How to use the tub to shower cost calculator
- Pick the kind of shower. This fills in example figures so you can see a complete budget straight away.
- Replace every example with your own number from contractor quotes or store prices. Clear a line if it does not apply.
- Open Adjust assumptions and fill in waterproofing, repairs, permit and finishing. The calculator warns you about any of these still at zero.
- Set a contingency and, if you have one, enter a quote to compare.
How the budget is built
Subtotal = demolition + plumbing + base + walls + door + fixtures + hidden costs
Budget = subtotal × (1 + contingency)
Worked example
A tiled shower, example figures
- Demolition $600 + plumbing $900 + pan $1,200 + door $800 + fixtures $500 + tile walls $2,000 = $6,000.
- 15% contingency = $900.
- Budget = $6,900.
The calculator also warns that waterproofing, repairs, a permit and finishing have not been budgeted yet.
Prefab, tiled or walk-in?
| Prefab kit | Tiled with pan | Curbless walk-in | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor | Least | More | Most |
| Design freedom | Fixed sizes | Any size, niches, bench | Any size, no step |
| Waterproofing | Built into the kit | Membrane needed | Membrane over the whole wet area |
| Floor work | Usually none | Pan built on the floor | Floor recessed for slope |
| Accessibility | Low curb | Curb | Step-free |
The costs people forget
- Waterproofing behind tile, which is what actually keeps water out of the walls.
- Rot and subfloor repair under an old tub.
- A permit for drain and valve changes.
- Drywall, paint and trim where the old tub surround was.
- Moving the drain, because a tub drain is rarely where a shower drain needs to be.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Budgeting from one online average. Prices vary hugely by city and finish; build it from your quotes.
- Skipping contingency. Bathrooms are the room most likely to hide water damage.
- Choosing glass last. Custom glass can take weeks; order it early and measure after tile.
- Ignoring the only-tub question. Keep at least one tub in the house if resale to families matters.
Frequently asked questions
What goes into the cost of a tub-to-shower conversion?
Removing the tub and wall finish, plumbing changes (drain position and a new valve), a shower base or tiled pan, waterproofing, the wall finish, a glass door or screen, fixtures, and patching the surrounding wall. Permits and repairs to rotten subfloor are the usual surprises.
Is a prefab shower kit cheaper than tile?
Usually. A kit with a molded base and wall panels has fewer steps and less labor. Tile costs more but allows any size, a niche and a bench. A curbless walk-in is often the most expensive because the floor has to be recessed for the slope.
Do I need a permit to convert a tub to a shower?
Often yes, because the drain and valve are changed. Rules vary by city and county, so ask your local building department before work starts.
Will removing the bathtub hurt resale value?
It can if it is the only tub in the house, because some buyers with young children want one. If another bathroom has a tub, a good walk-in shower is usually welcome. Consider who is likely to buy your home.
How much contingency should I add?
10 to 20%. Old bathrooms often hide water damage behind the tub, outdated plumbing, or framing that is not square, and you only find out after demolition.