The cost of replacing a bathtub and shower ranges from $2,840 to $8,290, including removing, demolishing, and installing a new unit. A basic fibreglass bathtub with a 3-wall shower kit will cost around $4,990 for professional installation from a local contractor.
Average Tub and Shower Replacement Cost:
- National average: $4,980, installed
- Common range: $650 to $8,290
- Average contractor installed cost: $4,990
- Typical cost range: $650 to $8,290
- Average do-it-yourself cost: $1,390
Overview of Tub and Shower Replacement
If your bathtub is out of style, stained, or aging, or you simply want to update the aesthetic of your bathroom, it may be time to replace your old fibreglass tub and shower. Because of the scope of this job, it is normally completed as part of a full bathroom redesign.
But, we’ll only discuss how much can a bathtub and shower replacement cost when done with a combined unit that contains both the tub and the shower, as well as the least amount of associated labour and expenses (including unanticipated charges) you’ll have to deal with at the same time.
If you own a cast iron tub, you should consider reglazing or refinishing it rather than replacing it.
This article will explain how much tub and shower replacement costs, the price factors for different shower types, plumbing, the controls and drain kit, drywall repair, and other relevant expenses you’ll have to deal with before completion.
After reading this, you’ll know how much effort is needed in the best-case scenario and any hidden costs you should include.
We’ll help you decide if it’s a do-it-yourself project or something you should leave to the professionals. Further down, a comparison chart with the tub and shower replacement cost from other major sites may be found.
Bathtub Shower Combo Replacement Cost Factors
Now that you’ve decided to replace your bathtub and shower let’s talk about the costs that will make the difference between a simple $2,000 project and a more expensive $8,900 work.
- Tub / Shower Unit Type: Before tackling this replacement, you must first decide on the sort of unit. You may utilize a normal, low-cost 1-piece fibreglass unit to lower tub and shower replacement costs.
Still, if space is an issue (which it generally is), you may need to consider a bathtub with a 3-piece wall surround or a standalone bathtub with a ceramic tile surround.
- New Unit Features: Modern baths have evolved since your original was installed. You may now choose from huge soaker bathtubs, whirlpool bathtubs, and other alternatives. You’ll also pay for high-quality glass shower doors, ceramic tile walls, and other aesthetically pleasing and comfort-enhancing elements.
- Space Restrictions: As previously stated, space restrictions will significantly influence what you can install and the tub and shower replacement cost. If your property has a one-piece fibreglass bathtub shower combo, they will be installed before all the walls and doors are in place.
Replacing it with a lower-cost fibreglass, one-piece shower/tub combo sounds fantastic until you realize it might be impossible to get through the doorways and around tight corners and reach the bathroom. The one-piece components have no flexibility.
- Plumbing and Fixtures: Updating the bathtub and shower is only part of the work. In most situations, you’ll also want to upgrade the tub faucet, showerhead, and shower valve. If your plumbing is particularly old or outdated, a plumber may be obliged to bring it up to code the instant it is touched in many places.
- Floor and Wall Condition: Because the bathroom is a wet space, the floor beneath the bathtub and the walls surrounding the shower may need to be repaired due to water damage.
This might not always be the case, but it may quickly add to the replacement cost when damage is discovered. Naturally, this will affect the overall tub and shower replacement cost.
- Bathroom Remodel Scope: If you are simply replacing the bathtub at this point, you should be able to keep within the pricing ranges listed on this page.
Whether you intend to replace the flooring, faucets, lighting, vanity, bathroom exhaust fan, or anything else in the bathroom, we also provide some rough estimates in this article.
Cost of the bathtub, installation and related supplies
You’ll find many possibilities regarding tub and shower replacement costs. Because this article is about tub and shower replacement costs, those are the options we’ll go through. The list below is ordered from the least expensive with the least amount of effort to the most expensive with the most work.
Shower surround kit and composite tub: 60″ kits cost around $400 to $4,900.
