For prefabricated shower kits, labor typically costs up to $2,000, as these installations are quite straightforward. In contrast, custom showers often require skilled tiling, plumbing, and waterproofing, with labor costs ranging from about a few hundred dollars to the high end of $7,000 or more.
So, unless you're going for a super-custom, spa-level masterpiece, shower kits are way cheaper and faster. Installing a shower kit is faster and easier than building a shower from scratch.
Plumbing and Labor Take the Biggest Bite
Labor in general is the single largest category in most bathroom remodels, typically accounting for 40% to 60% of the total budget. That includes plumbers, electricians, tile installers, carpenters, and any specialty tradespeople.
Standard Size Shower
Material Options: Available in both prefab and custom designs, with average walk-in shower costs starting around $600 for prefabs and reaching up to $12,000 for fully customized showers, especially with high-end materials.
Showers Are Easier to Get In & Out Of
For more mature adults and those with limited mobility, getting into and out of a traditional tub can be difficult, A tub-to-shower conversion is ideal for homeowners who want to maximize their bathroom's comfort and safety.
Lauren Saab, founder of Saab Studios, explains, “Instead of being a perfect rectangle, a Cinderella tub is cut on a diagonal to fit into a corner, which creates a wide, rounded front for sitting and soaking.” Often, one end would be more shallow than the other, creating just the right incline for bathing comfortably.
Wet-area renovations like a tub to shower conversions cost about $8,000 to $15,000, including materials and labor.
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.
Cost of professional shower installation
Replacing your old shower usually costs £450 - £1,400 in total. Including the new unit and labour (£300 - £400 for a simple swap, higher if extra plumbing or wiring is needed).
A walk-in shower installation is a popular bathroom remodeling project, but the question is: will it increase your home value? In short: it absolutely can! The important differentiator in whether your home value will be impacted positively or negatively is in who you turn to for your new walk-in shower.
Bathroom trends for 2026 are characterized by the resurgence of untreated natural finishes, including stone. Together with handmade and textured tiles, the look is more rustic. This gives a warmer and more organic feel. The most popular bathroom tiles for 2026 are those inspired by limestone and travertine.
14 Ways to Make Your Bathroom Look More Expensive
The 30% rule is a simple budgeting tool used in home improvements. It suggests that you shouldn't spend more than 30% of your home's value on a renovation project. For example, if your house is worth $300,000, your renovation costs should stay below $90,000.
To help us save every drop of water, showers should be kept to four minutes or less. Wondering if cutting a couple of minutes off your shower really helps? The answer is yes!
The Home Depot offers many types of bathroom installation services. They include: A free virtual or in-home consultation with a Home Depot authorized design consultant in your area. You can choose to update your vanity, sinks, faucets, tub, shower, flooring, lighting, storage, wall paint, tile and more.
Lifespan by Fixture Type. A standard fiberglass shower typically lasts 10–15 years, while high-quality tile installations can exceed 20 years with proper care. Understanding these lifespans helps you avoid sudden, costly leaks and structural water damage.
What Decreases Property Values the Most?
Cons of a Walk-in Shower
One of the primary concerns with walk-in showers is water containment. Without a door or curtain to keep water inside the shower area, there's a risk of water splashing or spilling onto the bathroom floor. This can lead to slippery surfaces and potential water damage if not properly addressed.
Installing a Shower Screen or Partial Glass Panel
The strategic installation of a glass panel is the most effective and elegant way to reconcile the doorless aesthetic with practical water containment.
The Most Expensive Part of a Bathroom Renovation: Waterproofing & Plumbing. While it's easy to get caught up in design decisions like tile patterns or faucet styles, the true cost champion in nearly every bathroom remodel is the waterproofing and plumbing system.
It will usually cost less to do the project yourself, as long as you know what you're doing. However, mistakes sometimes cost time and money to correct. If you're unsure of how to accomplish the job, the best option may be to hire a plumber.
Ways to Save on Shower Replacement Costs
Our doors are customized to fit your home and space, giving you the perfect style for your shower and budget. Average total cost can range from $1,000 to $4,200. The Home Depot also offers financing options that help you pay for your project over time.