“We just want to replace the shower…” That’s how a lot of conversations begin. A homeowner calls us about a leaking shower pan or a cracked surround. Or maybe they’ve just had enough of scrubbing tile grout, and they want something easier to clean. They don’t want to tear the whole bathroom apart—just replace the shower and move on. And almost every time, the first question is the same: “How much does a shower replacement cost?”
Unfortunately, Google doesn’t always give the full picture—especially if you’re in New Hampshire or southern Maine, where costs are higher than the national average. And quotes can vary wildly, depending on what’s included.
So, we’re going to dig into it! This guide will help you understand:
- What a shower replacement actually costs in the NH Seacoast
- What affects the price (and where your money really goes)
- How the cost of different materials—like acrylic, tile, and Swanstone—compare
- And what you need to know about shower replacements
Let’s take a look.
What’s the Average Cost to Replace a Shower in New Hampshire?
In the New Hampshire Seacoast, a professional shower replacement typically costs between $12,000 and $30,000+.
This may sound like a wide range, but the price depends on several variables, like what material you choose, whether you’re keeping the plumbing in place, and how much work needs to be done behind the walls.
Let’s take a look at the three most common types of shower replacements—and how their costs compare based on material, labor, and finish level:
Acrylic Shower Replacement Cost in NH
If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly way to replace a shower, acrylic surrounds are a great starting point.
Acrylic shower systems typically include:
- A molded shower base
- Several direct-to-stud wall panels
- Integrated shelves, footrests, and/or towel bars
- Basic drain connection
These systems are clean, functional, and easy to maintain, making them ideal for homeowners who just want something simple and fresh without a full bathroom remodel.
Acrylic shower replacements typically cost between $12,000 and $18,000.
This investment reflects a full-service replacement done by a professional remodeling company, including:
- Demolition of the old shower
- Installation of a new acrylic surround and base
- Replacement of the shower valve, showerhead, and shower drain
- Drywall installation around the new shower
- All required finish carpentry, painting, sealing, and cleanup
You can find a deeper dive into the cost of an acrylic shower replacement in our Acrylic Shower Cost Guide
Solid Surface Shower Replacement Cost in NH
If you’re looking for something a little more elevated than acrylic—but without the maintenance of tile—solid surface showers strike a great balance between function and style.
These systems use seamless wall panels made of a high-quality resin material. Some examples of these systems are:
- Swanstone
- Synmar
- The Onyx Collection
Solid surface panels are durable, low-maintenance, and easy to clean—no grout lines to scrub, and a very low risk of leaks when installed correctly. They’re popular with homeowners who want a modern, clean look without a hefty tile installation bill.
The downside to these products is that not only do the materials cost substantially more than acrylic showers, but they also require more time and skill to install.
The typical cost of a solid surface shower replacement in the NH Seacoast is $15,000–$20,000
This investment would include:
- Removal of the old tub or shower unit
- Water-resistant wallboard installation
- Solid surface wall panels, often with an integrated corner shelf or shampoo niche
- Matching or coordinating shower base
- Optional glass door
- Professional plumbing reconnection
- Finish work, painting, and cleanup
Many of our clients choose Swanstone or similar systems when they want a clean, contemporary look that feels like a step up from acrylic—but without the expense of full tile.
For more detail and side-by-side comparisons of tile vs. solid surface, you can check out our article: Should You Choose Tile or Solid Surface for Your Shower?
Tile Shower Replacement Costs in NH
Tile showers are beautiful, durable, and endlessly customizable—but they’re also the most labor-intensive option.
Unlike acrylic or solid surface systems, tile installations require:
- Custom waterproofing systems (like Schluter, Laticrete, or Wedi)
- A hand-built mortar base or tile-ready pan
- Time-consuming layout and finishing
- Specialty cutting and installation tools
- Additional coordination between trades
For homeowners dreaming of a spa-like retreat with:
- Large-format wall tile
- Mosaic or stone accents
- Niches, benches, or corner shelves
- Full customization of the shower area
…tile is the material that delivers.
The typical cost of a tile shower replacement is $18,000–$30,000+
(And sometimes higher for luxury builds or steam showers)
When we build tile showers, we take every detail seriously—because a shower is only as good as the waterproofing underneath. And in New Hampshire’s climate, a poorly built tile shower can fail in under five years.
