Cost depends heavily on what you're starting with and what you want to end up with. A basic conversion using an acrylic shower kit in an existing tub footprint starts around $1,500. A custom tile walk-in shower with frameless glass in the same space runs $4,000–$8,000. If you need to move a drain (common in slab-on-grade homes), add $500–$2,000 for that work alone.
| Conversion Type | Cost Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic/prefab shower kit (same footprint) | $1,500–$3,000 | 1–2 days |
| Tile shower (same footprint) | $3,000–$6,000 | 5–8 days |
| Custom walk-in (expanded, curbless) | $5,000–$12,000 | 1–3 weeks |
| Drain relocation (add-on, slab) | $500–$2,000 | +1–2 days |
The process follows a consistent sequence regardless of scope. Day one typically involves demo — removing the tub, surround, and any drywall that's damaged or needs to replace with cement board. Plumbing rough-in comes next: adjusting the drain location if needed, adding a shower valve if the tub faucet position doesn't work, and installing the shower pan or mortar bed. Then comes waterproofing, tile or surround installation, and finally fixtures and glass.
The critical step homeowners don't see: waterproofing. A properly waterproofed shower membrane (RedGard, Schluter KERDI, or similar) costs $200–$400 in materials and takes a day to apply and cure. Skipping it is the leading cause of shower leaks and mold within 3–5 years.
It depends on how many tubs remain in the home. Real estate agents and NAHB buyer data consistently show that having zero tubs in a home is a resale negative — particularly for buyers with young children. If your home has a second full bath with a tub, converting the master bath tub is generally fine and may add value (walk-in showers are highly desired). If the tub you're converting is the only one in the home, reconsider.
You're a strong candidate if: the tub in question is in your master bath and you haven't used it in years; your home has at least one other tub; you have mobility concerns that make stepping over a tub edge difficult; or you want to maximize usable shower space. Curbless (zero-threshold) walk-in showers are also the gold standard for aging-in-place design and add long-term utility.
Avoid the conversion if: it would leave your home with no tubs; you have young children at home and primarily use the tub for bathtime; the bathroom is already very small (under 40 sq ft) and a shower-only layout would feel cramped; or you're planning to sell within 1–2 years in a family-heavy neighborhood. In these cases, a tub resurfacing ($300–$600) or new tub liner ($800–$1,200) may be the better investment.
Explore related options in our bathroom remodeling hub or read about full bathroom remodel costs.
One tub somewhere in the house keeps your buyer pool wide open. Converting the only tub in a home is the riskier move. If you've got a second tub elsewhere, converting the master is close to a free win.
These are the questions homeowners ask most often before starting this project - what it costs, how long it takes, what a fair quote looks like and which details change the price. Each answer below is written to stand on its own, so you can read just the one you need.
