The easier way to book quality trades

Download app

Bathrooms tend to evolve with the people who use them. Perhaps the children have grown up and the bath rarely gets used, you're finding it harder to step over the side safely, or you simply want a shower that's quicker and easier to use every day.

You might be here because:

• You want to replace an old bath with a shower enclosure

• You're considering a walk-in shower for easier access

• You're trying to make better use of a small bathroom

• You want to understand the costs before planning a bathroom upgrade

Many people are surprised by how much bigger and more practical their bathroom feels after replacing a bath with a shower. And the good news is you don't always need a full bathroom renovation to achieve it, with options available to suit a range of budgets.

This guide explains typical bath to shower conversion costs, what affects the price and when it's worth replacing a bath altogether.

How much does it cost to replace a bath with a shower?

The overall cost of this project will depend on how much of your existing bathroom you're changing.

If you're simply adding a shower over your existing bath, costs are relatively modest.

Replacing the bath completely with a shower enclosure or walk-in shower is a bigger project involving plumbing, waterproofing and finishing work, which naturally costs more.

Bath to shower conversion costs

Every project is different, but these figures offer a realistic starting point to help understand what's possible.

The final cost will depend on your choice of shower, how much plumbing work is needed and whether you're updating finishes such as tiles or wall panels at the same time.

Typical component costs

Budget reality check

Replacing a bath with a shower is often more affordable than a full bathroom renovation, but costs can quickly increase if plumbing needs moving, damaged walls need repairing or you decide to upgrade tiles, flooring or shower fittings while the room is stripped back.

Get a quote for a bath to shower conversion near you

Comparing quotes from several checked bathroom fitters is the easiest way to understand what's involved and how much your project is likely to cost.

Prices can vary depending on your bathroom layout and the amount of work required, so it's worth getting a selection of quotes before making a decision.

At a glance

• Cheapest option: Convert your existing bath into a shower with a shower screen and new shower (approximately £500–£1,000)

• Most popular option: Replace the bath with a dedicated shower enclosure (typically between £1,300–£2,000)

• Best for accessibility: Replacing a bath with a walk-in shower (averages around £2,500)

• Typical project length: Around 2–4 days for a standard bath to shower conversion

Bath to shower conversion options and costs

Not every bath to shower conversion involves ripping everything out and starting again. The right option depends on your budget, how you use your bathroom and whether accessibility is becoming more important.

Convert an existing bath into a shower

If your bath is still in good condition but you'd like the convenience of a shower, converting it into a shower-over-bath setup is usually the most affordable option.

A typical project costs £500–£1,000 and may include:

• A new shower

• A glass shower screen or curtain

• Tiling around the shower area

• Minor plumbing alterations

This option works well if you only have one bathroom, as you keep the flexibility of having both a bath and a shower.

Bath to shower conversion by Checkatrade member, SM London Construction Ltd

Replace a bath with a shower enclosure

If you rarely use your bath, replacing it with a dedicated shower enclosure can free up valuable floor space and make the room feel much more open.

Typical costs range from £1,300–£2,000, depending on the shower you choose and the amount of plumbing and finishing work required.

Projects commonly include:

• Bath removal

• Shower tray

• Shower enclosure

• Shower installation

• Wall tiling

• Plumbing alterations

This is an ideal option if you want to modernise an older bathroom without necessarily carrying out a complete renovation.

Replacing a bath with a walk-in shower

Walk-in showers have become increasingly popular thanks to their clean, contemporary appearance and improved accessibility.

Replacing a bath with a walk-in shower typically costs around £2,500.

The higher cost reflects the additional work often involved, including:

• Bath removal

• Walk-in shower supply and installation

• Shower screen

• Plumbing alterations

• Wall tiling or wall panels

• Finishing work

They're a good choice if you're hoping to stay in your property long term and are looking to make your bathroom easier to use as your needs change.

What affects the cost of replacing a bath with a shower?

Two bathrooms might look almost identical, but the cost of converting them can differ quite a lot. That's because every project starts from a different point.

Some involve a straightforward replacement, while others require plumbing alterations, waterproofing or repairing walls after the bath has been removed.

• Type of conversion: Keeping the existing bath and adding a shower is generally the most affordable option. Replacing the bath altogether involves more labour and materials

• Shower type: Electric, mixer, thermostatic and digital showers all have different installation requirements and price points

• Plumbing alterations: If water supplies or waste pipes need moving, labour costs will increase

• Wall finishes: Retiling the shower area can be more expensive than fitting shower wall panels, although your preferred finish and the size of the area will affect the overall cost

• Bathroom layout: Awkward layouts, alcoves and limited access can all increase labour time

• Labour rates: Bathroom fitters and plumbers generally charge more in London and the South East than in other parts of the UK

On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.

Additional costs to budget for

Once your old bath has been removed, your bathroom fitter may uncover work that wasn't obvious at the quoting stage.

It's therefore good to be aware and to build a contingency into your budget to cover any unforeseen costs.

Depending on your project, you may also need to budget for:

• Additional plumbing alterations

• Wall repairs

• Waterproofing materials

• New flooring (at the very least, the area where the bath used to be)

• Shower wall panels

• Decorating

• Electrical work for lighting or ventilation

What should be included in a quote?

When comparing quotes, don't just focus on the headline price. A detailed quote makes it much easier to understand what's included and compare your options fairly.