Tile is not just more expensive because it looks good—it’s because the install requires more specialized labor, more trades, and more time. From prep work to sealing, the materials themselves are often just a small part of the total.
What Factors Affect the Cost of a Shower Remodel?
As you can see, the prices for a shower remodel can vary a lot. While material selection is one of the largest factors in this difference, it’s not the only one.
Here are the biggest factors that drive shower replacement costs:
Material Choice
As we’ve already discussed, your choice of material is one of the most obvious cost drivers in a shower replacement. Acrylic is less expensive than Swanstone or tile, a framed shower door costs less than a frameless glass enclosure, and high-end fixtures are more costly than a simple shower valve and showerhead setup.
Plumbing Changes
If you’re moving the showerhead or controls—or converting a tub with an offset drain to a shower with a centered drain—those plumbing updates add labor and materials. Upgrading a 1½-inch tub drain to a 2-inch shower drain (which code often requires) can also increase the cost, especially if access is limited.
Subfloor or Framing Repairs
Once your contractor opens the walls, they will sometimes find rot, mold, or structural issues—especially in older homes or in cases where water damage went unnoticed for years. These surprises aren’t always visible during the estimate phase, but they will certainly affect the project cost.
Shower Enclosure Style
A basic shower curtain is much more budget-friendly than a custom frameless glass panel. Expect custom glass to add $2,000–$6,000 depending on the size and hardware.
Layout Complexity
Curbless entries, built-in benches, custom niches, and detailed tile patterns all increase both labor time and material costs. Every little detail—while beautiful—adds up.
Project Management and Warranty Coverage
The more trades involved (carpenter, plumber, tile installer, glass installer), the more management and coordination are required. At Rothrock, we handle this for you, which adds cost—but also removes stress and ensures a higher-quality result.
How Much of the Cost of a Shower Replacement Is Labor vs. Materials?
For many homeowners, one of the most surprising parts of a shower remodel is how little the materials actually cost, compared to everything else.
It’s easy to assume that materials are the largest expense in a remodel, but the opposite is true. The cost of materials for most remodeling projects (including shower replacements) usually pales in comparison to the cost of installation labor.
Typically the visible materials (like the wall panels, showerhead, or tile) are only 20–30% of the total project cost. The other 70–80% goes toward labor, rough materials, installation supplies, and other project costs (like permits and dumpster fees). If you haven’t had experience with remodeling costs, it’s easy to assume that the opposite would be true.
Here’s a breakdown of where your money typically goes in a shower remodel:
Labor, Supplies, & Project Management (70–80%)
- Skilled trades: plumbing, tile, carpentry, finish work
- Rough materials: Lumber, backer board, pipe, fittings, sealants, etc
- Waterproofing systems
- Permitting and inspections
- Project coordination and supervision
- Site protection & waste removal
Materials (20–30%)
- Shower base or pan
- Wall panels or tile
- Glass door
- Fixtures (valve, head, handle)
- Paint, caulk, and finish materials
When people talk about getting a cheap shower remodel, they’re usually describing materials-only pricing. But it’s the professional installation and behind-the-scenes management that protects your investment—and makes sure the work lasts.
Does It Cost More to Convert a Tub to a Shower?
Often, yes—but not always.
Converting a bathtub into a walk-in shower can open up the space, improve accessibility, and give your bathroom a fresh, modern look. But whether it costs significantly more depends on how the conversion is done.
Let’s look at two common approaches:
Option 1: Using a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Pan (Offset Drain)
Most shower manufacturers offer shower pans specifically designed to fit in a standard 5-foot bathtub footprint. These pans have an offset drain to match the tub’s existing plumbing, which means:
- Minimal or no drain relocation
- No need to reframe the subfloor
- Lower labor costs
You may still need to upgrade the drain line from a 1½-inch tub drain to a 2-inch shower drain to meet code, but that’s usually a straightforward fix (if the plumbing is accessible).
This type of conversion can often be done for only a few thousand dollars more than a standard tub replacement. It’s a great option for budget-conscious homeowners who want to eliminate a tub but keep the remodel simple.
Option 2: Full Custom Tub Conversion
If you want a curbless entry, a centered drain, or a custom tile shower with bench seating and glass doors, the scope becomes much larger:
- Subfloor and wall framing may be needed
- Plumbing will be relocated
- Tile work and waterproofing add time and cost
- Additional finish work may be required around the footprint
This kind of conversion gives you the most flexibility and long-term value—but it also comes with higher costs.
