialized Expertise: Our technicians have installed thousands of showers.
- Code Compliance: We handle all permits and inspections.
- Professional-Grade Materials: We use tools and materials not available at big-box stores.
- A Warranty: Your investment is protected.
We never subcontract our core trades, and our dust-free methods minimize disruption. While a handy homeowner might tackle demolition to save a few hundred dollars, the peace of mind from professional plumbing, waterproofing, and installation is worth every penny.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Tub-to-Shower Conversions
We’ve helped hundreds of Southwest Florida homeowners convert their tubs to showers. Here are answers to the most common questions we hear about tub to shower cost and the upgrade itself.
Does converting a tub to a shower hurt my home’s resale value?
It depends, but it’s rarely a bad move. A modern, accessible shower can increase your home’s value, as many buyers prefer the convenience and look of a walk-in shower.
The key consideration: the National Association of Realtors advises to keep at least one tub in the house for resale. Families with young children often need one. If you’re converting your only tub, you might narrow your buyer pool.
If you have multiple bathrooms, converting a secondary tub almost always adds value. Most homeowners recover 60-70% of the cost at resale, especially when the new shower improves safety and modern appeal.
What are the main benefits of a tub-to-shower conversion?
Beyond the tub to shower cost, clients love this change for several reasons:
- Accessibility and Safety: A low-threshold or curbless shower dramatically reduces fall risk, which is crucial for aging in place or for anyone with mobility challenges.
- Modern Aesthetics: A sleek new shower with glass doors instantly updates a bathroom, making it feel more spacious and current.
- Space-Saving Feel: While the footprint may be the same, a glass enclosure makes the entire room feel bigger and brighter.
- Water Efficiency: A typical shower uses about 17 gallons of water, while a bath can use 50 gallons. This adds up to real savings on your water bill.
- Practical for Daily Use: Most people shower daily but rarely take baths. A conversion better suits a modern lifestyle.
When is the right time to consider this bathroom upgrade?
The answer is usually simpler than people think. It’s time when:
- Your bathtub sits unused. Why dedicate space to something you don’t use?
- Accessibility becomes a need. A tub can quickly become a safety hazard. A walk-in shower restores independence and provides peace of mind.
- Your tub is damaged or outdated. If you already need to replace it, consider an upgrade to a shower instead.
- You’re doing a larger Partial Bathroom Remodel. Integrating the conversion creates a cohesive design and is more efficient.
- You simply want a modern update. It’s a high-impact renovation you’ll appreciate every day.
The right time is when it makes sense for your life and your home.
Conclusion: Is a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Worth It for You?
So, is a tub-to-shower conversion the right move? With tub to shower cost ranging from $1,200 for a basic unit to over $15,000 for a custom walk-in, the decision is about more than just the numbers. It’s an investment in your daily life.
The real value becomes clear when you step into a safer, more accessible shower that fits your needs and enjoy its sleek, modern look every morning.
The benefits are clear: improved safety, a contemporary aesthetic, better use of space, and lower water consumption. These advantages often outweigh the initial cost. By keeping at least one tub elsewhere in your home, you can also see a positive impact on resale value, recovering 60-70% of your investment.
Here in Southwest Florida—from Sarasota and Siesta Key to Venice, North Port, Englewood, and throughout Charlotte County, Casey Key, Manasota Key, Nokomis, Osprey, and Palmer Ranch—we understand your home is your sanctuary.
That’s why at Tropic Renovations, we treat every project with care. Our team brings over 350 years of combined experience, ensuring every detail is done right. We handle everything in-house with our own skilled tradespeople and use a dust-free process to keep your home clean.
Ready to transform your space? We’ll help you design a shower that balances your vision and budget—with no pressure, just honest guidance.
