PLANNING GUIDES
Planning for your shower installation: The complete guide
Updated 07/26
By: Laura Macdonald
Reviewed: Kim Staples
Planning your new shower installation project needn't be complicated. We guide you through each part of the process to help ensure you achieve the outcome you desire.
How much space a new shower actually needs
Which type of shower installation suits your home
What to prepare before a tradesperson arrives
How much a shower installation costs
Who to call to install your new shower
How to avoid the most common installation delays
A fresh, new shower installation is an exciting home improvement project. Some experienced DIY-ers might attempt this task themselves, while others prefer to call in the experts.
This guide walks you through everything you need to plan a shower installation properly - from initial space planning through to hiring the right tradesperson and preparing your bathroom for the big day.
Find your local shower installer
How much space do I need to install a shower?
Before anything else, work out how much room your new shower will need.
There are several options when it comes to shower installation. Some homeowners will be looking to install a shower over a bath, while others may be installing a shower within an enclosure, or perhaps even as a walk-in option (with no door).
Shower enclosure sizing
A typical shower enclosure size is normally 800 x 800mm or 900 x 900mm.
Any smaller than 700 x 700mm will feel cramped, and most people find they need at least this much room to move and wash comfortably.
Walk-in shower sizing
If you're planning a walk-in shower installation, aim for a tray that's at least 1200mm long and between 700-900mm wide.
Walk-in showers need more floor space than an enclosure because there's no screen or door to contain splashing, so factor in wider drainage and a slight floor gradient too.
Shower head height
In terms of the height of the shower head, aim for at least 2000mm from the floor or base of the bath. As a rule of thumb, ensure it is at least one foot above your head.
Shower door access
For door access, allow a minimum of 550-600mm width so everyone can get in and out comfortably.
Measure your bathroom and sketch a rough layout before you contact a tradesperson. It'll help them give you a more accurate quote on the first visit, and flags any pinch points early.
Can you put a shower anywhere in your bathroom?
In principle, yes - as long as the plumbing and drainage connections are sound. Many homeowners simply replace an existing shower like-for-like in the same spot, which keeps things straightforward.
However, if you're moving the shower to a new part of the room (or a different room entirely), extending waste pipe runs, or altering drainage, you'll need to factor in building regulations approval.
Your tradesperson will be able to confirm whether your specific project needs sign-off.
What type of shower is best for your home?
This is the question that shapes almost every other decision in your project, so it's worth getting right early on.
Hot water cylinder and cold water tank in the loft: You can choose a mixer shower (with or without a pump), an electric shower, or a power shower
Combi boiler, or mains-fed cold water: You'll likely be choosing between a mixer shower and an electric shower installation
A plumber will look at your boiler type, your water pressure, and your household's needs before recommending the best option.
If you're weighing up power vs electric, our guide comparing a power shower vs electric shower is worth a read first.
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
Shower installation cost calculator
The cost of your shower installation will depend on the shower type you choose, whether you're replacing just the unit or the whole enclosure, and your local labour rates.
Overall, you're looking at an average cost of £375 to supply and fit a new shower. Bear in mind that doesn't include the cost of tasks like tiling and other decoration.
While a plumber will charge around £40 to £60 per hour, you'll find variance in price for the shower unit itself, depending on the type you opt for:
An electric shower will cost from £200 plus labour
A mixer shower will cost from £200 plus labour
A power shower will cost from £350 plus labour
A thermostatic shower will cost from £200 plus labour
A digital shower will cost from £400 plus labour
For a full breakdown of shower unit prices, labour rates, and what pushes electric shower installation cost or mixer shower installation price up or down, see our shower installation cost guide.
Shower installation: Cost breakdown 2026
Having trouble with your shower? We've put together this guide on the cost of installing a replacement shower unit (including the pump, pipework and shower head) to help you manage your budget for the project.
If you're planning a walk-in shower, our walk-in shower installation cost guide covers the cost of walk-in shower installation in the UK, including tray, screen, and tiling considerations.
Or why not try the Checkatrade job estimate calculator? Enter some details to get a tailored, AI-assisted estimate for your shower installation project in a couple of minutes, based on your specific job.
Job Estimate Calculator
What can push the price up?
