How Much Does a Tub to Shower Conversion Cost in Paramus?

What is the average cost to convert a tub to a shower?

HomeGuide puts the national range at $2,000 to $12,000, with a typical cost near $7,000. The range is wide for a reason. A simple swap, where a shower base and wall panels go into the same spot the tub sat, takes fewer hours and fewer materials. A full tear out with new tile, a new shower pan and custom glass takes more labor and more trades.

Keep in mind these are national averages. Bergen County jobs often run higher. Plan on the middle to upper part of the range unless your job is very simple, and treat any number you see online as a starting point. The only way to know your price is a quote based on your bathroom, your walls and your plumbing.

Is a prefab shower or a tiled shower cheaper?

A prefab shower is usually the lower cost choice. HomeGuide lists these national ranges:

• Prefab walk-in shower: $1,000 to $8,000
• Custom tiled walk-in shower: $3,500 to $15,000

A prefab shower uses a molded base and wall panels. There are fewer seams to seal, and the install is fast. Kohler, for example, says its panel shower can be installed in as little as a day or two.

A tiled shower gives you more choices in size, color and layout. You can add a built-in niche or a bench. HomeGuide notes that a tiled shower needs a new custom shower pan, and the tile work itself takes skilled hours. That is why tile costs more.

What else adds to the price?

The shower itself is only part of the bill. These items often move the final number up or down:

• Plumbing changes. If the drain has to move, or the drain line needs to be made larger, the cost goes up. HomeGuide lists plumbing materials at about $400 to $2,000, before labor.
• Glass door. HomeGuide notes that most prefab stall kits do not include a door. Framed and frameless doors are priced differently.
• Tear out and repairs. Pulling out the old tub can uncover damaged subfloor, rot or mold. Those repairs have to be done before the new shower goes in.
• Extras. A seat, a niche, grab bars, a handheld showerhead or a second showerhead all add cost.
• Permits. HomeGuide lists bathroom remodel permits at $150 to $600. Each town sets its own fees.

Do you need a permit for a tub to shower conversion in New Jersey?

Often, yes. Under the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, swapping a fixture for a similar one, with no change to the piping, counts as ordinary maintenance and needs no permit. But changes to water supply, drain or vent piping are not ordinary maintenance. Many conversions change the drain or the valve location, so plan on a permit.

Always confirm with the Paramus Building Department, or the building department in your town, before work starts. We explain the state rules in our post on bathroom remodel permits in New Jersey.

How can you keep a conversion on budget?

You have more control over the price than you might think. A few choices make a big difference:

1. Keep the drain where it is. Moving plumbing is one of the biggest cost drivers.
2. Pick a standard size. A shower that fits the old tub space keeps framing simple.
3. Choose prefab if style allows. It costs less and goes in faster.
4. Decide on glass early. A curtain or framed door costs less than frameless glass.
5. Ask for a line item quote. You can see what each part costs and decide what to keep.

Is a walk-in shower the right choice for your home?

For many homeowners, yes. A walk-in shower is easier to step into, simpler to clean and can make a small bathroom feel bigger. If you have babies or young children, Angi suggests keeping at least one tub somewhere in the house, since tubs make bath time easier.

If you are weighing the options, read our page on tub to shower conversions and our guide to walk-in showers. Both explain styles, sizes and what to expect.

How do you get an exact price for your bathroom?

Online ranges help you plan, but every bathroom is different. A real quote starts with a visit. We measure the space, look at the plumbing and drain, check the floor under the tub and talk through the look you want. Then you get a clear price for the work.

FAQ

How much does it cost to convert a tub to a walk-in shower? HomeGuide puts the national range at $2,000 to $12,000, with a typical cost of about $7,000. Prefab showers sit near the low end, and tiled showers cost more. Bergen County jobs often run higher.

Is a prefab shower cheaper than a tiled shower? Usually, yes. HomeGuide lists prefab walk-in showers at $1,000 to $8,000 and custom tiled walk-in showers at $3,500 to $15,000. Tile costs more because it needs a custom shower pan and more labor.

Does moving the drain make a conversion cost more? Yes. Rerouting pipes or moving the drain adds labor and materials. Keeping the drain in the same spot is one of the best ways to control cost.

Do I need a permit to convert a tub to a shower in Paramus? Many conversions need one, because they change the drain or piping. New Jersey's ordinary maintenance rule only covers swapping a fixture with no change to the piping. Check with the Paramus Building Department before work starts.

Ready for a real number?

Want to know what your conversion will cost? Call us at (201) XXX-XXXX or request a free estimate. We are happy to answer questions, and there is no pressure. Serving Paramus, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Oradell, River Edge, Rochelle Park and Hackensack.