Walk-In Shower Conversion: Cost, Timeline, and What to Expect

A walk-in shower conversion costs between $6,000 and $15,000 for most Michigan homeowners. The price depends on whether you choose a prefabricated shower system or a custom tile installation, and whether the project requires moving existing plumbing lines.

Converting a bathtub to a walk-in shower is one of the most requested bathroom upgrades. It opens up floor space, makes the bathroom feel larger, and creates a more accessible entry for people of all ages and mobility levels. This guide covers what the project actually costs, how long it takes, and what decisions you will need to make along the way.

How Much Does a Walk-In Shower Conversion Cost?

According to Angi, a walk-in shower installation costs between $6,000 and $12,000, with custom tiled walk-in showers ranging from $3,500 to $15,000 depending on materials and complexity. This Old House reports the national average for a tub-to-shower conversion at $1,500 to $8,000, with a typical homeowner spending around $3,000 for a basic prefabricated unit.

The wide price range exists because a walk-in shower conversion can mean very different things depending on your goals. Swapping a tub for a prefabricated shower stall is a straightforward project. Building a custom tiled walk-in shower with multiple showerheads, a bench, and a frameless glass enclosure is a significantly larger investment.

Cost Breakdown by Project Type

Here is what you can expect to pay based on the scope of your conversion:

Project Type	Cost Range	What Is Included
Basic tub-to-shower swap	$1,500 – $5,000	Remove tub, install prefabricated shower pan and surround, connect existing plumbing
Mid-range walk-in shower	$6,000 – $10,000	Custom shower pan, ceramic or porcelain tile, glass door, new fixtures, existing plumbing location
Custom walk-in shower	$10,000 – $15,000	Custom tile throughout, bench seat, niche storage, multiple showerheads, frameless glass enclosure
Curbless (zero-entry) shower	$10,000 – $18,000	Floor modification for linear drain, waterproofing system, barrier-free entry, premium tile work

These ranges assume the plumbing stays in approximately the same location. Moving the drain or supply lines to a new position adds $1,000 to $3,000 depending on how far the plumbing needs to travel and whether the project requires opening walls or subfloor.

What Affects the Cost of a Walk-In Shower Conversion?

Shower size. A standard tub alcove measures about 30 by 60 inches. Many homeowners choose to expand the shower footprint when converting, especially if space allows. Larger showers require more tile, more waterproofing, and a bigger glass enclosure, all of which increase the total cost.

Tile selection. Tile is typically the largest material cost in a custom walk-in shower. Ceramic and porcelain tile costs $2 to $15 per square foot. Natural stone tile runs $5 to $30 per square foot. Large-format tiles create a modern look with fewer grout lines but require a perfectly flat substrate, which adds labor.

Glass enclosure. A framed glass shower door costs $300 to $800 installed. A frameless glass enclosure costs $800 to $2,500 depending on the configuration. Frameless glass is the more popular choice for walk-in showers because it showcases the tile work and makes the bathroom feel more open.

Plumbing changes. If your new shower will be in the same footprint as the old tub, plumbing costs are minimal because the drain and supply lines are already in place. Relocating the drain to accommodate a different layout or a linear drain system adds $500 to $2,000 in plumbing work.

Accessibility features. Adding a built-in bench, grab bars, a handheld showerhead on a slide bar, or a curbless entry increases the project cost but makes the shower safer and more comfortable for long-term use. Curbless showers require modifications to the bathroom floor for proper drainage, which typically adds $2,000 to $5,000 compared to a standard curbed walk-in shower.

What Is a Curbless Shower and Should You Consider One?

A curbless shower, also called a zero-entry or barrier-free shower, eliminates the raised threshold at the shower entrance. The bathroom floor transitions seamlessly into the shower floor with a slight slope toward the drain. This design is popular for aging-in-place projects because it removes the step-over barrier that can be a tripping hazard.

Curbless showers cost more than standard walk-in showers because the installation requires modifying the bathroom subfloor to create proper drainage slope. The floor must pitch toward a linear drain or center drain at the correct gradient to prevent water from flowing into the rest of the bathroom. This work typically requires a specialty waterproofing system and more precise tile installation.

The premium for a curbless shower over a standard curbed walk-in shower is typically $2,000 to $5,000, depending on existing floor conditions. In homes with concrete slab foundations, the cost can be higher because the slab may need to be cut to reconfigure the drain. Wood-framed floors offer more flexibility for creating the necessary slope.

How Long Does a Walk-In Shower Conversion Take?

A standard walk-in shower conversion takes two to three weeks from demolition to final cleanup. Custom projects with complex tile work, multiple fixtures, or curbless construction can take four to five weeks.

Here is a typical timeline breakdown:

Phase	Duration	What Happens
Demolition	1 – 2 days	Remove existing tub, surround, and any damaged drywall or subfloor
Plumbing rough-in	1 – 2 days	Relocate or modify drain and supply lines, install new valve
Waterproofing and substrate	2 – 3 days	Install cement board, apply waterproofing membrane, build shower pan or slope
Tile installation	3 – 5 days	Set wall and floor tile, allow cure time between coats
Grouting and sealing	1 – 2 days	Apply grout, seal natural stone if applicable, cure time
Glass and fixtures	1 – 2 days	Install glass enclosure, showerhead, valve trim, accessories
Final inspection and cleanup	1 day	Plumbing inspection, caulking, final walkthrough

Do You Need a Permit for a Shower Conversion in Michigan?

Yes. Michigan requires a plumbing permit for any project that involves installing, altering, or replacing plumbing fixtures. A walk-in shower conversion qualifies because you are changing the fixture type from a bathtub to a shower, which typically involves modifying the drain and valve connections. Your contractor should pull the permit and schedule the required inspection as part of the project.

Permit costs in Michigan typically range from $50 to $200 depending on the municipality. The inspection verifies that the plumbing work meets the Michigan Plumbing Code and that the drain connections are properly installed. Working without a permit can create problems if you sell the home, because unpermitted plumbing work may need to be disclosed or corrected before closing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to replace a tub with a shower?

A basic tub-to-shower swap with a prefabricated unit costs $1,500 to $5,000, which is generally less expensive than replacing the tub with a new tub of similar quality. A custom tiled walk-in shower costs more at $6,000 to $15,000, but most homeowners find the improved usability and appearance are worth the investment.

Does removing a bathtub hurt resale value?

Removing the only bathtub in a home can reduce buyer appeal, especially for families with young children. If your home has at least two full bathrooms, converting one tub to a walk-in shower is unlikely to hurt resale value and may increase it, particularly if the shower is well designed with quality materials.

Can I convert my tub to a walk-in shower myself?

A tub-to-shower conversion involves plumbing modifications that require a permit and inspection in Michigan. While experienced DIYers can handle some aspects like tile installation, the plumbing rough-in and waterproofing are critical steps where mistakes lead to leaks and water damage. Most homeowners hire a licensed contractor for the full project.

How do I choose between a curbed and curbless shower?

Choose a curbless shower if accessibility is a priority, if you want a seamless modern look, or if you are planning for aging in place. Choose a standard curbed shower if you want to minimize cost, if your bathroom floor is on a concrete slab, or if you prefer a clearly defined shower enclosure. Both options work well in most bathroom layouts.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Actual remodeling costs, timelines, and results may vary depending on your specific project, materials selected, and local building requirements. Contact Horizon Kitchen and Bath for a personalized estimate.

Thinking about converting your bathtub to a walk-in shower? Browse our completed projects to see walk-in shower conversions we have completed for Michigan homeowners. When you are ready to discuss your project, schedule a consultation and we will walk you through design options, materials, and pricing for your specific bathroom.