Typical Cost Range for a Tub to Shower Conversion
| Conversion Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Offset acrylic pan, minimal changes | $14,000 – $18,000 |
| Mid-range conversion (Swanstone or similar solid surface) | $18,000 – $25,000 |
| Custom tile walk-in shower | $28,000 – $35,000+ |
The key is matching the right approach to your goals. If you’re after simplicity and function, an offset-drain pan is a great solution. If you’re aiming for a spa-like feel, custom tile may be worth the extra investment.
For more insight on this topic, you can also check out our Bathtub-to-Shower Conversion Guide
What Should Be Included in a Shower Replacement Quote?
Imagine you’ve gathered a couple of quotes.
One is from a plumber you’ve used before—reliable, honest, skilled. His quote to replace your shower valve, set the new base, and reconnect the fixtures comes in at $4,800.
The other is from a general contractor—and it’s over $16,000!
At first, that price gap between quotes might seem unfair—or even suspicious. But once you understand how the construction industry is structured, it starts to make a little more sense…
Why Do Shower Replacement Costs Vary So Much Between Contractors?
The biggest reason for a price difference, like in the example above, comes down to how the construction industry is structured.
There’s a fundamental difference between a general contractor (GC) and a trade contractor, like a plumber or tile installer. A general contractor is responsible for delivering the full scope of your project—start to finish, across multiple trades. A trade contractor, on the other hand, is only responsible for their specific piece. (For more on this difference, check out the article: What Type of Contractor Do I Need for My Remodel?
So while a general contractor’s quote is usually turnkey, the plumber’s quote will cover just their scope—and leave the rest to you.
For example, a plumber’s quote for a shower replacement typically won’t include:
- Tearing out the old shower
- Framing or subfloor repairs
- Patching or replacing drywall
- Installing tile or Swanstone
- Leveling the floor under the new base
- Installing the glass door
- Reinstalling base trim or painting touch-ups
- Building permits, inspections, or cleanup
And sometimes, it doesn’t include the finish materials either—like the pan, surround, or plumbing fixtures. Many plumbers will expect you to purchase these items separately.
This is one of the most common remodeling regrets we hear. A homeowner hires a trade specialist, thinking they’ve made a savvy financial decision—only to realize halfway through that they weren’t getting a turnkey project—just a piece of it—and now they’re scrambling to line up other trades to finish the job.
That’s why a good shower replacement quote should feel like a complete roadmap, not just a price tag. Whether you’re hiring a general contractor or one trade—and handling the rest yourself—it’s worth slowing down and asking:
“Who’s doing what?”
A Full-Service Shower Replacement Quote Should Include:
- Demolition of the old shower or tub
- Disposal of debris
- Drywall and/or tile backer replacement
- Waterproofing system (especially for tile)
- New shower base or pan installation
- Wall surround installation (acrylic, Swanstone, or tile)
- Plumbing valve and drain upgrades
- Glass door measurement and installation
- Trim, caulking, and finish carpentry
- Permits and inspection handling
- Final cleaning and walkthrough
- Warranty and follow-up service
At Rothrock, we’re not the cheapest—and we don’t try to be. But when the dust settles and the last piece of glass is in, our clients tell us the same thing: “It was worth it to have someone who handled everything.”
When you’re comparing quotes, make sure you’re comparing the whole project—not just the parts one contractor happens to include.
Summary: What Should You Budget for a Shower Remodel?
We’ve given you a lot of information today. So, let’s take a moment to bring it all together:
- Acrylic shower replacements typically cost $12,000–$18,000
- Solid surface systems (like Swanstone) usually fall between $15,000–$20,000
- Custom tile showers often land in the $18,000–$30,000+ range
- Tub-to-shower conversions can vary from $14,000 (for offset pan systems) up to $35,000 or more for full custom builds
Every home, homeowner, and project is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly surprises and make smart choices for your home.
At Rothrock Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, we help homeowners in the New Hampshire Seacoast and southern Maine take the stress out of remodeling. From concept to completion, we handle every detail—so you can focus on enjoying your home again.
Ready to explore your options?
Schedule a free Discovery Call to ask questions, talk through your goals, and finally get answers about budget, timeline, and what to expect. It’s the first step toward planning with confidence.
No pressure. Just honest guidance—and a clear plan forward when you’re ready.