Many Lansing homeowners consider replacing their showers when dealing with consistent leaks, mold growth, poor functionality, or outdated designs. A shower replacement can improve your comfort, home value, and efficiency, making it a great investment. However, there are many important choices to make, including the type of shower you want, and finding the right professional to remove your existing shower and install the new one.
Odd Fellows Contracting has been providing shower replacements and bathroom remodels in Lansing, MI since 1988. In this blog, you’ll learn everything you need to know about replacing your shower, getting you that much closer to creating your ideal bathroom.
Learning the common warning signs of when your shower needs to be replaced will help you identify the need and prepare for the project. While it might be tempting to put it off and avoid the expense, ignoring these issues can lead to water damage, structural problems, and mold growth, which can end up costing you more the longer you wait to fix them. The signs you should pay attention to are:
Cracked tubs, surrounds, or tiles
Mold or mildew that won’t go away
Leaking shower floor
Poor water drainage
Loose or damaged tiles
An outdated appearance won’t necessarily risk damage if you wait to replace it, but updating your shower design can still benefit you and your family by providing a more pleasant experience and increasing your home value.
Not all shower issues require a full replacement. A shower repair might be enough to get more life out of your current shower if you have minor tile damage, a shower that needs to be re-caulked or resealed, or a faucet that needs to be replaced. However, you should consider a complete replacement when you have:
Extensive water damage
Prevalent mold or mildew
Structural issues
Major leaks
An outdated shower
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make before replacing your shower is what kind of replacement you want. Depending on your space, budget, and needs, you can refresh your current setup or completely remodel your shower and change the layout to fit your lifestyle.
Walk-in showers are modern and accessible, making them a popular choice for aging-in-place designs. To further improve walk-in shower accessibility for elderly and disabled family members, it’s easy to add a shower chair whenever needed, or have one built in for full-time convenience.
A prefabricated unit is the most affordable choice for your shower replacement and is quick to install. These units are typically made of smooth materials such as acrylic or Solid Surface, which also makes them easy to clean and maintain.
If you want to fully customize your new shower to your taste, a custom tile shower gives you nearly endless options. You get to choose exactly how the floor and walls of your new shower will look, and it can be as luxurious as your budget allows.
If you’d rather have a shower than a bathtub, a tub-to-shower conversion is the ideal choice. This will require some bathroom remodeling, which can also open up more space to add extra storage. Check out some of the shower replacements we’ve completed for bathroom shower remodel ideas.
The cost of your shower replacement depends on the materials, labor, plumbing changes, and custom designs needed for the project. Whether permits are required can also affect the cost. Here’s a breakdown of our typical price ranges by material type:
Basic acrylic shower replacement: $8,500 - $12,500
Solid Surface shower replacement: $13,500 - $17,000
Tile shower replacement: $16,000 - $26,000
To get a clearer idea of how much it will cost to replace your shower, or if you plan to completely remodel your shower, explore our remodeling cost guide.
The timeline for your shower replacement will vary depending on the complexity of the project, taking anywhere from a few hours to a week when completed by a professional. If you plan to convert your tub to a shower or any other type of remodel, we’ll guide you through our award-winning design-build process.
Upgrading your shower involves removing the old shower and replacing it with a new one of a similar size. These projects can take about 5-8 days to complete. This level of replacement usually includes a new shower floor, sub-floor, wall panels, new fixtures, and plumbing adjustments.
Fully remodeling your shower with a custom design can take 10-15 days or more, depending on the scope of the project. You can expect a custom remodel to involve demolition, new plumbing, waterproofing, custom tile work, and door installation. These types of replacements take longer because the layers of mortar, grout, and waterproof membrane need time to cure.
Replacing your shower offers many benefits to you and your family, from a more enjoyable appearance to saving water:
Improved appearance: Modern design and finishes upgrade the look of your bathroom.
Better health: Reduces the risk of water damage, which can lead to mold infestations.
Better water efficiency: Upgrading fixtures can reduce water use.
Improved accessibility: Walk-in showers and safety features make it easier and safer for elderly and disabled people to shower.
Increased home value: Upgrading your bathroom offers a strong return on your investment.
Knowing how to prepare for your shower replacement project will help ensure a smoother process for you and your contractor. Some tips to help simplify the experience:
Ask your contractor about the estimated cost and timeline: This helps set your expectations for your budget and the amount of time you’ll need to use other bathroom accommodations.
Choose the materials you want: It can help cut down on planning time if you already know what materials you want for your new shower.
Plan temporary shower access: This is easy if you have a second bathroom, but depending on the timeline of your replacement, you may need to arrange to shower at a gym, shower at a friend’s house, or set up a portable shower.
Clear all your belongings from the bathroom: When it’s time for the work to begin, making sure the bathroom is clear of all items makes it easier for your contractor.
You should replace your shower when you notice any of these signs:
Cracked floor or walls: Creates a risk of water damage and mold growth.
Visible, persistent mold growth: Mold is unsightly and a health risk.
Leaks: These need to be fixed to prevent water damage and wasted water.
Poor drainage: This can be a sign of more than a clogged drain.
Outdated appearance: An older design can be less accessible and less visually appealing.
Shower replacement costs can range from around $8,500 to $26,000. Factors that impact cost include:
Materials: A prefabricated acrylic replacement costs much less than a custom tile installation.
Labor: A simple swap doesn’t take long and can usually be completed by a single technician, while a remodel will require more labor hours and potentially more technicians.
Plumbing changes: These add another step before replacing the shower material, and may require a plumber.
Custom designs: A custom shower replacement includes more design planning with your contractor, and may take more time to complete if you choose tile.
Permits: Remodeling your shower may require permits, which you’ll need to hire a licensed contractor to handle and cover any associated costs.
Our Lansing, MI remodeling cost guide has more details to help you plan your project.
Depending on the type of shower replacement you want, it is possible to learn how to do it on your own. However, DIY projects increase the risk that your replacement will be done incorrectly, which can cause more damage over time. Hiring a licensed contractor with bathroom remodeling experience ensures a smooth replacement process and correct installation.
If your replacement involves any shower or bathroom remodeling, or plumbing changes, your contractor will need to obtain the necessary permits. You won’t need to worry about getting a permit for a simple swap.
If you don’t have a friend or family member nearby who can loan you their shower while your replacement is completed, you might consider showering at your gym. If you don’t already have a membership, some offer short-term options or day passes. For a more extensive bathroom remodel, you can talk to your contractor about installing a temporary shower. You can also purchase a portable shower kit, which you can use for future travel and camping trips, or consider staying at a nearby hotel.
With over three decades of experience, Odd Fellows Contracting is here to guide you through any shower replacement project, from simple shower swaps to full bathroom remodels. When you’re ready to get started, look through our remodeling cost guide to get a feel for which options fit your budget, and contact us for a free estimate and answers to all your questions.