Some systems are similar to fiberglass, such as Vikrell, Polystyrene, Acrylic, and so on.
Although one-piece systems are possible, they are commonly made out of a tub and a set of matching panels that form the shower surrounding walls and establish a watertight shower and tub system. In most situations, the tub and walls are sold as a set.
Solid Fiberglass Enclosure, One Piece – 60″ Fiberglass units price can range from $650 – $2,800.
Fibreglass shower enclosures have long been the most popular substitute due to their completely waterproof finish. The only reason they aren’t mentioned as the simplest alternative is due to the fact they need a lot of space to get the unit in and out of a restroom.
You won’t be able to get it into the bathroom if your hallway is 36-42 inches wide.
Standalone bathtub plus ceramic tile walls – 60″ tub plus tile walls cost around $650 – $3,600
Regular subway tiles are a popular choice because of their inexpensive cost and simplicity of installation. Bigger tile sizes and more costly tile varieties will increase not just the sale tile cost but also the cost of installation due to extra cutting, etc.
Bathtub and shower liners range in price from $650 to $1,500 for standard 60-inch bathtubs and up to $4,500 or more for more feature-rich systems. Bathtub liners have swiftly acquired favour in the renovation industry owing to the shorter turnaround time and fewer requirements compared to a full replacement.
There are companies available and easily accessible that can generally have your bathtub and shower liner placed within a few days of initial measurement.
Installation supplies and related replacement costs
Once you’ve made the decision to replace the shower in your bathroom, you’ll need to budget not only for tub and shower replacement costs but also for any other costs that could arise simultaneously.
In reality, because the work is already completed and the bathroom has already had a partial renovation, replacing or updating these things at the same time will probably be more affordable. If you do it now rather than later, the replacement cost will be lower.
- Dumpster rental or disposal at dump fees: $25 – $350
- New tub faucet, showerhead and handles: $100 – $350
- Miscellaneous copper pipe or plumbing supplies: $25 – $150
- New shower curtain rod and curtain: $20 – $75
- Shower drain, piping and connectors: $45 – $100
- Glass shower doors: $125 – $1,800
- Spray foam insulation for under tub: $10 – $30
- Mortar mix for under tub: $15 – $40
- Replacement toilet. (if the tub is a different colour, you may want a new toilet as well): $100 – $450
- Ceramic shower wall tiles: $15 – $285/sqft
- New vanity and bathroom sink: $75 – $650
- Bathroom exhaust fan: $25 – 450
- New bathroom floor (if the floor gets damaged while removing the older tub): $3 – $25 / square foot
- Drywall repair and paint: $65 – $550
- Misc nails, caulking, screws, fasteners and other supplies: $20 – $75
- Wall or floor water damage repair: $330 – $1,750
- Permits, inspection, and installation costs
- Permits and plumbing inspection costs: $75 – $150
Installation Cost and Time
In most circumstances, the labour for installing a new shower and tub will be included in the overall cost. Expect to pay an additional 10-20% for hidden concerns such as floor decay, water damage to walls, and so on.
If there is substantial water damage beneath the present bathtub enclosure, the expenses might skyrocket if wall studs or floor joists must be rebuilt. Also, if mould is discovered after removal, be prepared to pay additional fees depending on the amount and kind of mould discovered.
Completed Installation Time
- Simple Replacement and Installation, Few Additional Updates: 2 to 4 days
- The most common installation, with few other updates: takes 3 – 5 days
- Installations that are more complicated, extensive, or have damaged wood or mould: 5 to 14 days
DIY or Hire a Pro
It’s advisable to speak with a contractor and obtain a sense of the project’s scope before starting this project, regardless of the method you pick.
If you decide to do it yourself to lower the tub and shower replacement cost, be aware that any mistakes you make will cost extra to have fixed by a pro.
Furthermore, be mindful that performing anything incorrectly, such as with plumbing or drain lines, might lead to serious damage to other parts of your property.
