For most shower installation jobs, you should hire a licensed plumber. However, if you’re installing a tiled shower, you might want to hire a plumber who also has experience with masonry or tile installation. Or you might consider hiring a general contractor who can contract out the plumbing, tile and masonry work. A general contractor might be a better choice if you’re making additional changes to your bathroom or remodeling it. 

Here are a few tips to help you find the right pro for your project: 

• Check the profiles, websites and reviews of plumbers and general contractors in your area to ensure they have a lot of experience with shower installation. 

• Ask to see the professionals’ portfolios of work or request pictures of past jobs to verify the quality of their work. Try to find examples of showers that are similar to yours. 

• Make sure the professionals are licensed and double-check to ensure they carry liability insurance.

• Ask for price quotes. Reach out to several plumbers and contractors on your list, and request a cost estimate for your project. Keep in mind that they might need to visit your home and examine your bathroom in order to give you a quote.

• Analyze and compare the quotes. Ensure they include important details, such as labor and material costs. Keep an eye out for quotes that seem suspiciously low or too high compared to the others.

For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page. 

The national average cost of shower installation or replacement ranges from about $565 to $2,920,* according to Thumbtack data. However, how much you’ll pay may depend on many factors, such as:

• Cost of materials (tiles, doors, etc.)

• Cost of labor

• Shower size

• Shower design or type

A shower installation professional or plumber can give you a more accurate quote based on the scope of your project. Contact one today so you can start planning and budgeting your project.

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

Here are some ways you might be able to save money when installing a new shower in your home:

• Choose a prefabricated shower: This tends to be one of the least expensive ways to replace a shower. Plumbers usually charge less for prefabricated showers because they’re easier to install than custom-built ones.

• Use existing footprint: Keeping the shower in the same location as the old one might help you avoid expensive plumbing adjustments.

• Tub-to-shower conversion: If you have an existing bathtub you don’t use, converting it into a shower might be a cost-effective project.

• Choose low-cost materials: Acrylic and fiberglass are typically durable, budget-friendly alternatives to more expensive options such as natural stone.

• Get several estimates: Comparing prices from several professionals can help ensure you’re not overpaying for your new shower. 

If you’re replacing an existing shower, a professional usually begins by removing the old one. If the new shower has different dimensions than the original shower, they might move walls or make other adjustments to the space to accommodate it.

Next, the professional might move the plumbing (if needed) so the connections for the showerhead and faucet line up with the new shower.

If you’re installing a tiled shower, a plumber or mason might need to hang backer board before installing the tiles and grout. Showers made of fiberglass or acrylic can often be moved into place and fastened securely.

Once installed, your professional will likely finish connecting the drain, faucet and showerhead before completing the job with any necessary sealing and finish work. This may mean caulking around a fiberglass or acrylic shower, or sealing grout to ensure that it remains waterproof.

Once all of this has been completed, you (or an interior painter) can paint the walls around the new shower. Before using the shower, be sure to wait a day or two for any paint or sealers to dry fully.

Timeframes for installing a new shower can vary widely depending on several factors. In general, expect shower installations to take between two and three days for fiberglass or acrylic showers, and between two days and one week for tiled showers. 

Here are some quick insights that may help you understand what to expect:

• A professional will typically need one to two days to prepare your bathroom for the new shower. This often includes removing the old shower, moving stall walls and making any adjustments to the plumbing.

• In most cases, installing a one- or two-piece shower made from a material like fiberglass or acrylic should only take about one day. A professional will typically position the base and surround, secure them in place, connect the plumbing and seal the edges.

• Tiled showers can take two to three days to install. The professional will likely spend a day or two cutting, fitting and mortaring tiles into place. Once the mortar has cured, which typically happens overnight, the professional will probably need another day to grout the tiles.

Remember: The timeline for your project will vary depending on many factors. Always ask your pro to provide an estimate.

While some experienced DIY-ers might be able to replace their showers by themselves, it’s often recommended that you hire a plumber. Here are some reasons to consider hiring a pro:

• Pre-work: Before installation even begins, the installer usually needs to remove the old shower, prep the area and ensure the existing plumbing is compatible. An inexperienced DIY-er might not have the time or knowledge to perform pre-work tasks.

• Expertise: A professional with several years of experience should be able to easily identify potential issues, such as leaks and drainage problems. A DIY installer might miss these signs.

• Building codes: A professional can often easily obtain any required permits, and they tend to be very aware of the building codes in their cities. 

• Warranties: Any errors you make during DIY installation might lead to serious water damage and flooding, leaving you fully financially responsible. Some professionals and manufacturers offer warranties for their work and materials, which could cover repairs if issues arise, depending on the warranty’s terms.