Cost to Install a Walk-In Shower
Installing a walk-in shower means removing the existing fixtures and wall materials, adapting plumbing for the new layout, fitting a shower pan and drain, waterproofing the enclosure, and tiling the walls and floor. Homeowners may take it on when an existing shower is worn or damaged or when they want a walk-in upgrade, but it is a hard project because the pan must be level and the shower area must be waterproofed.
Common reasons homeowners do this job
- Replacing worn or damaged existing shower fixtures and wall materials
- Upgrading an existing bathing area to a walk-in shower
- Changing the shower configuration
- Installing a curb or curb-less shower system
- Retrofitting existing plumbing for the new shower footprint
DIY or call a pro?
Consider consulting a licensed professional when the project involves significant structural changes or complex plumbing rerouting. Shut off the bathroom water supply completely before plumbing work begins. During demolition, wear safety glasses, gloves, and a face mask; professional help is also worth considering if any named step feels unfamiliar.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I install a walk-in shower myself, or is hiring help a better choice?
- This can be a DIY project, but it is a hard one. It can suit someone comfortable with demolition, plumbing retrofits, setting a shower pan perfectly level, waterproofing, and tile work. Consider professional help for significant structural changes, complex plumbing rerouting, or any step that feels uncertain.
- What makes the price of a walk-in shower installation go up?
- The price can rise with the job size, labor time, the materials selected, and haul-away of removed materials. A small job may also be affected by a minimum or trip charge.
- What should I check before choosing a walk-in shower system?
- Measure the wall and floor area for the new shower footprint, decide whether the design will have a curb or be curb-less, and inspect the existing plumbing for needed retrofits. Also choose between a pre-formed pan and a membrane-based waterproof shower system before work begins.
- Why does the shower pan need to be perfectly level?
- The shower pan or base is installed before backer board, waterproofing, tile, fixtures, and silicone sealant. Confirming that it is perfectly level at that stage helps avoid building the rest of the shower over an improperly set base.
Have a different situation?
Every home is different. Describe yours to Gable Pro and get a diagnosis, a real cost estimate, and — if you want — a match to a vetted local pro.