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.

UPDATED JUNE 2026

Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost in Utah

Locally calibrated hire vs. DIY cost data for tub-to-shower conversion projects in Utah. Cited sources, permit requirements, and a full build guide, free.

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HIRE A PRO

$3,400–$11,700

Fully installed, labor + materials

DIY COST

$1,500–$5,800

Materials + rentals, your labor free

Hard

Complex project, structural or code-critical work involved.

Government Data · Government Data · Submitted Quotes (n=0)

How we got these numbers

National benchmark costs from RSMeans, Angi, Fixr, and HomeGuide are adjusted for Utah using two federal datasets: the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parity (RPP) index and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Utah's RPP is 1.0 (national baseline = 100) and its BLS labor adjustment factor is 0.99. Higher RPP means goods and services cost more relative to the national average; the BLS factor scales contractor labor rates to local wage levels. We blend these two adjustments, weighted 40% RPP, 60% BLS labor, to produce the ranges shown above.

adjusted_cost = national_benchmark × (0.4 × RPP/100 + 0.6 × bls_labor_adj)

RPP(Utah) = 1.0 · BLS adj = 0.99

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What's included

Item	Qty	Unit Cost	Subtotal
Shower base or pan	1	$350	$350
Wall surround (kit) or tile and backer	1 set	$900	$900
Waterproofing membrane	1 set	$150	$150
Valve, drain, and glass door	1 set	$700	$700
Materials Total			$2,100

Tools you'll need

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TOOLS YOU PROBABLY OWN

Pipe wrenches and plumbing tools
Pry bar, drill, and level

TOOLS TO RENT OR BUY

Tile saw and trowels (tile route)

Build sequence

1
Remove the tub and surround and assess the plumbing and subfloor.
COMMON MISTAKE
Hidden water damage behind a tub is the most common surprise.
2
Move or adjust the drain and valve for the shower layout.
3
Set and level the shower base or build the tile pan, then waterproof.
COMMON MISTAKE
Skipping or rushing waterproofing leads to leaks and rot.
4
Install the wall kit, or set backer board, waterproof, and tile.
5
Install the valve trim, hang the glass door, and seal all joints.

Permits and code requirements

PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

Permit rules for tub-to-shower conversion vary by city and county in Utah. Most structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work needs a permit and an inspection. Confirm with your local building department, or see the Utah guide for specifics.

PERMIT THRESHOLD

Varies by municipality

Disclaimer: Always verify permit requirements with your local building department before starting work. Requirements vary by municipality and are updated periodically.

Frequently asked questions

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UPDATED JUNE 2026