Bathroom costs
Tub to Shower Conversion Cost
A tub to shower conversion cost runs about $1,500 to $8,000 with a typical project near $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor, while This Old House puts most projects between $2,000 and $12,000. A prefabricated stall costs least; a custom tiled walk-in shower costs most.
- Low
- $1,500
- Midpoint
- $3,000
- High
- $8,000
Prefab vs Tiled Shower
| Option | HomeAdvisor | This Old House |
|---|---|---|
| Prefabricated acrylic or fiberglass stall | $1,000 to $8,000 | $2,000 to $6,000 |
| Custom tiled walk-in shower | $3,500 to $15,000 | $6,000 to $12,000 |
HomeAdvisor (Angi Inc.), How Much Does Tub to Shower Conversion Cost? (Updated 2026-06-17); This Old House, Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost (2026 Guide) (Updated 2026-03-04 (shown as 03/04/2026))
A tiled shower floor has to sit on a waterproof pan or liner that slopes to the drain, and inspectors often flood-test it for 24 hours before tile goes on (City of Pleasanton, California, Building and Safety Division, Residential Bathroom Alteration Requirements (2026-01 (revision JLA 01.26))). That work is much of the price gap.
When the Drain Has to Move
A tub drain usually sits at one end of the alcove; a shower drain often needs to move toward the center. Moving a drain means changing drain and vent pipes, which needs a plumbing permit almost everywhere and a rough-in inspection (City of Benson, Arizona, Work not requiring a Permit, according to the 2024 IRC (undated handout quoting the 2024 IRC); Springville City, Utah, Community Development, Work Exempt From Permits, 2021 IRC (2025-07-21 (file revision date))). On a slab, it can also mean cutting concrete.
Curbless and Accessibility Options
A curbless shower with a linear drain, a fold-down seat and grab bars blocked into the wall framing suits anyone planning to stay in the home. Ask for blocking behind the tile even if you do not install grab bars yet; adding it later means opening the wall.
How Long It Takes
This Old House puts a conversion at 3 to 7 days and HomeAdvisor at 1 to 3 days (This Old House, Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost (2026 Guide) (Updated 2026-03-04 (shown as 03/04/2026)); HomeAdvisor (Angi Inc.), How Much Does Tub to Shower Conversion Cost? (Updated 2026-06-17)). A tiled shower with a flood test sits at the long end.
Resale
If this is the only tub in the house, ask a local agent whether buyers in your area expect one before you remove it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to convert a tub to a shower?
About $1,500 to $8,000, with a typical project near $3,000 (HomeAdvisor (Angi Inc.), How Much Does Tub to Shower Conversion Cost? (Updated 2026-06-17)).
Is a prefab or a tiled shower cheaper?
Prefab. This Old House prices prefab stalls at $2,000 to $6,000 and custom tiled showers at $6,000 to $12,000 (This Old House, Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost (2026 Guide) (Updated 2026-03-04 (shown as 03/04/2026))).
Do I need a permit to convert a tub to a shower?
Usually yes, because the drain, vent or valve changes. Check with your building department (City of Benson, Arizona, Work not requiring a Permit, according to the 2024 IRC (undated handout quoting the 2024 IRC)).
How long does a tub to shower conversion take?
1 to 3 days according to HomeAdvisor and 3 to 7 days according to This Old House (HomeAdvisor (Angi Inc.), How Much Does Tub to Shower Conversion Cost? (Updated 2026-06-17); This Old House, Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost (2026 Guide) (Updated 2026-03-04 (shown as 03/04/2026))).
Can I make the new shower curbless?
Often, but the floor has to be recessed or built up so water slopes to the drain. Ask the contractor how they will do it before you sign.
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Sources
- HomeAdvisor (Angi Inc.), How Much Does Tub to Shower Conversion Cost? (Updated 2026-06-17)
- This Old House, Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost (2026 Guide) (Updated 2026-03-04 (shown as 03/04/2026))
- City of Pleasanton, California, Building and Safety Division, Residential Bathroom Alteration Requirements (2026-01 (revision JLA 01.26))
- City of Benson, Arizona, Work not requiring a Permit, according to the 2024 IRC (undated handout quoting the 2024 IRC)
- Springville City, Utah, Community Development, Work Exempt From Permits, 2021 IRC (2025-07-21 (file revision date))