Moving the shower to a new location (extra pipework and drainage)
Upgrading your water pressure or adding a shower pump
Choosing a digital or smart shower over a basic electric or mixer unit
Full re-tiling versus a shower panel or like-for-like swap
Any electrical upgrades needed to safely power an electric shower
Shower wall and floor finishes: tiles vs panels
Tiles are the traditional choice for shower walls, offering a classic look, but they can be pricey depending on style and coverage.
Wall panels are a growing alternative - typically more cost-effective, quicker to install, and easier to keep clean since there's no grout to maintain.
Shower panels vs tiles: Which is best for your bathroom?
If you're renovating a bathroom, the choice between shower panels and tiles is a big decision - and it affects your budget, your maintenance routine, and how long the finish will last.
For flooring, an enclosure will need a shower tray, while a walk-in shower is usually finished with tiles.
Natural stone or porcelain are the most popular choices for walk-in shower floors, as both are durable and slip-resistant.
If you're choosing new shower doors and installation together as one job, ask your tradesperson whether the door style you want (bi-fold, sliding, hinged) affects the enclosure size you need - some styles need more clearance than others.
Do you need building regs for a shower?
Another important question about shower installation is whether there are any specific building regulations to adhere to.
Building regulations aren't normally needed for a new installation if you're replacing units and fittings 'like for like'.
However, you will need approval if you're:
Removing or altering walls
Relocating the shower to a different part of the home
Extending waste pipe runs or drainage
Want to learn more? See our shower hub for more expert guides, and find out how to hire other tradespeople such as a tiler for wall and floor finishes, or a bathroom fitter if you're replacing the whole suite at once.
What does the shower installation process actually involve?
Whether you're hiring a professional or considering DIY, it helps to understand the order of works.
Our full guide on how to fit a shower walks through the process in detail, but here are the key questions homeowners ask most.
Do you fit the shower before tiling?
Yes - the shower tray or base should go in before the walls are tiled or panelled.
This creates a more watertight seal, and since the tray is the foundation of the whole shower, it needs to be level and secure before anything else goes on top.
Do you tile the walls or floor first?
The floor should always be tiled first, so the wall tiles or panels sit neatly on top of the floor tiles for a clean finish.
How long does shower installation take?
Most straightforward shower installations take two to five days, depending on the scope of work, whether materials are in stock, and whether you're doing a simple swap or a full re-fit.
An installer will give you a clear time estimate once they've seen the job.
Ask your tradesperson for a written schedule before work starts, especially if it's your only bathroom - it helps you plan around the disruption.
What type of tradesperson do you need for shower installation?
A qualified plumber is best placed for shower installation.
However, if you're installing an electric shower, you will need the services of a Part P-certified plumber or qualified electrician. It's also wise to check your tradesperson is registered with a relevant trade body, such as the NICEIC.
Find trusted tradespeople available in your local area by searching your postcode.
Find your local shower installer
How to prepare for your shower installation
Once you've booked a tradesperson, a bit of preparation on your end helps the job run smoothly and can reduce time on site:
Checklist: Planning your shower installation
FAQs
A plumber handles most shower installations. If it's an electric shower, you'll need a Part P-certified plumber or qualified electrician, since the unit connects directly to your home's electrical supply.
Some experienced DIYers do fit their own shower, but any work involving electrics or altered drainage should be left to a qualified professional to stay safe and compliant with building regs.
Electric shower installation costs an average of £375, though the total cost varies by unit type and labour. See a full breakdown in our shower installation cost guide.
A mixer shower blends hot and cold water from your existing supply, while an electric shower heats cold water on demand using its own heating element - useful if your hot water supply or pressure is limited.
No, planning permission isn't usually required, but building regulations may apply if you're moving the shower's location or altering drainage. A like-for-like replacement typically doesn't need approval.
Most enclosures are 800 x 800mm or 900 x 900mm. Anything under 700 x 700mm will feel restricted for most adults.
It depends on your water pressure. Homes with a gravity-fed system and weak pressure often benefit from a shower pump; combi boiler systems usually don't need one.
A straightforward unit swap can take a day, while a full enclosure, tray, and tiling job typically takes two to five days.
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