Table of Contents
If you are feeling like your shower is getting outdated, or you are tired of scrubbing it and having it still look dirty, you probably are starting to wonder how much does a shower remodel cost? Finding out an estimate for your shower remodel cost is the best place to start, as then you can make sure that you have enough money saved up to take on this popular home renovation project.
To figure out a good estimate for a shower renovation cost you will need to first imagine how you want to make your shower look and how you want to use it. There will be a big difference in the cost to redo a shower that is in your guest bathroom which will only be used occasionally and your master bathroom that you want to have an everyday luxury experience in.
Most people will end up spending the average cost of shower remodel, which is $3000. To get a more accurate estimate you can read this guide to see a breakdown of each element of a remodel shower cost, and then you can apply those costs to what you want out of your shower remodel.
Average Shower Remodel Cost
The industry’s average cost of shower remodel is around $3,000 to $4,000, where the cheapest starts from $300 while a high-end shower remodel is more than $10,000.
That’s a huge gap between the cheapest and the most luxurious shower cost, but don’t worry, when you work with an expert team you can achieve shower remodeling on a budget.
Shower Remodel Cost: Demolition
Your first step in the actual work of remodeling your shower is to get the old one out of the way. This will only take a day of work from unskilled laborers, which will probably cost you about $20 an hour depending on the wages in your area. So for an eight hour day you can expect about $160.
You may also need to pay to have your demolition garbage hauled away, which can cost about $200. If you are getting rid of building materials that still function but you don’t want to use, consider donating them to a used building supply store like Habitat For Humanity. They may even haul your usable items away for free.
Shower Remodel Cost: Showerhead
You may already have the perfect showerhead in mind, or you might just be needing a new, simple shower head because your old one is completely clogged up and sprays in the wrong direction. You can find a low cost shower head at a hardware store for about $37, and then you can also go find a hand crafted work of art shower head for $500 or more.
If you go for a dual shower head, then its estimated cost is around $600 to $700, whereas, a rainfall ceiling shower head costs around $200. You can also shop for a vintage shower head at a used building supply store, where you could find a unique piece for less money. Shop around for the showerhead that fits your desires, then you can add that price into your overall shower remodel cost.
Shower Remodel Cost: Shower Doors
There are four main types of shower doors to choose from: sliding, french door, frameless, and framed glass door. Each type has its corresponding appeal and price that you need to consider before installation.
Frameless: estimated running price is at least $1,000 and into the $5000 range because of the special training required to install frameless doors and that the glass is usually thicker for more durability.
Framed: one of the most popular shower doors in modern homes, where its average price is between $800 to $2,500.
French doors: one of the most expensive shower doors you can have which costs around $1500 to $3,000.
Sliding glass doors: This space-saving shower door is great for smaller areas. Its average price starts at $300 and higher depending on the style, glass thickness and the hardware used.
Shower Remodel Cost: Tile
If you plan to re-tile your shower area, then your possible cost is around $13 per square foot. So for a 10 by 10 foot shower you would expect to pay $1300. This price will change based on what type of tile you use, where ceramic tiles are the cheapest and marble or other real stone tiles are the most expensive.
Shower Remodel Cost: Base Pan
The base pan collects the shower water and directs it into the drain, it is where you stand while showering. A quick internet search shows the cheapest shower base pan at $150, while a customized base pan can start at $650.
The cost will depend a lot on the size of the base pan. You may also be able to reuse your old one, just talk to your contractor to see if it can be reused or if you need to install a new one.
Shower Remodel Cost: Labor
Typically, your installation or labor cost will be 40% to 60% of your overall shower renovation budget. This will depend on wages in your area.
Working with a contractor may seem expensive, but they will have all the experience and tools to ensure that your shower remodel is done quickly and the right way so that you will not have any problems. They also can have discounts on labor and materials because they buy these things in bulk.
Shower Remodel Cost: Plumbing
The costs for plumbing work will depend largely on the condition of your current plumbing. If you need to install new pipes because they are leaking or appear worm out, you will end up paying a lot more for plumbing. Another element that will raise the amount you spend on plumbing will be if you are moving your pipes, like if you change the location of the shower.
If you aren’t moving your shower and you have good existing pipes, you can expect to pay less than $200 for plumbing. If you have a more complex situation your shower remodel cost could go up by $2000 or more because plumbers are highly skilled tradesman who command a high wage.
Shower Remodel Cost: Water Damage
If your shower was leaking and causing water damage, you will end up paying more repairing that damage. This usually involves tearing out and replacing the subfloor. With that, you need to hire a professional water damage restoration service and their rates range from $500 to $2,500.
Shower Remodel Cost: Permits
Usually when you touch the plumbing in your house you will need to get a permit from the local government to make sure the work is done correctly. The permits for this could range from $100 up to $400.
At Fairfax Kitchen Bath, we employ innovative methods of achieving your new shower without breaking the bank. Our talented, licensed, and insured professionals will make it possible for you. We are one of the top shower remodeling companies in town!
If you have any more questions about shower remodeling please call our office today or visit us on Facebook anytime!
