If you’re in the market for a shower that combines modern aesthetics with accessibility, a walk-in shower could be just what you need. Walk-in showers are exceptionally user-friendly, especially for those facing mobility challenges. These showers have a low/no curb, which makes exiting or entering easier.
However, their specific design leads to costs that balloon with the complexity and size of your project. Therefore, if you want this type of shower, you need to examine its costs. Then, you’ll be able to budget for your walk-in shower.
In this blog, we’ll explore the different costs involved in the installation of walk-in showers.
How Much Does a Walk-in Shower Cost: An Overview
On average, the cost of a walk-in shower is around $3,500 – $9,000. However, you can get it as low as $2,005 (+ $1.25 per ft2 for tiles) by simplifying your project. Conversely, it can cost as high as $47,395 (+ $100 per ft2 for tiles) if you include many features and select expensive materials.
Here’s an overview of its cost:
| Aspects of the Shower | Cost Range |
| Shower Size | $800 – $7,000 |
| Tile per ft2 | $1.25 – $100 |
| All Labor Cost per Hour | $205 – $445 |
| All Features | $6,285 – $17,450 |
| Prefabricated Shower | $800 – $9000 |
| Custom Shower | $3,500 – $11,000 |
| Permit | $200 – $2,000 |
A Break Down of the Installation Cost of a Walk-in Shower
Your shower project is so personal, and there are so many choices available that you need to examine each factor. Let’s explore the different costs you need to consider to budget for your new shower.
Cost by Shower Size
Showers can either come in standard square foot sizes or custom sizes. Larger showers cost more. However, if it’s not a standard size, it’ll also be more expensive.
Here’s a breakdown of the prices of walk-in showers based on their sizes:
| Walk-in Shower Size | Cost Range |
| 32 x 32 | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| 36 x 36 | $800 – $1,200 |
| 36 x 60 | $1,200 – $4,000 |
| 60 x 72 | $1,800 – $7,000 |
The one you’ll choose depends on the layout of your bathroom and your personal tastes. For instance, if your bathroom has a circular wall, you might not want a standard 30” x 60” or 32” x 32” square shower. Meanwhile, if you have a small bathroom, the standard walk-in shower might fit well.
Cost by Type of Shower
When you’re choosing a walk-in shower, one of the first decisions you’ll make is whether to go for a custom design or a prefabricated model. This choice directly impacts the cost.
If your shower comes prefabricated, it has a kit with the shower pan, surrounds, and part of the plumbing. You might not even need a plumber or electrician to assemble it beyond the final connection to the plumbing and wiring. This option is also cost-friendly at $800 – $9000.
On the other hand, a custom shower is more expensive, ranging around $3,500 – $11,000. Plus, you’ll need contractors to install it. Since it’s much more complex, amateur mistakes could risk the integrity of your home.
Material Cost
How much a new walk in shower costs also depends on the materials utilized. In particular, the material you use for the tiles can be a significant part of your project’s budget. Here are some tile options and their price range:
| Type of Tile | Cost Range per ft2 |
| Ceramic | $1.25 – $100 |
| Porcelain | $3 – $30 |
| Stone | $5 – $100 |
| Glass | $20 – $50 |
| Marble | $40 – $65 |
Furthermore, there is the post-installation cost of these materials. For example, some materials, such as stone, are durable yet need specific maintenance to avoid mold.
Labour Cost
An important factor to consider when examining how much it costs to install a walk-in shower is the labor involved in the project. Beyond the plumber that will connect the shower to the rest of the plumbing, there’s also the grouting, tile laying, and wiring. The cost of these services depends on the complexity of the installation, the size of the shower, and whether you’re removing an existing shower.
