How much does an outdoor shower DIY cost?

Author: Ervin Herman  |  Last update: Thursday, February 27, 2025

If you have a yard with at least a little privacy, with a few days' work and $1,000—less, if you want—you, too, can install an outdoor shower that will pay lifestyle dividends that far exceed your tax bracket.

How much does it cost to build an outdoor shower?

Lucky for you, outdoor showers are an accessible feature for just about anyone. It all depends on how simple or complex you want your shower to be. A simple outdoor shower with cold water costs approximately $1,000 or less. An outdoor shower with an enclosure and hot and cold water will run about $4,000-$8,000.

Do I need a permit for an outdoor shower?

If your jurisdiction has adopted any recent version of the IPC, then a permit and inspections are probably required to show compliance. The IPC definitely addresses outdoor showers. Water supply, drainage, fixtures and fittings, backflow prevention, freeze protection, etc.

How much does it cost to DIY remodel a shower?

DIY Shower Remodel vs.

The average cost to complete this project on your own is $1,390 while hiring a pro to install it for you can cost an average of $4,990. If you have experience with plumbing or are just switching out a few fixtures, this might be a good candidate for a DIY project.

Does an outdoor shower add value to your home?

New Zillow research finds outdoor TVs, outdoor showers and outdoor kitchens can help homes sell for as much as 3.1% more than expected.

I Built An OUTDOOR SHOWER in our backyard! You need this!

What are the cons of outdoor showers?

Cons: You do still have to clean it

Outdoor showers tend to collect things over time, such as leaves, dirt, and anything else the wind can blow in from outside.

What is the average cost of putting in a walk-in shower?

The national average cost of a walk-in shower installation is $7,500, with an average range between $3,170 and $11,495. A basic pre-fabricated unit can cost as little as $1,000, while a custom unit can cost as much as $6,500 to $12,000.

Is it cheaper to build a shower or buy one?

Custom-tile showers often take a week or more, even in the hands of a skilled pro. Prefabricated showers are much cheaper than tiled shower stalls, often by hundreds of dollars.

What is the cheapest way to build a shower?

The cheapest way to create a shower involves using a simple design with cost-effective materials. Choose a pre-fabricated shower kit, acrylic or fiberglass walls, and basic plumbing fixtures. Opt for a shower curtain instead of an enclosure, and consider standard tiles or a basic shower base.

Are one-day shower remodels worth it?

A one-day bathroom remodel is perfect if you want to upgrade your bathroom without interrupting your daily life. Since it's completed in a few hours, you won't be inconvenienced by a construction crew. Bath Fitter experts work quickly and efficiently, and there's no mess or disruption to your daily routine.

Who can install an outdoor shower?

Whom to hire: Outdoor showers require excavation, slab work, plumbing and alterations to the existing walls of the home, so don't just hire a plumber — go with a general contractor who has experience building outdoor showers.

Can I build my own walk-in shower?

With a bit of forward planning and proper measurements (not to mention a fair bit of hand grease), installing a walk-in shower by yourself isn't actually too difficult. Here, we've listed some vital tips that will make your do-it-yourself installation a lot less painful than it needs to be.

Do I need a permit to drywall my garage?

You'll likely need a permit since this project may require soil grading to avoid drainage issues. Repairing your floor may be more cost-efficient than replacing it if grading is necessary. No permit may be required to hang drywall on exposed wooden wall studs in your garage.

Do I need a drain for an outdoor shower?

Many municipalities require outdoor showers to follow building codes, meaning you may need to install drain pipes to carry wastewater away. This helps protect the quality of groundwater and the city's drinking water supply.

Do you need a permit to build an outdoor shower?

Typically, any new plumbing installation will require a permit, so if you are running water lines from inside the home to the outdoor shower, it's likely you will need a permit.

Can you install a shower DIY?

If you are replacing an existing electric shower with a new one, it is certainly possible to install it yourself. In this instance, the power and water cabling are already in situ, so all you need is to install a new shower unit and riser rail, which can be a fairly straight-forward job.

What is the cheapest shower to install?

1. Choose a Prefab Shower Insert. A prefab shower insert costs between $300 and $500, and a kit that includes all of the materials costs $400 to $2,000. This is the most budget-friendly type of shower, and it's simple enough to install and keeps labor costs relatively low.

Can you stucco a shower?

Artisan Stucco lime mortars can be used for waterproof vertical surfaces in bathrooms, showers and toilets. The precise application technique of the multi-layered lime stucco system and waterproof finish combines a high water resistance with excellent breathability and elasticity.

How much value does an outdoor shower add to a house?

Zillow projects that an outdoor shower can boost a home's sales price by 2.6%. However, Ringelheim says this will depend on the setup.

What are the cons of a fiberglass shower?

They also have a smooth, non-porous surface, which makes them easier to clean and maintain. Durability: Fiberglass showers are known for their durability and resistance to cracking. However, they may be prone to scratching or discoloration over time, depending on the quality of the materials used.

Is it cheaper to tile or insert a shower?

Purchase: The materials needed to install a tile shower are inexpensive compared to other shower wall systems. However, tile is much more labor-intensive to install than wall panels. Installation costs for tile are 3-5x more than solid surface or acrylic shower wall installation.

Does Medicare pay for a walk-in shower?

Medicare does not usually cover the costs of a walk-in shower. Although a walk-in shower is often easier to navigate than a traditional shower or bathtub, Medicare does not cover it as medically necessary durable medical equipment (DME). Medicare typically considers a walk-in shower a home modification, not DME.

Does Lowe's install walk-in showers?

They're not only experts in shower, bath and walk-in tub installation, but are also trained on correct tub and shower removal. Plus, we stand behind our work. When we install one of our showers or tubs, we provide a lifetime warranty on the product, the installation and the labor.

Is it a good idea to replace a tub with a walk-in shower?

Though trends come and go, it's safe to say that replacing a tub with a walk-in shower modernizes the overall look of your space. Offers better accessibility and safety. Stepping into a tub-shower combo is awkward and the surface could be slippery.

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