Tub to Walk-In Shower Cost Calculator

Most tub to walk-in shower conversions cost $2,000 to $10,000. The shower type, the glass and how much plumbing has to move set where you land.

What moves the price

The new shower is the biggest part of the bill. A prefab shower stall kit costs $3,000 to $4,000 with installation. A tiled walk-in shower costs $6,000 to $12,000. Tile costs more because a crew builds the base, waterproofs the walls and sets each tile by hand.

The old tub has to come out first. Tub removal and disposal runs $300 to $1,000. A heavy cast iron tub takes more work to break up and haul away.

Plumbing is the next big swing. If the shower drain and valve stay where the tub drain and faucet were, the job stays simple. Moving the drain or the valve means opening the floor or the wall, and the price goes up.

The entry matters too. A low curb is the standard choice. A curbless shower, with no step at all, costs the most because the floor has to slope down to the drain. It is the easiest shower to walk or roll into, so it can be worth it for someone who uses a walker or a wheelchair.

Glass is the last big choice. A curtain costs little. A framed glass door costs $400 to $1,200. A frameless glass door costs $1,200 to $2,300.

Cost breakdown

Tub to walk-in shower costs by item

Item	Typical cost
Tub removal and disposal	$300 to $1,000
Prefab shower stall kit, installed	$3,000 to $4,000
Tiled walk-in shower, installed	$6,000 to $12,000
Framed glass door	$400 to $1,200
Frameless glass door	$1,200 to $2,300
Grab bar, installed, each	$150 to $300
Shower seat, fold-down or bench	$300 to $500

Safety features worth adding

If the shower is for an older adult, plan the safety parts now. Adding them during the remodel is easier than adding them later.

• Grab bars cost $150 to $300 each, installed. Ask the installer to add wood backing in the wall where each bar will go.
• A fold-down seat or a built-in bench costs $300 to $500. It lets you sit while you wash and folds out of the way when you don't need it.
• A handheld shower head on a slide bar lets you rinse while seated.
• Slip-resistant floor tile or a textured base cuts the risk of a fall.

Ways to pay less

Keep the drain and the valve where they are. A shower that fits the old tub space keeps the plumbing work small.

Pick a prefab stall if a custom look is not important to you. It costs less than a tiled shower and goes in faster.

Start with a curtain. You can add a glass door later if you want one.

Ask for a price on each item. A single total makes it hard to drop the extras you don't need.

You may not need to remove the tub

If the only problem is stepping over the tub wall, cheaper fixes may be enough.

• A tub cut-out costs $800 to $1,500. A contractor cuts a low step into the side of your current tub, and you keep the tub.
• A transfer bench costs $50 to $150. You sit on the edge of the tub and swing your legs over.
• A shower chair costs $30 to $80. It lets you sit while you wash.

If you love a long soak, a walk-in tub is the other path. A typical walk-in tub costs $4,000 to $10,000 installed. Pick the shower if you rarely take baths. Pick the tub if a warm soak helps your joints.

How to get a fair quote

Get at least three written quotes. Ask each installer the same questions, so you can compare them line by line.

• Does the price include tub removal and haul away?
• Will the drain or the valve move, and what does that add?
• Is a permit needed, and who pulls it?
• Is wall backing for grab bars included?
• What does the warranty cover, and for how long?

Paying for it

Veterans may qualify for a Home Improvements and Structural Alterations grant from the VA. The VA lists a lifetime limit of $6,800 for a service-connected disability and $2,000 for other disabilities. It names roll-in showers as an example of the work it covers. Other coverage depends on your plan and where you live, so check with your plan before you buy. Your local agency on aging may know of programs that help older adults pay for home changes.