How Much Does a Shower Remodel Cost? Prefab vs. Tile by Size
Updated October 23, 2026
A new shower typically costs about $1,500 to $4,000 installed as a prefab kit, or $4,000 to $8,000 as a custom tile shower, for a standard 36 × 36 inch size. Small prefab showers can come in near $1,000, while large tiled showers with premium finishes pass $20,000. The two biggest decisions are prefab vs. tile and how big the shower is.
Shower cost by size
| Size | Prefab kit, installed | Custom tile, installed |
|---|---|---|
| Small (32 × 32 in) | $1,000–$3,000 | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Standard (36 × 36 in) | $1,500–$4,000 | $4,000–$8,000 |
| Large (48 × 36 in) | $2,500–$6,000 | $6,000–$12,000 |
| Luxury (60 × 40 in) | $4,000–$8,000 | $8,000–$20,000+ |
These are HomeGuide's 2026 installed prices, covering materials and labor. This Old House's 2026 guide, which draws on Homewyse cost data, puts a typical custom shower remodel at $8,500 to $10,000, inside HomeGuide's range for a large tiled shower. Its prefab figure, $3,000 to $6,000 installed, runs higher than HomeGuide's for a standard size, so treat the low end of the prefab column as a best case.
Prefab vs. custom tile
A prefab shower is a ready-made acrylic or fiberglass unit, either one piece or a base plus wall panels. It typically installs in one to three days with little construction, which is why it costs less. A custom tile shower is built in place: a sloped base or shower pan, a waterproofing layer, cement backer board, and tile. It takes longer, often one to two weeks, and needs skilled labor, but it can be any size or shape and any finish. Within tile, the tile itself ranges from about $2 to $25 per square foot before installation, and small tiles and detailed patterns take more labor.
Extras that add to the cost
| Extra | Installed cost |
|---|---|
| Glass shower door | $400–$1,900 |
| Built-in bench or shelving | $250–$1,000 |
| Moving the plumbing (per fixture) | $450–$1,800 |
| New exhaust fan | $250–$950 |
| Upgraded shower head or fixtures | $650–$1,500+ |
Prefab kits sometimes include a door, so check before adding one. Permits, where required, run from about $50 to $2,000 depending on your area and how much plumbing or electrical work is involved; most contractors pull them for you.
What a tub-to-shower conversion costs
Replacing a bathtub with a walk-in shower costs about $2,000 to $12,000, according to HomeGuide. The spread depends on whether the new shower is prefab or tiled and whether the drain has to move. If you want to keep a tub, the bathtub replacement cost calculator prices that instead.
Ways to keep the cost down
- Keep the drain where it is. Moving plumbing is one of the largest extras, at up to $1,800 per fixture.
- Stick to a standard size. Prefab units and glass doors in stock sizes cost less than custom ones.
- Use larger tile. Big tiles mean fewer grout lines and less labor than small mosaics.
- Get at least three itemized quotes that list demolition, disposal, and permits, so you're comparing the same scope.
Sources
Open the Shower Remodel Cost Calculator →
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Figures are estimates based on published national data and are not a quote. Actual costs vary by region, contractor, and materials.