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A tub-to-shower conversion usually costs $2,000 to $12,000, according to This Old House. Fixr puts the range at $1,200 to $10,000.
Where you land depends on two things: the kind of shower you put in, and how much plumbing has to move.
The price isn't the only question, though. In a home with one bathtub, removing it can change who wants to buy the house later. This guide covers both.
How much does a tub-to-shower conversion cost?
The short answer: a prefab stall is the lower-cost route, and tile or a curbless entry costs more. The longer answer depends on what's behind the tub once it comes out.
| New shower | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Prefab stall | $2,000–$6,000 |
| Walk-in | $5,000–$12,000 |
| Tiled | $6,000–$12,000 |
| Curbless | $8,000–$15,000 |
Source: This Old House, updated March 4, 2026.
Converting often costs more than putting a new tub in the same spot. New plumbing, glass and tile are what make the difference.
Here's what that number actually covers
This Old House breaks the job into a few lines.
Removing the tub. Tub removal and disposal runs $300 to $1,200.
Plumbing. Moving a drain runs $900 to $1,100. A new or upgraded shower valve runs $700 to $1,200. New supply lines add $700 or more. Several changes together can pass $2,000. Older homes may need a pressure-balanced or thermostatic valve to meet code.
The floor under the tub. Minor subfloor repairs add a few hundred dollars. Bigger structural fixes add $1,000 or more.
Glass. A framed door runs $400 to $1,200. A frameless door runs $1,200 to $3,000.
Plan a cushion. This Old House recommends setting aside 10% to 20% for surprises. In its January 2026 survey, nearly 70% of homeowners who converted a tub hit at least one hidden cost. The most common were structural repairs (38%), water damage (32%) and unplanned plumbing (29%).
Will removing your only tub hurt resale?
It can, depending on who buys homes like yours. The data here is older than the cost figures, so treat it as a signal, not a rule.
- In a National Association of Home Builders survey of buyers, reported by the National Association of Realtors in 2022, first-time buyers ranked a shower-tub combination highest among 18 bathroom features.
- HomeLight noted in 2021 that families with young children, luxury buyers and some 55+ buyers often expect at least one tub.
- This Old House's advice is to keep at least one bathtub somewhere in the home, especially if you plan to sell soon or have young children.
The simple test: if this is the only tub in the house, think twice. If there's another tub down the hall, the case for a shower gets much easier.
What it gets you: a shower with a low or no threshold is easier to step into and lowers the risk of falls as you get older.
What to watch for: in a home with only one bathroom, removing the tub can narrow your pool of buyers.
How long does a conversion take?
Most professional conversions take three to seven days. A basic prefab install is quicker. Custom tile or a curbless shower can take a week or longer.
How can you keep the cost down?
- Keep the drain where the tub drain is. It avoids the $900 to $1,100 relocation.
- Choose a prefab stall. It's the lowest tier, at $2,000 to $6,000.
- Pick framed glass. It costs less than frameless.
- Add safety pieces now. Grab bars run $150 to $500 each installed, and they're easier to put in while the walls are open.
If the conversion is part of a larger project, see how it fits into the full cost of a bathroom remodel.
Sources
Figures checked on October 20, 2026.
- This Old House, "Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost," updated March 4, 2026, including its January 2026 survey of 1,000 US homeowners. thisoldhouse.com/bathrooms/tub-to-shower-conversion-cost
- Fixr, "How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Bathroom?" updated January 27, 2026. fixr.com/costs/bathroom-remodeling
- National Association of Realtors, "Survey: First-Time Buyers Still Want a Bathtub," April 15, 2022, citing NAHB, "What Home Buyers Really Want," 2021 edition. nar.realtor
- HomeLight, "Selling a House Without a Bathtub," January 25, 2021. homelight.com
Common questions
How much does it cost to convert a tub to a shower?
Usually $2,000 to $12,000. A prefab stall sits at the low end. Tile or a curbless shower sits at the top.
Is it cheaper to replace a tub or convert it to a shower?
Replacing a tub in the same spot is often cheaper. Converting adds new plumbing, glass and often tile.
Does removing a bathtub lower home value?
It can in homes with only one tub, because many buyers with young children want one. If you have a second tub elsewhere, it matters much less.
How long does a tub-to-shower conversion take?
Most take three to seven days with a pro.