Here’s a breakdown of the cost of labor to install a walk-in shower:
| Type of Labor | Cost Range per Hour |
| Tile Laying Contractor | $30 – $120 |
| Bathroom Contractor | $50 – $75 |
| Electrician | $50 – $100 |
| Plumber | $75 – $150 |
For a prefabricated shower, that adds up to $2,700 – $3,500. Moreover, custom showers require a bath contractor to create your shower. This increases the cost of the labor to $4,000 – $8,000. Additionally, if you wish to remove a bathtub and replace it with a shower, it’ll cost $500 – $1,500.
Additional Features Cost
Whether you wish to make your shower more functional, easier to navigate, or better fit your aesthetic, these changes come at an additional cost. To have a better understanding of how much you’ll spend, examine this table of features and their costs:
| Features | Cost Range |
| Rainfall Shower Head | $25 – $250 |
| Built in Shelves and Niche | $75 – $300 |
| Grab Bar | $85 – $300 |
| Bench | $100 – $300 |
| Dual Shower Head | $100 – 1000 |
| Slip Resistant Floor | $200 – 1000 |
| Bifold Glass Shower Doors | $800 – $2,000 |
| Framelesss Shower Door | $900 – $2,300 |
| Steam Shower | $4,000 – $10,000 |
Remodeling Permit
The final cost to consider when deciding how much a walk in shower costs is the permit you’ll need before you can begin the remodel. This permit usually costs around $200 – $2,000. This cost depends on the size of the shower, the cost of the project, and the type of remodel you want. You can estimate the cost of this permit to be 0.5% – 2.0% of the construction cost.
In many states, it’s a necessity before you make any alterations. This permit guarantees quality and safety and establishes who is liable for a faulty installation. In California, you need a permit from the Department of Building and Safety. However, if your remodel costs under $500, you might not require a remodel. Nevertheless, you should confirm with professional contractors if your remodel doesn’t require a permit.
In particular, you’ll need a permit if your project includes:
- Demolition
- Altering the Plumbing
- Adding Walls
- Electrical Work
Building your walk-in shower without a permit could make you liable to penalties, forced removal of the new shower, and financial restrictions. Therefore, either you or your contractor should request a permit. Additionally, you should keep in mind that the one who receives the permit will be liable and responsible for the project.
How You Can Reduce the Cost of a Walk-In Shower
Now that you know how much a walk-in shower costs, you might have deduced that your remodel project will be expensive. Still, you can lower the cost of your walk-in shower with these tips:
- Minimize the Changes: The less you change the layout of your bathroom, the more you’ll reduce the cost of this shower. Therefore, you should try to select a shower you’ll install in the same place as the previous one. Alternatively, you could decide to keep some part of the previous shower.
- Simplify the Design: Whether you wish to have a custom shower or your bathroom layout isn’t standard, you should opt for the simplest design. Complex installations cost more in terms of labor.
- Compare Contractors: You should seek out multiple contractors and compare their prices, expertise, and feedback. Then, you’ll find the cheapest option that will install your shower at a satisfactory level.
- Buy Imitation Material: Instead of opting for expensive real stone slabs, you can select imitation materials that will match your bathroom’s theme.
- Get a Permit before the Installation: If the government is aware you began your project without a permit, you’ll need to pay for one at a higher price to continue remodeling.
- Do-It-Yourself: While a licensed professional must do some of the work, such as plumbing and wiring, you can do part of it, such as sourcing the material. You can also cut down on the cost by taking on demolition, tile laying, or grouting if you have a license for it.
Conclusion
Calculating how much a walk in shower costs all depends on the the complexity of your project, the cost of your material, the feature you desire, and the labor that goes into the installation. However, the average cost of a walk-in shower is around $3,500 – $9,000. Moreover, there’s the building permit you’ll need to acquire before you begin your project. Considering all these factors, a walk-in shower can cost anywhere between $2,005 (+ $1.25 per ft2 for tiles) and $ 47,395 (+ $100 per ft2 for tiles).
Nevertheless, you can reduce your costs by reducing the changes to your bathroom’s layout. Alternatively, simplify your project, compare quotes, select cheaper material, or do some of the work yourself.