What Makes a Shower Remodel More Expensive?

You’re wondering if the quote you receive for a shower remodel is fair. You might also be wondering what can make your price climb once the work starts. The unfortunate reality is that shower remodel costs vary from contractor to contractor. The one constant is that the more features you add, the more expensive it will be.

Shugarman's Bath runs more than 500 design consultations every month. We not only break down our to-the-penny price with every homeowner we talk to, but we’ve also reviewed other contractors' contracts to understand how they charge for remodels.

This article breaks down how materials, layout, plumbing, and hidden repairs each affect that price. We’ll also explain why pricing varies so much from contractor to contractor.

Table of Contents:

• What Raises the Price of a Shower Remodel?
• Do the Types of Materials Affect the Cost of a Shower Remodel?
• Does the Size or Layout of a Shower Change the Price?
• How Does Plumbing Affect the Cost of a Shower Remodel?
• What Hidden Costs Show Up During a Shower Remodel?
• How Do Glass and Finish Options Affect the Shower Remodel Cost?
• Why Do Shower Remodel Prices Vary So Much From Company to Company?

What Raises the Price of a Shower Remodel?

The biggest cost factor is how many features you choose. If you add a shower bench, a second shower head, upgrade tile patterns, and install multiple grab bars, you’re adding materials and labor.

Custom layouts will also increase the price, especially in an unusual tub and shower space. You might need a bigger shower base, a double threshold, or custom glass to fit the new shape.

Many contractors will charge you more for hidden damage behind your walls. They write the contract language so they can add charges for work inside the tub and shower area.

Do the Types of Materials Affect the Cost of a Shower Remodel?

Higher-quality materials will increase the cost of a shower remodel. The gap between basic materials, like fiberglass or standard acrylic shower walls, and a higher-grade material, like BP-Cor2 or stone resin composites, can be more than 50% of the total cost.

Traditional tile usually falls in between, typically running $9,000 to $14,000. It comes with more upkeep, and grout needs to be resealed every 6 to 12 months to keep moisture out.

Read our article that breaks down the best materials to use for shower walls.

Does the Size or Layout of a Shower Change the Price?

Yes, shower size affects the price. Layout changes–not so much. A standard tub and shower area is about 60 inches by 30 inches, 60 inches by 32 inches, or 60 inches by 36 inches.

Showers built larger than those sizes may require custom-ordered materials. Some layouts also include a separate tub and shower side by side, which we call a Cali Combo.

A simple layout change within a standard-size shower usually doesn't move the price much. Removing a small bump-out on a side wall adds around $800 to $900 for the extra demo.

How Does Plumbing Affect the Cost of a Shower Remodel?

Plumbing changes require more labor and materials. Costs vary by company, but some charge to change the plumbing layout in the tub and shower area. Some won’t charge for your plumbing in the tub and shower area at all. Always ask about plumbing charges when vetting a contractor.

For example, if your valve sits on one side of the wall and you want the shower head on the other, the plumber has to run new pipe across that distance. A straight pipe run is faster to install than one that has to turn several corners to reach a new spot. Copper piping also costs more than other plumbing materials.

What Hidden Costs Show Up During a Shower Remodel?

Many contractors will charge extra when they find hidden damage during the demo process. They’ll charge for rot, subfloor damage, mold, and termite damage.

Some contracts include language that allows them to add charges when they find these issues. You’ll see language such as “unforeseen conditions” or “we are not responsible for remediating mold.” Once your old shower is torn out, you're in a tough spot. You can either pay the extra amount or stop the project, leaving your tub and shower area unusable until you find a new contractor.

This kind of surprise cost often runs $2,000 to $5,000. It can climb higher depending on the extent of the damage found.

Shugarman's Bath backs every remodel with its Never Any Extras Guarantee, which covers damage behind your walls in the tub and shower area (with some exceptions).

How Do Glass and Finish Options Affect the Shower Remodel Cost?

Custom glass often needs reinforced framing, especially in older homes where the wall studs are rarely perfectly straight after decades in place. The framing keeps heavy glass doors from sagging or scraping over time.

If you want to switch from clear glass to rain or frosted glass, your cost would go up by $30 per square foot.

Costs can also increase depending on the finishes you choose. Chrome is generally the most affordable option when compared to matte black and brushed nickel. Matte black and brushed nickel usually cost more because they need extra finishing steps.

Why Do Shower Remodel Prices Vary So Much From Company to Company?

Many shower remodel quotes are hard to compare directly because of the many separate choices. Every company has different materials, warranties, contracts, and timelines. It’s rare for two companies to quote the same job the same way. You’ll want to know how to compare contracts from multiple contractors.

One thing that stays consistent is that features and more customization will raise the price.

Where Should You Go From Here?

Adding extra features is one of the biggest reasons shower remodels cost more. Everything else varies from contractor to contractor. Hidden repairs or the types of materials used are things you want to ask your contractor about.

Now that you know what makes a shower remodel more expensive, the next step is learning how to find the right contractor for your shower remodel. That way, you know what to look for before a contractor enters your home.

If you're ready to see what your own shower remodel would cost, schedule a consultation with Shugarman’s Bath. You can have an expert come to your door, take a look at your bathroom, and break down your to-the-penny quote.

The opinions expressed in the referenced materials are those of the authors only, not necessarily of Shugarman’s Bath. While these referenced materials are useful in answering generalized questions, each bathroom is unique. For a particular question about your tub or shower remodeling project, contact your Shugarman’s Bath consultant.