A quotation should clearly state:

• Bath removal

• Waste disposal

• Plumbing work

• Shower installation

• Shower tray and enclosure installation

• Waterproofing

• Tiling or wall panels (if included)

• Making good and sealing

• VAT, where applicable

Always ask if decorating, flooring or electrical work has been priced separately.

How long does a bath to shower conversion take?

A straightforward over-bath shower installation can often be completed in 1–2 days.

Replacing a bath with a shower enclosure usually takes around 2–4 days, while converting a bath into a walk-in shower may take 3–7 days, depending on the amount of plumbing, tiling and finishing work involved.

Your installer should be able to give you a realistic timescale once they've assessed the scope of your project.

We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.

Bath to shower conversion cost calculator

A simple way to estimate your budget is to start with the type of conversion you'd like.

Then consider whether your project may also require bath removal, plumbing alterations, wall tiling or shower panels, flooring, decorating, electrical work or waste removal.

Adding these costs together will give you a clearer idea of your likely overall budget before requesting quotes from local bathroom fitters.

Job Estimate Calculator

Get Started

Step 0/3

Our calculator provides a guide price only, not a quote. For an accurate cost, ask several checked bathroom fitters to assess your project and provide an itemised written quote.

DIY vs professional bath to shower conversion

Replacing a bath with a shower involves plumbing, waterproofing and finishing work, so it's usually best left to an experienced bathroom fitter or plumber.

If you're confident with DIY, you might want to remove the old bath yourself to save money, but the installation work is better in the hands of the experts. Mistakes during installation can lead to leaks, water damage and costly repairs later on.

A qualified bathroom fitter or plumber will make sure your new shower is installed correctly, properly waterproofed and sealed, and fully tested before the job is complete. They can also spot any plumbing or structural issues before they become more expensive to fix.

How to replace a bath with a shower

The exact process will vary depending on your bathroom and the type of shower you're installing, but it generally involves:

• Turning off the water supply

• Removing the existing bath

• Preparing the floor and walls

• Installing the shower tray and waste

• Fitting the shower enclosure and shower

• Waterproofing and tiling or installing wall panels

• Sealing all joints and testing the installation

These steps are intended as a general overview only. Most bath to shower conversions involve plumbing and waterproofing work that should be carried out by an experienced professional.

Is replacing a bath with a shower worth it?

Replacing an unused bath with a shower can make a bathroom feel larger, easier to use and better suited to modern lifestyles. It's particularly popular with people who shower every day and rarely use their bath.

However, if yours is the only bath in the property, it's worth thinking carefully before removing it. Many families with young children still value having a bath, so keeping one somewhere in the home may help preserve wider appeal if you decide to sell in the future.

Bath to shower conversion checklist

• Decide whether an over-bath shower, shower enclosure or walk-in shower best suits your needs

• Think carefully about removing the bath if it's the only one in your home

• Decide whether you prefer tiles or shower wall panels

• Consider whether any plumbing alterations are likely to be needed

• Compare a selection of itemised quotes from checked bathroom fitters

• Check exactly what's included in each quotation

• Confirm the expected installation timescale before work begins

When should you speak to a bathroom fitter?

It's worth speaking to a bathroom fitter as soon as you're considering replacing your bath, rather than waiting until you've chosen a shower.

Getting advice early can help you understand what's possible within your existing bathroom layout, identify any plumbing changes that may be needed and avoid choosing products that aren't suitable for your space.

It also gives you a much clearer idea of the likely budget before you commit to buying products or booking work.

Every Checkatrade job is backed by our £1,000 guarantee

Up to £1000. Eligibility criteria and T&C’s apply.

Find a bathroom fitter for your bath to shower conversion

Whether you're replacing an old bath with a modern shower enclosure or creating a more accessible walk-in shower, comparing quotes from checked bathroom fitters is the best way to understand your options and find the right solution for your home.

FAQs

How much does it cost to replace a bath with a shower?

Replacing a bath with a shower enclosure typically costs around £1,300–£2,000, depending on the shower you choose, the amount of plumbing work required and your choice of wall finishes.

How much does it cost to replace a bath with a walk-in shower?

A bath to walk-in shower conversion costs around £2,500 on average. The higher cost reflects the additional waterproofing, installation work and specialist shower components often involved.

Does replacing a bath with a shower devalue your home?

It can if you're removing the only bath in your property. Many buyers, particularly families with young children, still see a bath as an important feature. If you have more than one bathroom, however, replacing one bath with a shower is less likely to affect your home's appeal.

Can you replace a bath with a shower in a day?

Simple over-bath shower installations may be completed within a day or two. A full bath to shower conversion usually takes around two to four days, while a walk-in shower installation may take three to seven days, depending on the work involved.

What's the cheapest way to replace a bath with a shower?

The most affordable option is usually to keep your existing bath and install a shower over it with a shower screen or curtain. This allows you to enjoy the convenience of a shower while avoiding the additional cost of removing the bath and installing a new enclosure.

Do I need planning permission to replace a bath with a shower?

No. Replacing a bath with a shower is internal home improvement work and doesn't normally need planning permission. If your home is listed, check with your local authority before carrying out any alterations.

Checkatrade

Follow us

More Bathroom Fitter Articles

Bathtub installation: Cost breakdown 2026

The cost of moving a bathroom upstairs

Plumber costs in the UK: 2026 price guide

View all