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Power of the Shower: Money Edition

Shower conversion out of your budget?

According to Forbes, the average cost to convert your bathtub into a shower is $3,000, but it can cost up to $8,000. If that’s way out of your budget, don’t panic! We get it. If you’re looking to transform your old tub into a brand-new shower space, there are options for every budget.

Your Budget Is…

Let’s get straight to it. We’ve made a list of viable options for every price range so you can see exactly what kind of shower conversion you can get for your budget—no matter what it is. Costs can vary depending on contractor, preference, bathroom setup, etc. But this list is a great starting point to guide you in the right direction.

$300-$800

If you only have a few hundred dollars to spend, your best bet is a few DIY fixes. A can of paint can do wonders and is a very inexpensive option, and there are even DIY bathtub base conversion kits. 

DIY Kit

Starting at around $300, these do-it-yourself kits have everything you need to cut out an entrance into the side of your pre-existing bathtub. The new entrance lowers the threshold so shower users only need to lift their foot a couple of inches.

If your shower conversion plan is the result of a change of lifestyle or household, you may not be looking for an over-the-top remodel (at least not right now). A DIY kit like this one only costs $350 but manages to give you a basic transformation.

However, a word of caution here. You definitely need to be pretty handy to tackle a shower conversion by yourself—even with one of these kits. If you get into it and realize you’re in over your head, it could end up costing you more in the long run. Be honest with yourself about your level of expertise.

You can find a more extensive DIY shower conversion kit for less than $800. For example, some kits provide the base and door of the shower—ideal for your current bathtub and shower alcove. Some kits give you the opportunity to create a shower wherever you want. This $760 shower conversion kit gives you a glass sliding door and a thin, single-threshold shower base.

However, it’s important to understand that installing these base, wall, and door DIY shower conversion kits can be time consuming. These kits involve a full removal of any existing tub and may require a little more plumbing knowledge. Still, even with those caveats, these kits are a great money-saver and DIY budget option.

$1,000-$2,000

At this price point we’re coming out of DIY territory and into contractor conversions. If you have more money in the budget, hiring a contractor ensures a professional job for a good-looking shower. This can be the best option if you aren’t confident in your bathroom renovation abilities or if you just don’t have the time. 

Basic shower door installation

On the lower end of contractor jobs, $1,000 is a basic shower door installation. No serious plumbing changes, no new shower stall setup, no custom designs. But even a simple shower base and door installation can revolutionize your entire bathroom. (No more moldy shower curtain!)

For around $1,500-$2,000, a contractor can complete a minimal walk-in shower. This means you can convert the entire shower stall—walls, base, door. Though this is still on the budget end of contractor work, your perfect walk-in shower may not need to be fancy. With the right contractor and a few conversion changes, your bathroom will look better than ever.

$2,000-$4,000

Got a little money to spend? Tiled showers are going to cost more than other materials like vinyl or laminate. A fully tiled shower conversion is going to cost $2,000 at a minimum. Ceramic tile can cost anywhere from $5-$20 per square foot, and because tile is harder to install, it also brings higher labor costs. 

Tiled Shower

A quick side note here on tile. In addition to higher material and labor costs at the time of intstall, you should also keep in mind that tile requires you to reseal your grout every 6-12 months. Make sure you’re factoring the cost of this ongoing maintenance as well. 

At around $3,000, you can work with a contractor for a custom, curbless shower. This can include a nearly flush threshold as well as frameless glass doors. Depending on your current bathroom setup, your contractor may be able to put the shower wherever you want. The more you add, the more it will cost. But, if you budget carefully, you can get a custom shower conversion for the perfect price.

$4,000+

When you’ve got a good chunk to spend (hello, tax refund!), this is where you can really dream big. Fixing or changing the plumbing for your shower requires expertise, labor, and time. As such, plumbing alterations cost a lot more than a simple alcove shower conversion.  

Shower Conversion

Often, materials will also dramatically increase the cost. If you have a bigger budget, now is the time to pick exactly what you want to recreate your Pinterest board for your dream bathroom. Your custom design can include a built-in shower bench, better lighting, and expensive hardware and fixtures. 

Whether you’re in it for the safety, the style, or the simple joy of a nice hot shower, you can find whatever you want with the help of your contractor.

What You’re Paying For

Any remodeling job breaks down into three main costs: materials, labor, and time. Generally, if you hire a contractor or a team, you can expect labor costs of $1,000 or more. 

What you're paying for

So, if you want an easy way to save money upfront, opt for a DIY kit. You’ll be saving money on labor and a contractor’s time, but you will be paying in your own time and labor. But, again, be sure you have the expertise to do it correctly so you don’t end up spending more to hire someone to do it right! 

There are other additional costs you may not think about when it comes to a shower conversion, especially if you hire someone. If you hire a contractor, these charges will likely be included in their bid. Here’s what you’re paying for:

  • Removal of bathtub and debris
  • Remodeling permits
  • Plumbing changes or additions
  • Labor
  • Cost of materials like shower doors, fixtures, or accessories

It’s important to keep all these costs in mind when deciding whether or not to do the project yourself too. How much money will you really be saving if you do it yourself? What other costs might pop up if you do it yourself?

What If You Don’t Have the Cash?

A major benefit of going with a reputable contractor is that many offer financing plans that allow you to pay for your remodel over time, rather than needing to have a lump sum upfront. 

At Five Star Bath Solutions, our bathroom solutions are thousands less than traditional remodels and our SmartPay financing options can make your remodel possible, no matter your budget! We offer a variety of low monthly payment options requiring little to no money down. Reach out today to explore your options.

With top-of-the-line materials and stylish designs, you can get the bathroom of your dreams without lifting a finger. Plus, all Five Star Bath Solutions’ shower conversions are covered by a lifetime warranty, offering long-term peace of mind. 

Schedule a free design consultation today to see what we can do for your bathroom based on your budget.

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