Why Some Shower Remodels Are More Expensive Than Others

You’re doing some preliminary research before breaking ground on your new shower, and you can’t help but notice that while some websites place shower remodel estimates as low as $11,000, others claim that you’ll be paying $25,000 at least. Now, you’re not sure what to expect from your contractor come consultation time. Is one number closer to accurate than another?

At ZINTEX Remodeling Group, we’ve completed thousands of shower remodels, making it easy for our contractors to provide accurate estimates every time. We’re here to tell you that yes, you could pay anywhere from $11,000 to upwards of $25,000 for your new shower, and we’re here to tell you why. Let’s take a look at why some shower remodels are more expensive than others (and what to do if you’re working with a tight budget).

The Size and Scope of Your Shower Remodel

First, let’s talk about the size and scope of your shower remodel. While these two things may sound like synonyms, they’re not quite describing the same thing.

Size is a pretty straightforward concept. How big do you want your new shower to be? We’ll often talk about shower sizes in terms of the shower base (the panel that covers your shower floor). There are a few standard sizes for walk in shower bases, including:

• 30”-32” x 32” 
• 30”-32” x 60”

Scope isn’t quite as easy to nail down because it describes something a little less tangible than the dimensions of the shower you’re building. Scope describes the amount of labor and materials needed to transform your current shower into the shower you have in mind. This encompasses factors like:

• Demolition requirements
• Plumbing reconfigurations or replacements
• Structural repairs 

💡Budgeting tip: Talk to a professional about any must-have improvements (e.g., a low-threshold entrance for mobility aid accessibility) and account for those costs before making decisions about scope. You can always lower costs by building your new shower in the same location as your old shower, rather than reconfiguring your bathroom. 

The Materials You’re Using for Your New Shower

Materials account for about 40-60% of shower remodel costs. While this does include materials like hardware and accessories, it’s your shower walls that will likely make up the bulk of this cost. Popular options include acrylic wall panels, tile and grout, and natural stone solid surface slabs.

💡Budgeting tip: When you’re picking your shower materials, don’t just think about upfront costs. Consider longevity and the cost of ongoing maintenance. For example, while you can find cheap tile at a lower price point than acrylic or solid surface, you’ll either need to invest more in maintenance to have your grout regularly resealed or expect to replace your shower sooner due to water damage.

The Plumbing and Electrical Work Your Remodel Requires

In order to safely and effectively install your new shower, your contractor may need to complete some preliminary plumbing and electrical work. This is a guarantee if you’re reconfiguring your bathroom layout and installing your shower in a space that doesn’t have existing plumbing, but even the simplest remodels may require plumbing and electrical upgrades.

For example, your contractor may need to replace old and degraded pipes with new pipes that are more durable. They may also need to widen your shower drain to accommodate an increase in water pressure. In some cases, your contractor won’t know the full extent of the improvements needed until they can get a direct look at the plumbing during demolition. Fortunately, experienced contractors can typically spot the signs of seriously damaged or outdated plumbing before breaking ground and are rarely shocked by what they discover.

💡Budgeting tip: Allot a portion of your budget to unexpected plumbing, electrical, and structural repair costs. Ideally, you’ll want to set aside about 10% of what you’re willing to invest in a new shower so that you won’t go over budget if these kinds of issues do arise.

The Customizations You Choose for Your Shower

Finally, customizations will make a difference in the overall cost of your new shower. Basic accessories include things like:

• One or two storage solutions (e.g., a soap niche or two corner shelves)
• A grab bar
• A shower curtain rod

With a bigger budget, you can start to incorporate mid-range to luxury accessories such as:

• Multiple storage solutions (e.g., four corner shelves)
• Built-in seating
• Glass enclosures 
• Rainfall shower heads

💡Budgeting tip: Prioritize the accessories that will improve the functionality of your shower and bathroom design. For example, if you need more storage, customize your shower to include soap niches and corner shelves. If you’re seeking long-term accessibility, select grab bars and built-in seating. Additionally, create a love-to-have list of accessories like an upgraded shower head, extra shelving, and anything else you’d love to have if your budget allows for it. 

Learn More About Shower Remodels With ZINTEX

Now you know that shower remodels really can vary widely in cost, and you know why. If you’re looking to stick to a tight budget, you’re prepared to make smart choices about the scope of your remodel, the materials you use, and the customizations you select.

At ZINTEX, our goal is to give you all the information you need to approach your bathroom renovation in the way that best suits you and your family. That includes scheduling your remodel for a time that aligns with your schedule. Next up, find out how long it takes to remodel a shower and what that timeline looks like. 

FAQs About New Shower Remodel Costs

Q: What are my financing options for my new shower remodel?

Homeowners can take advantage of a few different financing options depending on the cost of their remodel, their current credit score, and their debt-income ratio. The most straightforward financing option is the standard installment loan with fixed interest rates and fixed monthly payments.

Q: Will a new shower increase my home value?

If you plan to sell your home in the near future, a new shower can yield an ROI of up to about 73%. That ROI may start to dip over time due to wear and tear, but a well-designed, waterproof shower will still be regarded as an asset by most buyers, especially if what you’re replacing is an outdated or water-damaged shower.

Q: Can DIY installation save money on my new shower remodel?

Labor costs will typically account for about 25-40% of the estimate you receive from a professional shower remodeler. However, DIY installation is not the best way to save money on your shower remodel in the long run. Even a minor mistake can lead to plumbing problems, water damage, and other problems that are expensive to remediate.