Shower Remodel Cost: The Difference Between a $7k vs $15k Shower

By Molly Ryan

Shower Remodel Cost: The Difference Between a $7k vs $15k Shower

You’re starting to plan your shower remodel, whether that means Googling shower remodel costs or requesting estimates from different companies. Right away, you’re noticing that some bathroom remodelers promise a $7k shower remodel while others advertise a $15k shower remodel. Is there actually a difference between these two price points, or are some companies just trying to make more money?

At ZINTEX Remodeling Group, we specialize in custom acrylic showers and have 25 years of experience to back our products, installation quality, and prices. Today, we’re going to talk about the difference in design, quality, and best use-case for a $7k vs. $15k shower remodel. Read on to learn:

What you’ll get from a $7k shower
What you’ll get from a $15k shower
When $7k is enough for a shower remodel
When a $15k shower remodel is worth it
Tips for balancing your shower budget with your shower goals

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What Type of Shower Can You Get for $7k?

At $7,000, you are looking at two possible shower remodels. In the first, you’re spending $7k on all of the shower remodel materials you’ll need to complete a DIY install. This option comes with the risk of overlooking plumbing problems or improperly waterproofing your shower area, both of which can result in costly damage down the line.

More likely, you’re considering the second option, which is a $7k professional shower remodel. Given that labor typically accounts for 25-40% of a shower remodel cost, you’re likely paying:

Between $1,750-$3,000 for labor
Between $250-$1000 for as-needed parts (e.g., new drain pipes)
Between $3,000-$5,000 for the shower materials

For $3,000-$5,000, you’re looking at a fiberglass or acrylic shower insert kit with little to no customization options. It may have one or two built-in storage accessories, like a soap niche or corner shelf, but otherwise, it’s probably a basic white model with no bells and whistles.

What Type of Shower Can You Get for $15k?

What happens if you increase your budget to $15,000? At this price point, you’re going to have a lot more options. In this guide, we’re going to focus on $15k acrylic showers, because acrylic allows you to maximize your design versatility without sacrificing build quality.

For $15,000, you can design a shower that includes:

Standard shower base dimensions within a range of 30” x 30” up to 32” x 60”
A base and wall system in color options including white, almond, and more
Custom-placed shower accessories like two corner grab shelves
Quality hardware
A lifetime warranty

In other words, increasing your budget to $15k gives you more control over your design, plus access to experienced shower installers that can tackle everything from plumbing repairs to framing support. By hiring a reputable and established company, you can also rely on a lasting warranty for future as-needed support.

DESIGN YOUR DREAM SHOWER and get an instant quote that reflects your customizations.

When Is a $15k Shower Remodel Worth It?

Similarly, there’s a reason why so many homeowners increase their budget and invest in a $15k shower remodel. You may find $15,000 a reasonable price to pay if you are:

Remodeling a shower in a home you aren’t selling right away
Upgrading a shower that gets frequent use
Looking to maximize your long-term value and design a shower that will last 15-25 years

What do these circumstances have in common? A bigger budget is worthwhile when you’re remodeling a shower that you or your family members plan to use for years to come.

Tips for Balancing Your Shower Remodel Goals with Your Shower Remodel Budget

Unexpected costs and costly upgrades can bump your shower remodel into even higher price ranges than$15k. If you have a specific vision for your shower remodel but you know you need to stay within a strict budget, follow these shower remodeling tips:

Start with your must-have shower features. This can include specific accessories, like shelves vs. grab bars. It can include specific dimensions, particularly if you want your new shower to fit into the exact space your current tub or shower takes up.

Stick to simple aesthetic choices. Choosing single-tone shower walls, rather than a premium wall color that resembles natural stone, can go a long way toward keeping your shower remodel price lower.

Go with a shower curtain rod rather than a glass enclosure. Shower curtains are enough in most cases to properly contain water in a walk-in shower. While glass enclosures are more attractive, they can also add a few thousand dollars to your total estimate.

Hire a shower installation company with a good reputation and several years of experience. New or word-of-mouth contractors will come to you with the lowest estimate, but also the highest risk. Lack of experience or, even worse, a disappearance halfway through your shower installation can cause you to sink a lot of money only to have to start all over again.

Get more budgeting tips in this complete shower remodel budget guide.

Learn About Shower Remodel Financing and Expand Your Options

While the price tag on a $7k shower can be appealing, you’re not going to get the level of customization or quality needed to design a shower that works for you now and in the future. That said, doubling your budget can be easier said than done.

At ZINTEX Remodeling Group, we strive to make shower remodels accessible from start to finish. One way we do that is by working with lending partners that can help our customers finance their projects. Learn more about bathroom remodel financing to see how it can help (and if it’s the right option for you).