How much does a tub-to-shower conversion cost?

A tub-to-shower conversion runs about $3,500 to $12,000, with most homeowners spending around $6,500. A prefab kit conversion starts near $4,000 to $5,000; a custom tile shower with glass can exceed $10,000.

Can I convert a tub to a shower myself?

A prefab kit conversion is doable for a confident DIYer, but it involves plumbing changes, leveling a base, and waterproofing, which must be right. A custom tile shower is more involved. Many DIYers do the demo and hire the plumbing or tile.

Prefab kit or tile shower?

A prefab acrylic or fiberglass kit is faster, cheaper, and has no grout to maintain, the easier route. A custom tile shower is fully customizable and high-end but more work and more maintenance. Choose by budget, style, and DIY appetite.

Does converting a tub to a shower hurt resale?

It can if it leaves the home with no tub at all, since some buyers (especially with young kids) want one. Keeping a tub in another bathroom avoids that. A modern walk-in shower in a primary bath is generally a plus.

How long does a tub-to-shower conversion take?

A prefab kit conversion takes a few days; a custom tile shower a week or more, plus dry times for waterproofing and grout. Plumbing changes and any hidden repairs can extend the timeline.

PROJECT GUIDE · UPDATED JUNE 2026

Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost & Project Guide

Everything for your Tub-to-Shower Conversion in one place: cost by state, DIY vs. hire, the tools and materials, and a local pro if you want one.

NATIONAL AVERAGE · UPDATED JUNE 2026

HIRE A PRO

$3,500–$12,000

DIY COST

$1,500–$6,000

Typical project: Converting a standard tub to a walk-in shower

Skill levelAdvancedAnyone can take this on. The Blueprint walks you through it, step by step.

Get the Tub-to-Shower Conversion Blueprint →

Exact cost by zip →Tools & materials →Find a pro →

Source: 3+ benchmark aggregations (RSMeans, Angi, Fixr, HomeGuide) plus Submitted Quotes data

Plan your Tub-to-Shower Conversion

A quick checklist to get from idea to done. Want it as a printable PDF? Grab the full free version, emailed to you.

1Set a realistic budget using the cost range above.
2Check whether your project needs a permit in your state.
3Decide DIY or hire (see the breakdown below).
4Make your materials and tools list.
5If hiring, get three quotes and compare them like-for-like.
6Plan the timeline and order materials with a 10 percent buffer.

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Tools and materials for a Tub-to-Shower Conversion

What you will actually buy. We flag what to rent versus own so you do not overspend on a one-time tool.

Materials

Shower base or pan · 1
Wall surround (kit) or tile and backer · 1 set
Waterproofing membrane · 1 set
Valve, drain, and glass door · 1 set

Tools

Pipe wrenches and plumbing tools · you likely own
Tile saw and trowels (tile route) · rent or buy
Pry bar, drill, and level · you likely own

See all the tools and materials worth buying →

Pro tips for your Tub-to-Shower Conversion

The mistakes that cost DIYers the most, and how to stay ahead of them.

Inadequate waterproofing

Not checking for hidden water damage first

Improper drain slope on a tile pan

Underestimating plumbing changes

Should you DIY or hire for Tub-to-Shower Conversion?

It depends on three things: your skill level, your time, and your tolerance for the riskiest parts of the project.

When DIY makes sense

→You have trade-level experience or have completed this type of project before
→You own or can rent the specialized tools required
→You've read the local code requirements and understand the permit process
→A trusted helper with relevant experience is available for the critical phases

When to hire

→The project involves significant fall risk, high voltage, or gas lines
→Your jurisdiction requires a licensed contractor, no exceptions
→A DIY mistake could void your homeowner's insurance or mortgage terms
→You lack the specialized tools and can't justify renting them for a one-time job
→The project scope is large enough that crew efficiency outweighs DIY savings

DifficultyHard

Advanced, but within reach with the right prep. The Blueprint covers the safety-critical phases step by step, and a pro is there if you would rather not.

Not planning to DIY? Find a local Tub-to-Shower Conversion pro →

What drives the cost of Tub-to-Shower Conversion

Materials

The single biggest material variable is your product choice. Prefab shower kit and Tile shower over a base sit at opposite ends of the price spectrum, a decision that can shift your materials budget by 40–60%. Key line items include shower base or pan, wall surround, waterproofing membrane, each priced per unit and sensitive to regional supply-chain conditions. Bulk purchasing and timing your order outside peak season (spring and early summer) can reduce material costs by 10–15%.

Labor

BLS occupational wage data shows interior-trade crews earn $28–$52/hour depending on metro area, and most tub-to-shower conversion jobs require a two- to three-person crew for at least one full day. Labor typically accounts for 40–60% of the total project cost. Project complexity, custom details, tight access, or non-standard configurations, adds crew time and can push labor costs well above the national average.

Site conditions

Slope, soil type, and existing-structure condition are the three site factors contractors price most aggressively. Demolition or removal of old materials adds dumpster and disposal fees that rarely appear in online estimates. Local code requirements, permit fees, required inspections, and jurisdiction-specific material standards, can add $200–$1,500 to any project before a single tool is lifted.

Rather hire it out?

Find a vetted Tub-to-Shower Conversion pro near you. We never sell your info and never take kickbacks.

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Tub-to-Shower Conversion cost in your state

Tub-to-Shower Conversion cost varies a lot by state. Open your state for locally calibrated hire and DIY numbers.

Tub-to-Shower Conversion cost in Michigan →Tub-to-Shower Conversion cost in California →Tub-to-Shower Conversion cost in Texas →Tub-to-Shower Conversion cost in Florida →Tub-to-Shower Conversion cost in New York →Tub-to-Shower Conversion cost in Pennsylvania →Tub-to-Shower Conversion cost in Ohio →Tub-to-Shower Conversion cost in Georgia →

See all home improvement costs by state →